Priesthood

On Saturday, we had a Core Member University (CMU) at CTK, which is a training day for core members. There were several parishes represented and it was a good day. Lisa from national LT was there speaking to us, and though I've heard most of it before, it was a good shot in the arm, a good reminder of how important this work is, and to never be satisfied with mediocrity in the ministry. It was interesting to hear different parishes share and many had questions about working with their priest, convincing him to take time for their teens, etc. I was reminded of what a blessing we have in Fr Ed, who is committed to the teens and just loves them to death! He is 100% behind youth ministry, our LT program, and most of all, our teens. How often do we stop to thank him and really appreciate what a gift he is, rather than criticizing him for his humanity? On Sunday night, Fr Ed did a stump the pastor night with the teens, where they write down questions and he sits and answers them. It is amazing to see a room full of 75 teens, hanging on every word he says. They love him and know that he loves them - he takes time for them, believes in them, teaches them the truth, and just absolutely loves them. What a gift!

After the training day, I was talking with a friend about a situation in a nearby parish and the priest being resistant to God's work there. He'd like things to remain safe and in a nice box, and God clearly has other plans. As we were talking, it hit me like a brick wall, God is working on this priest and Satan wants to thwart that. And rather than berating the priest or recounting his shortfalls, it is our job to pray for our priests, our pastors, other priests that serve us, all priests and clergy. Those guys are on the front lines of the battle, and clearly Satan wants to take out the guys that bring us Jesus.

Yesterday was priesthood day (not sure what the official title is) in the diocese of Lansing. Fr Ed's homily touched on the reasons Christ the King is leading the nation for seminarians- why is it? Jesus. Families who are committed to Christ in His Church and are evangelizing their kids from day one. Life Teen and a strong commitment by the parish to foster faith in our young people. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our area and upon our parish. I am again just so thankful to be where I'm at, in this place, this parish, this region, where God is clearly working. There are certainly challenges, as with anywhere, but what a blessing to see some of the fruits of God's work in our young men being so open to the call to priesthood.

And it didn't stop there! This morning the priest scheduled for the 6.45 Mass didn't show up, so Dcn Bill who just happened to be there today, did a Communion service. Dcn Bill S, a 70-year old man from our parish, who, after his wife died, was called to the priesthood. Although I can't say I'm particularly close to this guy, I absolutely love him! For as long as I can remember, he has a ready smile and always served the parish constantly in so many areas. It has been such an inspiration to see him answer God's call to priesthood, when other men his age (including the priests) are retired and taking it easy, Dcn Bill is in seminary and just a few months from ordination. In fact, the bishop of Saginaw, where he will be ordained, even gave him a parish to begin caring for, although he cant be named pastor officially until his ordination. He is a man full of joy and full of the love of God! What a faithful servant, willing to lay down his life, his plan to do God's work. And what an inspiration to me to continue to serve the Lord in the little things He is calling me to.

I encourage all of you- and mostly myself- to pray for our priests, to thank God for the gift of the priesthood, to pray protection on each of them, to pray for more vocations to the priesthood. And don’t forget to let our priests know that we are praying for them and appreciate their service.