Reverend gentlemen, the murder of one priest and the assault on another in Phoenix compels me to remind you to…
GO TO CONFESSION.
Our schedules are busy. Sometimes we have to drive even farther than lay people. But go to confession. Take the time to do this for yourself. Much has been given to us. Our accounting before God will be more severe than that of lay people.
Let us not forget the petition in the Litany of Saints:
“A subitanea et improvisa morte… From a sudden and unprovided death, spare us O Lord.”
Moreover, consider well your living conditions and security.
If you haven’t done so yet, begin to develop a situational awareness. Seek advice from professionals.
This is not just a matter of personal concern. It is also a concern for those who depend on you for the sacraments. A priest in the ground or in the hospital is one priest fewer to see to the spiritual needs of people in these darkening times.
You, Fathers, are a precious resource, only slowly “renewable”.
If you are not concerned for the sake of your own person, be concerned for the sake of those who need you.
Thank you for this Fr. Z.
Situational awareness is critically important. Around my neck of the woods, we have been having a problem with heroine. It has become a rampant problem. It is not unusual for addicts to solicit for money, and some addicts targeting elderly priests, intimidating them, extorting money from them. Is could prove very dangerous, as some nefarious folks are willing to do anything to get their fix. So, yes, be aware of your surroundings. And yes, regular confession is a must.
Amen, Father Z. I pray all priests will heed this advice. Your flocks would be lost without you. We love and need you!
Good advice, Father. I echo pannw above, Reverend Fathers, we need confession and the Holy Eucharist and only you can provide that. Also, I believe you not only have the right but also the duty to protect your own life. St. Gabriel Possenti, pray for you.
Please keep in your prayers priests who serve in remote locations, and get few opportunities to confess! One such example is Fr. Michael Shields, who has done incredible work at the Magadan mission in Siberia, but only has the opportunity to see another priest about every three months.
I pray constantly for the personal safety of the priests who serve in our parish, in a fairly dangerous downtown area.
Regular Confession, priestly fraternity, a big dog or a good gun or decent alarm system. Prudence, spiritually and physically are most important. Thank God the young priest was not alone otherwise he would not have been anointed. Most of us are in single priest assignments. [Yes, indeed.]
Priestly fraternity is vital for mutual support. Some dioceses allow neighboring pastors to live in common residence and thus share cost of full time cook for healthy meals and camaraderie. Protect yourself, your body and soul. [Amen, brother.]
Not just priests need to be concerned about their security. We who are the faithful need to step up and be ready to help them. If you have a background in police work, military, self defense, etc please consider sitting down with Father about security needs for the parish, rectory, school, and other buildings. If you don’t have the security experience, help with extra fundraising to put measures in place.
Most priests aren’t our beloved Father Z with his enthusiasm for “special things”. ;) Meanwhile there are likely many of us in parishes who could step up and assist with helping to keep our priests safe.
We are all aware that the time may soon be upon us when this kind of activity may pick up with rampant speed. If you love your priest, protect him as you would your spouse and your children. He is an invaluable resource to your community who will not be easily replaced when that time does come. Step up and help to solve the problem so our priests are well equipped to protect themselves.