Open Letter to Priests

Dear Father,

I want to say thank you for your service to the church. Thank you for your “yes” to a heroic vocation. The priesthood has a few good men but the labor is plenty. You go from waking up and going to bed.

Sometimes there is an emergency that entails you responding at a moment’s notice such as administering the sacraments and last rites of the dying. Even those who grieve the loss of a child of God need an attentive ear to hear their sorrow.

In between waking up and sleeping, you celebrate Mass, give us a homily, hear confessions, and plan for Sunday. At the pulpit, you proclaim the word of God, deliver a homily that can last anywhere between five to twenty minutes, depending on your style, give us the body of Christ, and share with us events forthcoming at the parish.

When you give the homily, you proclaim the truth with clarity and mercy that sometimes makes those who attend Mass squirm, get angry, or just simply walk out of the church without completing their Sunday obligation. You seem scared at times, yet it is part of your vocation.

Father, as we celebrate Holy Thursday, Jesus instituted not just the Eucharist but also Holy Orders to twelve men. They all laid down their lives for your gospel. They were not afraid to stand against the tide. The culture continues to attack your bride, the church. It says that the church oppresses women, and it needs women priests which doesn’t. 2 out of 3 Catholics refuse to accept the sanctity of life and marriage as they continue to vote for candidates who compromised their faith. 70% do not believe Jesus is present in the most Holy Sacrament. Are you ready to protect her? Are you ready to feed her sheep with God’s word and love?

We need your faithful example now more than ever. The time for heroic faith is now, Father.

Thank you for your “yes”. Continue to proclaim the truth. Do not be afraid.

Sincerely,

A faithful parishioner