Being a Priest

Young people are waiting for Christ.
They are awaiting someone
to point him out to them.
They are ready to welcome
priests who are able to do this."
Pope John Paul II

In previous years there would have been three priests at St Michael’s. Now there is only myself. (I have to admit there are two other priests who live in the Parish House, but they have other duties apart from the Parish!) The wonderful thing is that there are now a good number of parishioners who offer their time and talent, but it is very much part of our Catholic tradition that we need an ordained priest to celebrate with the people most of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

It is no secret that these days there are not so many offering themselves to be priests.

But maybe some young man (or not so young) reading this could be thinking: Yes, I would like to be a priest with the people of St Michael’s or least offer myself to our Bishop Patrick Dunn and begin enquiring about being a priest for the Diocese of Auckland.  +click here for some questions worth pondering

Why not contact me and we can explore together what it means to be a priest to serve the people? It’s a great vocation, I assure you!

Brian Arahill

Some questions and answers about being a priest

Why be a priest?

Why not? Everyone looks for meaning and fulfilment in life. For a Christian, life's meaning is related to serving God. Many people serve God and find meaning and joy in the vocation of marriage. But some young men, even though they see married life as a way of serving God, feel the Lord calling them to a different kind of service and life style in the Church. Instead of marriage vows, they take vows of obedience and celibacy. Priesthood is a special way of serving the Christian community as a leader in prayer and service, as a brother and a "father." Maybe it's the perfect choice for you.

What is a priest?

A priest is a Christian, a member of the Church, called by God to proclaim the "Good News" of salvation to the world and to lead God's people in worship, especially in making present the saving sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross in the Eucharist. He is privileged to bring Jesus Christ to people in the Sacraments: he gives the life of Christ to people in Baptism; he forgives their sins in Reconciliation; he anoints the sick; he officiates at weddings. In general, the priest brings Jesus Christ to people in their spiritual needs.

What is a diocesan priest?

A diocesan priest brings the presence of Jesus Christ directly to his parish community in the sacraments, the proclamation of the living Word of God, his preaching and his teaching. A priest also mediates the presence of God by his daily lived faith in the midst of his parish community. As all Christian disciples, a priest aspires to a deep relationship with the Lord Jesus. Such that his life - whether he is ministering at a hospital or eating a hamburger at a parish picnic - may be a witness to the presence of the Lord at work in him. A priest becomes an important part of the lives of his people. He encourages, consoles, rejoices and supports them in there lived experience of faith. Because a diocesan priest plays an integral life in the lives of his parishioners, he is referred to most often as "Father" rather by his official title of "Reverend". Diocesan priests are also involved in other important forms of ministry: teaching in schools, chaplaincy in hospitals, military or prisons, campus ministry, and many other specialized forms of service.

What is the Diocese of Auckland?

The Catholic Church around the world is divided up into geographical areas called "dioceses". The head of every diocese is a bishop, a successor to the apostles. Auckland is a Diocese. The Bishop is Bishop Patrick Dunn. His assistant is Bishop Robin Leamy.

Is it easy to become a priest?

No, it is definitely not easy!  Men who want to become  priests study for around 7 years before they are ordained! But do not let this discourage you. God always gives us the grace to do what He asks us to do.

What qualities does the church look for in a candidate?

A good candidate is a practicing, believing Catholic. He attends Mass at least weekly, prays everyday, obeys the commandments, and tries to serve others. He must be mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. He must be of at least average intelligence. And finally, he must be open to the will of God.

Is the daily life of a priest interesting?

There is never a dull moment in the priesthood! It is a great challenge but it is also extremely rewarding. When a priest goes to bed each night, he can say, "Lord, today I spent myself for You." What a wonderful thought with which to end one's day! The priesthood is both interesting and fulfilling because people are so interesting. But these people need more priests very badly.
 

Copyright Archdiocese of Chicago
Used with permission

+Click here for more information about studying for the priesthood in New Zealand

Prayer for Vocations

Holy Father, look down upon this human family of ours
taking its first steps along the path of the third millennium.
Its life is still deeply marked by hatred, violence and oppression.
The thirst for justice, truth and grace still finds a space
in the hearts of many people who are waiting for someone to bring salvation achieved by you through your Son Jesus.
There is a need for courageous servants of suffering humanity.
Send holy priests to your church we pray,
who may sanctify your people with the tools of your grace.
Send consecrated men and women to show your holiness
in the midst of the world, send holy labourers into your vineyard
that they may labour with fervent charity and moved by your Holy Spirit, may bring the salvation of Christ to the farthest ends of the earth. Amen

Pope John Paul II