Be inspired by the Priesthood. The Year of the Priest Series

THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST.

SAYING MASS.

Welcome to another post on 'The Year of the Priest' Series. Each week until end of June 2010, this series will provide food for thought on the Year of the Priest', examine how we, as laity, can appreciate the gift of Priesthood in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and encourage our priests in this special year. If you missed my other posts on this series, why not take a look.

As the Year of the Priest draws to a close, it is time to consider how we might continue appreciating our priests. In my last post, my challenge was to consider how you might fittingly bring this year of the Priest to a close in your parish- for your priest.

In this post I wish to highlight the need for us to continue to think highly of our priests.  It is true to say that the scandals disappoint and hurt the body of Christ and we can be sadly tempted to wonder if many or all priests are like that. Trust has been broken by a few- one fall is one too many as we know.  However, as we draw to a close this Year of the Priest, why not dwell on the wonderful work of most priests which often gets forgotten when we are bombarded in the media with another scandal.

Why not be inspired by the wonderful stories expertly put together by Sr Patricia Proctor.

• Keep it on your bedside/coffee table to be uplifted and as a reminder of how wonderful the priesthood is.
• Allow your heart to be warmed by these stories and remember that each of 101 stories are real priests.
• Be an advocate for the priesthood- when you hear criticism and ridicule of the priesthood, do not be afraid to speak up and give a positive and realistic view. This book will provide you with many conversation pieces to re-balance the scales.

Make the commitment during this next month before the Year of the Priest ends to continue to love and support your priest. You need him as he is our link with the Good Shepherd in the Sacramental life of the Church, but he also needs your support also.

I read on a billboard some time ago CHCH- what is missing? - UR.  

Will this be the case with You and your priest for the years to come?