♱ The Sacred Priesthood ♱
"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood." - 1 Peter 2:9
"Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests,
the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers.
In the beautiful expression of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the bishop is typos tou Patros: he is like the living image of God the Father." CCC 1549
What is a priest?
A priest is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church who has been called by God in a special way by Jesus Christ to serve in a life of celibacy and fidelity to Him and His church. Common priestly duties include but are not limited to: saying holy mass, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, baptizing and presiding over special rituals such as weddings and funerals.
Am I called?
The call to the priesthood although an extraordinary call, is something which has for generations been endowed upon completely ordinary men. The call can be discovered at nearly any age and simply requires full submission to Christ and his Church. In discerning whether or not you are to become a priest, there are a few simple things you should consider: (1. Do I myself want to be a priest? (2. Am I willing to sacrifice what is necessary to be a priest (3. Do I have all the gifts of nature and and grace needed for priesthood. As a wise priest once said, only the young man can answer the first two questions and only the Church can answer the third through diligent discernment herself.
Pax Vobiscum!
May the peace of Christ be with you always.