- Reflection for Oct 3rd and 12th, 2003 -

 

I was invited to offer a few remarks on the diocesan priesthood given my experience as an associate pastor, a former vocations director for the archdiocese (1991-2000) and as a university chaplain and pastor at the Newman Centre. In particular, what I might offer to an aspiring candidate.
It was difficult to know where to begin. As such, I thought I would consider it from the perspective of what I did not imagine priesthood to be on the day of my ordination!

Firstly, on the day of my ordination, while I never presumed priesthood would be an easy life, I did not imagine it would be so demanding! One is literally on call at all times. This is not to deny any rewards or the blessings of the vocation. It simply needs to be stated. It is a busy life and it rarely gets easier. Thus, a person called to priesthood had better be prepared to work, yet to also appreciate there are many others who are willing to help.

Given this insight, it might not surprise one to learn that recent statistics on vocations (specifically in North America) now suggest that the issue of the workload, and the many other demands and pressures on priests, today, now outweigh celibacy as a major stumbling block for parents in suggesting priesthood to their children. They obviously see their own priests working harder and under greater pressure and it concern them.

However, in my opinion, and while that is certainly true, is it not also true to say that, even in the general population, most people report they experience more stress today than ever before? I see many men and women today, of all ages, stressed out and working harder. I see married couples trying to maintain a two-
income family, and parenting on top of it. Younger people, such as those in my community, speak of intense pressure from school, relationships, society in general, and worry over future career choices. It seems that modern technology has not necessarily made our lives any easier; for instance, how many cell phones or computers are in your use? While communication may be faster, more people are trying to reach us. As such, I think we are all the busier these days, not simply priests.

However, the growing concern over the shortage of priests, means that younger priests are often given more specific leadership roles before their time; this will need to be looked at and evaluated carefully by seminaries; as well, a careful mechanism of support will need to be in place to support them from the parish, too. A priest needs to be able to reach out and depend on the community for mutual support.

Secondly, on the day of my ordination, I never imagined the priesthood would one day be tarnished by priests who would abuse others, or that the judgment of some bishops would be questioned. Yet, it has happened, and it has been a very painful experience for all of us, especially the victims. My hope is that the Church will be stronger and more vigilant through the lessons learned from that experience.
I think it also important to offer this remark: I also continue to be amazed and inspired by the quiet resolve, the faithfulness and the example of the vast numbers of priests and religious who have continued serving God's people through the storm. Hard-working priests, sisters, Brothers, I admire them. They inspire me by their dedication, faith, and commitment. They did before I was a priest. They continue to do so today. I am heartened, also, by the fact, that most of our Catholic community believes that, too. Priests and religious continue to be a part of the most significant moments of their lives: baptism, confirmation, weddings; funerals, anointing of the sick, or whenever we gather for prayer and Eucharist. Most vocations, by the way, are inspired by such witnesses of faith. We have heard so much of the negative, and that was necessary; however, in such times we often hear little about what is genuinely positive.

Finally, I never imagined, on my ordination day, what a great source of strength the gift of each person in community would be to my priesthood. I became a priest essentially to minister to God's people. Little did I realize how much they would reflect so much of God's love back to me! It has been an "awesome" experience (as some of the youth at Newman would
say)! The talents of the laity must also shine alongside their priest. I have come to appreciate this all the more, mainly through trial and error. It is important to the flow of life in any community that all are involved. More so, today, than ever before, a priest needs to possess qualities of leadership which invites, accepts, and affirms the gifts and talents of all in his community.

Having said all this, I doubt I shall slow down much; I think, for many of us who are priests, to "minister" is sort of in our blood. There is a kind of restlessness in us. I would suspect Jesus had some similar traits; there was just so much to do. That, of course, is part of the excitement in building God's kingdom. To a person considering ministry, I would say, "Ask a priest or religious if they would do it over again." I suspect you might be surprised by how quickly they would respond, "Yes!" I know I would.