Visiting priest encourages priestly vocations

By Sylva L. White | March 19, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

Fr. Wayne Paysse, executive director of the National Office of the Black and Indian Mission, celebrated Mass Feb. 22 at St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Fr. Paysse, originally from Louisiana, traveled from Washington, D.C., to concelebrate the Mass with Franciscan Father Dale Jamison, director of the Native Ministry in the Diocese of Phoenix.

“Our role first and foremost is to stand in solidarity with Black Catholics,” Fr. Paysse said. “The Church needs to continue to respond to the needs of the black community.”

The priest travels all over the country to raise funds to support the evangelization of black Catholics. The mission is a “major supporter of the Diocese of Phoenix Office of Black Catholic Ministry,” said Kit Marshall, director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry. According to Marshall, the Mass was scheduled so that Fr. Paysse could meet members of the black community in Phoenix.

“I want to hear from the black community how we can serve you,” Fr. Paysse said to the congregation. “Please know that you are appreciated by the Church.”

Fr. Paysse also spoke about encouraging young black men to enter the priesthood. During his homily, Fr. Paysse relayed how he joked with the young man serving at Mass beforehand about entering the priesthood soon.

The response he got was “No, Father.” Fr. Paysse then recounted how Pope John Paul II “did not want to be a priest. He wanted to be an actor.”