This past week has seen our children return to the classroom. We pray for their success as they learn more about God’s creation. It is important that each of us support them in their pursuit of knowledge. The future depends on them grasping the lessons of history. The integrity of Washington, the dedication of Lincoln, and the vision of Kennedy must challenge them. The spirit of sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom, preserved the union, and defended justice for all must be remembered. Scientific advancement, technological development, and literary accomplishment all comprise the process of forming an individual who understands the value of the past, living in the present, facing an exciting future. As their parish family we are preparing many opportunities for them to come and know God as their loving Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Next week we will commission those generous people who will enlighten them as to the Church’s teaching on faith and morals. Supporting our parents in their task as primary educators these parishioners are fulfilling their baptismal vows by sacrificing their time weekly preparing their classes and proclaiming the Way, the Truth and the Life. On the first and third Sundays at 11:00 a.m. our liturgies will be focused on family life. Once again, we will share in the experience of family catechesis. As pastor, I must say that I enjoy every opportunity to observe our young people growing in their ability to witness to their Catholicism.
Last Tuesday evening the academic year at Saint Joseph’s Seminary began with the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan. We are truly grateful for those men who have stepped forward to express their willingness to discern whether or not they have a vocation to the priesthood. It is certainly the hope of the faith community that many more will join them. Besides the seminarians who attend the theologate which is the seminary proper, there are those who are in the Saint John Neumann program. This is preparatory stage for those who are still attending college or who have graduated but need some further philosophical and spiritual formation before entering the pastoral and academic program of the major seminary.
Some opine that it is unfortunate that the Holy Spirit is not calling as many individuals to priestly ministry. I submit humbly that is not the problem which is far more complex. Our new shepherd has stated that the dearth of vocations is caused in past by the failure in the church to reflect on vocations in general. He reflects that since, for example, we don’t spend sufficient time acknowledging the vocation of marriage our families experience a lack of support from the larger community. This contributes, in part, to an instability which threatens sacramental unity. We must recognize that the divorce rates among Catholics are not appreciably different from that of other segments of society. And it is certainly true that the possibility of fruitful marital relationships, stable religious commitments, and mature priestly vocations coming out of this environment is problematic. When a person receives the call to sacred ministry from the Holy Spirit, it is necessary to have human support to nourish it. The example of parental faith was crucial in my development as a human being, as a Catholic, and ultimately, as a priest. I think I am blessed to be here at Saint Stanislaus Kostka able to see the wonderful people who make up our church. I cannot help but to believe that among us are those who should consider the life of a priest or religious. What a joy it was to welcome back Father Eric Andrews, a Paulist, and native of Pleasant Valley: There might very well be many others, young, older, in our pews today who could one day preside at the Eucharist, teach the truth of the Gospel, and console all with wisdom and compassion.
Further, I believe, that some might hesitate to apply to the Seminary thinking that they must be sure that they are called by God. The Seminary is a place of formation, yes but also discernment. When I entered Cathedral Prep there were one hundred and twenty of us, only six were ordained. When I entered Dunwoodie, there were over forty of us, sixteen were ordained. But ordained or not, we all received great opportunities for learning and growing spiritually.
Next week the Archbishop is asking us to be generous in our financial contribution to the priestly formation program at Neumann and Saint Joseph’s. It is crucial.. Though the numbers might not be where they were decades ago, the expenses are constant. We cannot afford to cut corners in training those who have said yes to the Church’s future and the possibility of their acting in persona Christi. Additionally, it should be noted that this financial effort supports the training of men for the Permanent Diaconate. For over thirty years those ordained to this ministry have baptized our children, witnessed marriages, and preached the Good News of salvation. To them we must always express our gratitude for their selfless service.
Of course, in this Year of the Priest we should most of all support our seminarians with our prayers. The challenges they face now as they pursue rigorous academic schedule, intense spiritual formation, and an involved pastoral program require our attention. We take this occasion also to recommend again the saying of three Hail Mary’s daily for vocations. As individuals and families we should besiege heaven for committed witnesses and sacramental ministers. Remembrance of those who serve the faith community today as priests will be appreciated by all. It might be noted that forty-four priests are serving as pastors and administrators over the age of seventy-five.
May Saint John Vianney bless all present and future priests and may he remind all of the centrality of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian
