EDITORIAL

Looking forward to the ‘Year for Priests’

June 18, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

By now you are aware that Pope Benedict has declared that the Catholic Church will be celebrating a special holy year dedicated to priests, which begins June 19. If the recent ordination Mass for the diocese’s three newest priests is any indication, this “Year for Priests” will be a good year filled with prayer, hope and a renewed awareness of the role of God in our lives.

More than 1,400 people packed Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral on a warm Arizona day, spending more than two hours in prayer and reverent celebration in support of Fathers Robert Bolding, Thielo S. Ramirez and William Schmid. These holy men, like the dozens of men who are welcoming them into their fraternal brotherhood, are critical to the future of our Catholic faith.

The family and friends of these new priests, and the fans from afar who wanted to witness this holy Mass of ordination, provide us all with good examples of what is being asked of us for this coming year and beyond.

If the Year for Priests is to be a success, it will take more than prayer and a friendly greeting at Sunday Mass. In an era where the pace of ordinations to the priesthood has not kept up with an increase of Catholics in the world, this Year for Priests is a call to action for people from all walks of life and from whichever vocational path one has followed.

Cardinal Claudio Hummes, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, said this holy year must recognize the new challenges and possibilities Catholic priests face, according to Catholic News Service.

“We must say to priests that we are proud of them and that we recognize they are a group that is very special for the Church and society,” the cardinal said. “We must recognize who they are and what they do and tell them that we love them and want to be alongside them to support them.”

The Brazilian cardinal said this includes sharing responsibility with priests for parish life and for mission.

The Diocese of Phoenix is blessed to have an abundance of resources, not only in the good and holy priests who serve our diocese, but also among the deacons, the men and women religious, and the lay men and women who live out their faith everyday in the capacity that God has given them. It is because of the prayers, the time, work and energy in all the various facets of Church life that Christ’s mission here on earth continues to this day.

Without question, one of the greatest blessings that can come out of this year would be an increase in new vocations to the priesthood. Another blessing would be an awareness among people of God’s will for their lives.

We ask that you not only pray for the success of this Year for Priests, but we also ask that you take time to hear God’s calling for your life, wherever that may lead. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering at your parish or school, now is the time to do it. It is in these ways that you can support your priest.

We also encourage you to join with us and the entire Catholic community for a special night at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral to kick off this holy year. The public is invited for vespers and Mass at 6:30 p.m., June 19. A reception follows and all are welcome to attend this free event.

Please join us in helping to make this Year for Priests a success.

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Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral is located at 6351 N. 27th Ave. in Phoenix. Visit www.simonjude.org or call (602) 242-1300.