Priesthood Sunday - October 25, 2009

NCCS-bsa.org ^ | Oct. 2009 | Various

[Salvation]

Priesthood Sunday - October 25, 2009

Priesthood Sunday, is a special day to honor Priesthood in the United States. It is a call for parishioners to honor Christ as Priest and the men who were called to be his priests on earth. It is also a day to honor all religious and to focus on the importance of vocations. Catholic Scout Packs, Troops and Venture Crews are encouraged to make a special effort to involve the youth in programs of making appreciation cards to be presented after Mass on the last Sunday in October or at an event planned in your parish.

When was the last time you expressed appreciation to a priest?

Sit down with your scout unit, family members and friends and make a list of the priests who have served your parish and family and

• Call them during the last week of October.
• Send them a card  / make a personal card
• Write a personal note and enclose a gift card for a restaurant
• Take a priest to lunch
• Invite them to dinner
• Visit those who are in a retirement home or care center  

Remember your bishop and priests from your parish or who have been called to serve the Church as bishop in another diocese.

Why have a "Priesthood Sunday"?

The first reason for proposing a Priesthood Sunday is to affirm the priesthood in the life of the Church. With the phenomenon of fewer priests, people see fewer priests therefore young people are not offered the opportunity learn about the vocation of priesthood and the life of their pastors. Priesthood Sunday seeks to reaffirm the priesthood of Jesus Christ and its central place in the life of the Church.
Second, some organizations and some parishes have attempted to counteract this negativity. "Priesthood Sunday" sends a message to Catholics and non-Catholics everywhere that the parish priest as the instrument of Christ’s Priesthood on earth, is loved and respected by those in the parish community.

What will take place?

The lay faithful of each parish are asked to develop their own special way of marking the day and honoring their parish priest(s) both at Mass and in the parish.

What can I do?

If you are a parishioner, a member of the parish staff, a lay minister/leader or a Catholic Scouter, call some friends and organize a group to spearhead the celebration. Go to the www.priestsunday.org for some ideas, then plan your own way of honoring the priest(s) of your parish.

Will it make a difference?

Yes it will. Catholic Youth can make a difference…if we all stand up and show our support for the sacredness of Christ’s priesthood and our thankfulness for the parish priest, who is there for us when we need him.

[Salvation]

What are you doing for your priest on Priesthood Sunday -- tomorrow?

We put out a basket for thank you cards. I would estimate that our priest has already received fifty cards -- and the weekend is just arriving!

[Salvation]

From Serra Club, USA

2. Why October 2[5]?

The readings for this 30th Sunday in Ordinary time call our attention to the priesthood ("You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek" and the story of Christ, as Master, healing the blind man).

3. Who is sponsoring "Priesthood Sunday?"

The board of the National Federation of Priests' Councils, the major national voice of priests in the U.S., first declared Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003, Priesthood Sunday and called on churches all over America "to celebrate the gifts of priesthood in service to the Catholic community." A wide array of national lay organizations (including the USA Council of Serra International) and leaders are co-sponsoring the event.

4. Why have a "Priesthood Sunday?"

Our first reason for proposing a Priesthood Sunday is to affirm the priesthood in the life of the Church. Because there are fewer priests, people see less and less of them. Young people are not offered the opportunity to get to know priests. The explosion of lay ministers in pastoral ministry has lessened the visibility of the priest in the community. The role of the priest has shifted since Vatican II, causing some confusion about the place of the priest in the life of the Church. Our proposal seeks to reaffirm the priesthood of Jesus Christ and its central place in the life of the Church.

Second, in the wake of the clergy sex abuse scandal, there has been concern that all priests have been tainted by the actions of a few. Some organizations and parishes have attempted to counteract this negativity. “Priesthood Sunday” sends a message to Catholics and non-Catholics everywhere that the parish priest, as the instrument of Christ’s priesthood on earth, should be loved and respected by those in the parish community.

[Salvation]

Two other groups are also offering support

Two other groups are also offering support;

 

 

The Knights of St. Columbanus - will be working in their 12 council regions to continue to promote the work of the Year of Vocation. they have a passion for the promotion of the priesthood.

 

 

St. Josephs Young Priests Society - are major sponsors of the Year of Vocation, and look toward this part of the project as the part that t

[Salvation]

Priesthood Sunday - October 25, 2009
Health Care Council Letter to Priests, "A Priest at the Bedside of a Sick Person Represents Christ"
A Vocation to Be a Priest?
Do You Appreciate Your Priest? (with a touch of humor)
In India, Holy Orders

A priest’s chalice
Christ for Us: The Year for Priests [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
On Mary, Mother of Priests
Bishop Olmsted on the Devil and John Vianney
Catholic Caucus: Prayer for Our Priests (Year of the Priest)

Benedict reflects on Mary and the priesthood [Catholic Caucus]
The Priesthood — A Priceless Gift
Forming Those Who Form Priests: The Gift of Purity of Heart
Spiritual Mothers of Priests: Your Questions [Year of the Priest]
Eucharistic Season in the Year of the Priesthood

Pope's Address at Audience With New Archbishops: "Carry Deeply in Your Hearts Your Priests"
No Matter What, He Always "Acts Like a Priest" [Ecumenical]
On Priestly Identity
What Can I Do For the Year of the Priest?
The Rosary for the Year of the Priest [Catholic Caucus]

Pope Notes His Goal for Year for Priests
On the Year for Priests
WHY A YEAR FOR PRIESTS?
Curé d'Ars: Model Priest [Year of the Priest]
ZENIT Launches Column on Priesthood

[Justin] Cardinal Rigali on the Year for Priests
Church Being Given Chance to Rediscover Priesthood [Year of the Priest]
Celebrating the Year of the Priesthood
St. John Vianney's Pastoral Plan
LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI PROCLAIMING A YEAR FOR PRIESTS [Catholic Caucus]

Year of the Priest Letter (Media immediately scrutinize its contents for controversy)
Year of the Priest [Catholic Caucus]
The Year for Priests [Catholic Caucus]
Year of the Priest Begins Friday
U.S. bishops launch website for Year for Priests

[Salvation]

I missed part of that group's message:

St. Josephs Young Priests Society - are major sponsors of the Year of Vocation, and look toward this part of the project as the part that they can take part in most effectively. They exist to help student clerics on their journey to priesthood.

• The Society fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
• It assists students for the priesthood both financially and by prayer.
• It promotes the vocation of the laity and fosters a greater understanding and love of the Mass.

[mware]

Tomorrow is my priests birthday.

I found the perfect gift for him.

I was in a an antique store this afternoon and came across a 19th century Thy Kingdom Come Shadow Box, they were made during the time of Pope Pius IX I got an unbelievable deal because when I checked on a few web sites other copies of it are selling for over $300.

This is the closest I could come to finding a copy of it on the net.

[Salvation]

Catholic Prayer Ping!

Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Catholic Prayer Ping List.

[Salvation]

 

Jesus. High Priest

 

The Year of the Priest

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.

Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.

Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

[Salvation]

Beautiful. I’m sure he will treasure it.

[mware]

He so deserves it. I am a recent convert (5 years) and he has helped me grow in my new faith.

[NYer]

What a beautiful gift for your priest on his birthday! Please share his reaction with us.

[Tax-chick]

Rather late notice on this, but I’ll be sure to wish our pastor a happy day tomorrow.

[SuziQ]

I made sure to add an Intercession on our Parish Prayer List this week for the priests in our Parish, and for ALL priests.

[SuziQ]

Now that’s a nice idea. Wish I’d know about it a couple of weeks ago! ;o)

[Salvation]

It’s always the last Sunday in October. (30th Sunday of Ordiary Time)

[Salvation]

I did too. And I just did it this week!

[Tax-chick]

I should have been more alert.