Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as a central one. Our parish priests are some of the hardest working members of the Church. The typical parish priest works every weekend and holiday, lives in the same building as their office, and only gets one day off a week, not to mention they’re being asked to care for more souls and take on more responsibilities and roles than ever before. We asked a few parish priests how we could best let them know we’re thankful for them and all the work they do for us. You might find the following list of ideas helpful in honoring our priests:
- Pray for your priest, and all priests serving in the Diocese. “The most important thing a parishioner can do for his/her priest is pray for them. It’s just good to know that they pray for us everyday.” “A rosary, a holy hour, a small offering or a daily suffering offered for the priest.” “Send cards to priests with assurances of prayer for their intentions.” “The offering of prayers for the priest and his ministry.
- Pray for the vocation programs and for more people to be open to a call to the priesthood, the permanent and religious brothers and sisters.
- Personally thank your priest on Priesthood Sunday, or any day. Write Them a Note Expressing Your Gratitude. “I really appreciate when people say to me personally or send notes of gratitude: “Thanks for your priesthood”, “Thanks for being our pastor.” ‘Thanks for answering the call.’” “Tell them that they have made a difference in your life.”“Write them a thank you with a tone of appreciation.” “Simple notes mean a great deal to priests these days. “Thank the priest for every Mass.
- Invite children in Religious Education or school classes to write or draw notes of appreciation
- Offer to Help and be Supportive. “Don’t wait to be asked! Priests are ordained to give, and it’s hard for us to ask for things.” “Volunteer your time to the parish as a sign of support and service.”
- Strive for Holiness “Ultimately, being the saint God desires them to be! There’s nothing more exciting for a priest than witnessing holiness in the lives of the people to whom he ministers; not only is that an experience of grace that his labor is bearing fruit but it’s also tremendously edifying in his own pursuit of holiness.”
