A Word from Your Pastor - October 26 Priesthood Sunday

Dear Parishioners:

This weekend has been designated a Priests’ Sunday and some of the organizations of the parish are highlighting the priesthood at the 10 a.m. Mass.  I thank you for the recognition of this wonderful ministry.  The priesthood is a gift to all of us.  All of us share in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, and when we are aware of the different aspects of that One Priesthood, we can work together for the good of all.

The ministerial priesthood, that is, the priesthood of those who are ordained in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, has unique and indispensable gifts for all who seek to follow Christ.  This Ministry functions in many ways.  It is a ministry of prayer, healing and leadership.  In a Diocese, the Bishop is the chief priest, the one who stands in the place of Jesus Christ as the sign and symbol of our unity with the Church Universal.  Pastors represent the priesthood in collaboration with the Bishop, shepherding the People of God in the field of the parish.  Other priests, parochial vicars, teachers, hospital chaplains, etc., bring various aspects of the priesthood into relief.

Using the Mass as the model for Priesthood, we can see that the priest gathers the people, proclaims the Word among them, touches them with Sacraments, and sends them forth in Mission to evangelize.  This is also true in its own manner and degree for all who share in the One Priesthood of Christ.  Together, we, priests and people united in Christ as Church, are meant to be a means of grace for all the world.

On this Sunday, I invite you and your family to reflect on the priests you have known.  Who baptized you?  Who celebrated the other Sacraments for you?  How have priests brought you to a deeper knowledge of Jesus and His Church?

As you know, we have had quite a variety of priests and pastors at St. Timothy Church.  You can see the pictures of the pastors since our foundation in the hallway behind the church.  We are hoping that some of our own young men may one day have their pictures in other parishes of the Diocese of Columbus as pastors.  We owe the Church a debt of gratitude for all who have served among us as priests.  We thank God for their ministry and pray that they may receive the reward of their labors.