A way to support a priest

7 Comments

1. FrCharles says:

   19 November 2009 at 4:16 PM

   I’m sure that other priests can relate when I say that simple and devout encouragements like this are what keep us going through fatigue, discouragement, and even hostility. Thanks to all for the kindness of such charity.
2. Salvatore_Giuseppe says:

   19 November 2009 at 5:19 PM

   thats a cool wristband
3. Fr Martin Fox says:

   19 November 2009 at 6:21 PM

   How about if I offer some ideas for folks to support their priests:

   1. Pray for them.
   2. Get involved.

   I doubt any parish has a surfeit of involved parishioners. And a lot of us priests have things we would like to do (for ourselves, or as part of our ministry) if we had time; more help means we can do those other things and that’s energizing.

   Another reason to get involved: much of what is wearing or discouraging for a priest is when it seems too few care about what you’re trying to do. If others step up and help, that’s very encouraging!

   3. Give feedback.

   Start with positive feedback. (I may be unusual, but concrete, negative feedback doesn’t bother me, especially when offered in the spirit of, “let’s find a solution” rather than merely complaining.)

   Having someone tell me s/he got one of the points I was trying to make in a homily, or appreciated something we were trying to do in the school or parish, is a huge lift!

   4. Remember he’s a weak mortal.

   5. Gifts are wonderful, thank you! Cash always works, and it most easily converts into whatever is needed. I can also easily give it away; and when I can use those gifts to make something good happen, that is encouraging to me.

   (Note on food: I love it, but many priests get more than they want or need, and we feel bad when we throw it out.)

   6. Speak up when someone is running down a priest. Not saying we don’t deserve it; however, a whole lot of nonsense and ill-informed speculation goes around that’s very harmful. I doubt very few who think they know the real story, know the real story.

   Remember the rule: never attribute to malice what can just as easily be explained by inattention or honest error.

   7. Be enthusiastic about priestly vocations.

   8. Invite a priest for a meal, a beer, a ballgame or whatever. But keep it light; I may not necessarily enjoy being peppered with questions (or I might), or telling you all about my day in the parish, but talking about college football, or playing Wii with your kids? Fun!

   9. Be holy and be grateful. When I see that happening in anyone I’m trying to serve, what more can I want?

   10. Lift up Jesus Christ. Again, when I see my parishioners on fire for the Lord, that’s my reward–that makes it all worthwhile!
4. S Petersen says:

   19 November 2009 at 8:35 PM

   When you write “that you can get… and hopefully use”, do you mean that we can use the kit hopefully when we get it or do you mean that when we get it, we will, it is hoped, use it, or both?
5. abigail9 says:

   20 November 2009 at 9:21 AM

   Might I also suggest, from Angelus Press, “Prayer Crusade for Priests” ($7.95)? Excellent little book of prayers and devotions for priests.
6. irishgirl says:

   20 November 2009 at 11:52 AM

   That’s very cool!

   One of my fellow Perpetual Adorers-the formation director when I was in the OCDS-has a ‘ribbon’ car decal that says, ‘Pray for Priests’.

   When I write to my priest-friend in England, I try to remember and write at the end, ‘Thank you for your priesthood’.

   I think I said it recently when I went to confession at the TLM chapel I attend…
7. PilarDLS says:

   20 November 2009 at 12:18 PM

   Dear Fr. Z,
   I am praying for you!
   Love,
   Pilar

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