7th September 2008
A question people ask me from time to time is 'whatever made you become a priest'? That question is asked with varying motivations, ranging from general interest to trying to get a handle on how I came to be what I am. The answer to the question is very simple, I am a priest because it is what God asked of me in my life, and a call the Church examined and discerned closely for the seven years I studied in the Seminary. The call I received was pure gift, I could not do anything to deserve it. If the Church had decided the call was not there I could have done nothing about it. In 1993 I began my training with thirteen other men, and from that group of fourteen, five were ordained and are working in the Dublin Diocese.
What is it like to a priest? It is a challenging life; a life that will take you to places that you never though you would go, both physically and psychologically. It can at times be a lonely life, and yet that loneliness is not a reason to ditch celibacy. It can also be very repetitive, each year going through the same routine from beginning to end. As a priest you can often be criticised for what you say and do, and also for what you don't say and don't do. There are people who think they could do it better than you and I am sure that is true. In parishes some people can take a dislike to a priest simply because they are different to their predecessor.
However it is also a great life, a life where you can really make a difference in people's lives. You are there at the important moments in their lives, the beginnings and the endings, and also sometimes in the middle. Some people are so supportive of you and you end up making life long friends. Never underestimate how much a priest needs your support and your words of encouragement, and above all your prayers in times of difficulty. I want to finish with a piece that keeps me going in difficult moments.
The Priest is always Wrong! Because...
If he is preaching longer than ten minutes,
he makes the people stay away from the church;
If he preaches less than ten minutes,
he did not prepare his sermon!
If his voice is strong during the sermon,
he is a actor.
If his voice has the normal strength,
people do not understand what he is preaching about;
If he owns a car,
he is worldly;
If he does not own one,
he does not go with the times.
If he goes visit families,
he is never at home;
If he does not visit them,
he does not care for his Parishioners.
If he is asking for contributions,
he is after money;
If he does not do it,
he is too proud for that.
If he takes his time in the confessional,
he is too slow;
If he makes it faster,
He has no time for his Parishioners.
If he begins his Mass on time,
his watch is fast;
If he begins a minute or two later,
He's keeping the people waiting.
If he renovates the church,
he throws away the money;
If he does not do it,
He is allowing everything to rot away.
If he is young,
he has no experience;
If he is old,
he should retire.
As long as he lives,
there are always people who know better;
IF HE DIES,
THERE IS NOBODY TO TAKE HIS PLACE!!!
(Author: Anonymous)
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Homilies Archive
2009 HOMILIES
25th December 2008
Christmas
21st December 2008
14th December 2008
8th December 2008
Immaculate Conception
7th December 2008
2nd Sunday of Advent
30th November 2008
1st Sunday of Advent
23rd November 2008
Christ the King
16th November 2008
2nd November 2008
All Souls
1st November 2008
All Saints
26th October 2008
12th October 2008
5th October 2008
28th September 2008
21st September 2008
14th September 2008
7th September 2008
31st August 2008
24th August 2008
17th August 2008
15th August 2008
Assumption
10th August 2008
3rd August 2008
20th July 2008
13th July 2008
29th June 2008
22nd June 2008
1st June 2008
23rd March 2008
Easter Sunday
22nd March 2008
Easter Vigil
2nd March 2008
24th February 2008
17th February 2008
10th February 2008
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