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True priestly happiness lies in being forever a priest — in striving to continue and further the priestly mission of Christ — in being endlessly and at all tines indiscriminately for others a Christ-like presence and a bridge toward God. Only the grace of God’s unfailing love in the Heart of Jesus Christ makes this possible.

A vocation to ordained priestly ministry awaits the free response of those called by Christ, as God awaked the free response of Blessed Mary, the Mother of Jesus at the Annunciation. Regrettably, not all who are called answer the call. There is always need of more workers in the Lord’s vineyard. Answering the Lord’s call requires the assistance of divine grace which is never denied to those who are truly called and generously respond. Pope John Paul II writes in Pastores Dabo Vobis. 41.1: “The priestly vocation is a gift from God. It is undoubtedly a great good for the person who is its first recipient But it is also a gift to the Church as a whole, a benefit to her life and mission.”

In discovering the God-given call to priestly service one seeks discernment and enlightenment in prayer, the sacraments, involvement in lay church ministry, and the guidance of spiritual direction. After a lengthy, circuitous but unwavering time of personal discernment (of more than thirty years duration), I heard the Lord Jesus Christ speaking in the depths of my heart; saying: “Come follow me.” “You have not chosen me. I have chosen you... Live on in my love.... go forth and bear fruit”

To follow Christ intensely in the priesthood demands a willingness to bear the crosses of life with Christ; as Simon the Cyrene did on the way to Calvary, in order to ultimately share in the resurrectional life of glory with our living, loving God Sacramental Priesthood is not an easy life, without constant opportunities for self-giving, sacrificial service. It has its hardships, struggles equally comparable to those of the vocations to the married and single life. It entails weighty responsibilities, moments of loneliness, disappointment; and frustration. The works themselves of service ministry also bring many deep consolations and rewarding joys, in very graced moments of priestly ministry: at the baptismal font; the Eucharistic table, the pulpit in the reconciliation room, at the nuptial ceremony, at the sick bed of home or hospital, and ultimately at the graveside consoling the bereaved. Sharing God’s message of love for God’s beloved people in the sacramental life of the Church, the loving availability, empathic understanding, encouragement; warm and affectionate support of a sincere and dedicated ordained priest; is compensation for the many hardships of ministry. As is the reliable goodwill of a priest’s birth family, the love and fraternity of religious brothers in Christ; and the friendship of fellow priests and devoted laity. In addition, spiritual strength from Christ is always available to a genuinely committed and holy priest. Serving the people of God with Christ-like love lightens many burdens. It gives much peace and joy!

Thus, a priest enters into a sacred relationship with all the persons, families whose lives are touched in Christ through truly appreciated and much needed sacramental ministrations.
Certainly, there is no more noble and charitable service to humanity than that of the priest who ministers to others at the very edge where time and eternity, humanity and divinity meet. I am among the most blessed for being called and empowered to serve in the spirit of Jesus, through the power of the Spirit of God, in upbuilding the Kingdom, in our contemporary world “Tu es sacerdos in aeternum”.... (Psalm 110)....

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