The Priestly Vocation to Perfection

From the decree on the ministry and life of priests of the Second Vatican Council:

By the sacrament of Orders priests are formed in the image of Christ the Priest, to be ministers of Christ the Head in constructing and building up his whole Body, the Church, as fellow-workers with the order of bishops...By receiving Holy Orders they have been consecrated in a new way, and made living instruments of Christ the eternal Priest, so as to be able to continue through the years Christ's wonderful work which, by divine power, has restored to wholeness the entire family of man.

Since each priest acts, as far as he may, in the person of Christ himself, he is given special grace to help him grow toward the perfection of the one whose role he plays, as he ministers to his flock and the whole people of God. He receives grace for the healing of human weakness from the holiness of Christ, who became for us high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners...

As they exercise the ministry of the Spirit and of holiness, they are strengthened in the spiritual life, provided that they are docile to Christ's Spirit, who gives them life and is their guide. By the sacred actions they perform daily, and by their entire ministry in communion with their bishop and fellow-priests, they are set on the way that leads to perfection.

The holiness of priests is itself an important contribution to the fruitfulness of their ministry. It is true that God's grace can effect the work of salvation even through unworthy ministers, but God ordinarily prefers to show his wonders by means of those who are more submissive to the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and, who through close union with Christ and holiness of life, are able to say with Saint Paul: I live, but no longer is it I who live, it is Christ who lives in me.

Pray for priests

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Priestly Functions

Priests are successors to the disciples selected by Christ Himself. The priestly office consists of the following functions:

1. To change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, to offer Him sacrifice and give Him to the people.

2. To preach the Word of God.

3. To baptize.

4. To rule and guide souls towards eternity.

5. To forgive sins or withhold absolution.

6. To bless.

The above qualities and functions belong solely to the divine and infinite power of God. Thus, when a man is admitted into the priesthood, he is elevated to a divine and infinite dignity. Therefore, a priest incurs obligations which are infinite in character.

Pray that priests will thank God constantly. Pray that priests will give themselves completely over to God and worthily perform their duties.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching