Do you honestly enjoy your life?
I do! It brings me immense satisfaction and deep happiness to work with people in many ways. As a minister of the Gospel, I touch the very center of others’ lives by trying to communicate the unconditional love Jesus has for us. Sure, there are times of discouragement, frustration, and fatigue– everyone has those. But if I had my life to live over again, I’d choose the same life.
What does a priest do all day?
What a priest does with his day is so varied and complex that only a sampling can be given here. Prayer, work, exercise and leisure are all necessary for a healthy life. We try to make sure we have a balance of all these – but we don’t always succeed.In the area of work (ministry), many of us have one main occupation, such as teaching, parish ministry, social work, or hospital work, all of which have somewhat regular hours and predictable demands.The unpredictable demands are also interesting and challenging. They center on meeting the needs of people: the sick, old, angry, hurt, hungry, imprisoned, excited, happy. We share with them our understanding, encouragement, and support. We rejoice, cry, and celebrate with them. Such events are both painful and rewarding, fatiguing and empowering.
How important is prayer in your life?
Because we have chosen a way of life that says by its very nature that God is most important, prayer has a central role in our lives. Prayer is communication with the Lord whom we love – and is as necessary for us as communication is for any two persons who expect their relationship to continue. Can you imagine having a best friend (or spouse) to whom you never spoke?Since prayer is so important, most priests set aside regular time for prayer each day; part of that time with others, at Mass and in common prayer; part alone, in reading and quiet contemplation. Probably the main benefit of prayer is that it makes us more sensitive to God’s activity in the people, events, and circumstances of daily life.In prayer, we listen to Jesus as he encourages and challenges us. In prayer, we reveal to Christ the depth of our hearts. It is in this honest, intimate experience of prayer that we come to know God’s love for us. Without such intimacy with the Lord, we cannot serve his people. With a vibrant life of prayer, we find the strength to stay faithful to the commitments we have made.
Is prayer always easy for you?
Definitely not! There are lots of times when we don’t feel like praying just as there are times we don’t feel like doing other things that are basically important to us – for example, the athlete doesn’t always feel like practicing; a student doesn’t always feel like studying; the wage-earner doesn’t always feel like working, etc. However, in all the cases mentioned, because the prayer, game, grade, or job is important, we act on motives deeper than feeling, and do what we know needs to be done.Our efforts aren’t always perfect, but we are so convinced of our deep need for God that we keep trying to pray, no matter how we feel. We believe that God sees and responds to our attempts to communicate with Him.
What vows do diocesan priests make?
Technically, diocesan priests do not make “vows.” At ordination, they make life-long promises of celibacy and obedience to their bishop. They also commit themselves to regular prayer and to a lifestyle that is appropriate to their calling.
Do people act differently when they know you’re a priest?
Some people do treat us differently because we are priests. This can sometimes be awkward. We do not want to be respected or rejected just for our lifestyle or title, but for who we are as individuals.
Can priests date?
No, because dating is meant to lead one to marriage, and as celibates, marriage is not our vocation. However, we can and do have close friends.
Are you ever sexually attracted to anyone?
Yes, we are. Nothing happens to us at the time of entering the seminary that eliminates normal human needs, feelings, or desires. Like all people, we integrate these feelings and express our love for others in a wide range of means other than those physical expressions restricted to marriage. As celibates, our love is focused on the church community, and to be available to all who are in need. Throughout our lives, we strive to share our gifts with everyone, and we try to avoid relationships that are exclusive or too focused on one person.
What do you do if you fall in love?
The basic responsibility in such a situation is to preserve the original, existing commitment (to continue to live as a priest) and to do whatever is necessary to do that. The priest must decide to develop the relationship within the bounds and responsibilities of his commitment to celibacy. While such decisions are not always easy to make, they are by no means impossible and often leave the priest stronger in his vocation than before.In a sense, this is the same discipline that is required of married persons. It sometimes happens that a married person develops romantic feelings for someone who is not their spouse. In that situation they, too, must make the choices which enable them to stay faithful to their original vows, and live a life of honesty and commitment with their spouse.
Do you ever think about being married with children?
Yes, it’s only natural that at times priests consider the beauty of family life. However, we recognize also the beauty and happiness of our own lifestyle, and make a free choice to remain celibate. There are wonderful experiences and blessings that are unique to our calling, and these help us stay focused on the God who called us.
Do you ever get lonely?
As in any way of life, there are times of loneliness for priests. When we feel lonely, this can be an invitation to focus our attention on Christ, and to seek out those healthy friendships which will sustain us throughout our lives.
Do you ever fight with other priests?
Hopefully, “fight” is too strong a word; perhaps “disagree” would be more accurate. This is natural, expected, and healthy when people share intense feelings about common values and goals together. Presuming the maturity of the people involved, most disagreements can be worked out to the benefit and satisfaction of all. Priests work at growing in the art of communication, and this demands trust, openness, and willingness to live in the tension involved in talking out differences.
Do you think you are superior to lay people?
No. Priests are not superior to lay people. All vocations are a gift from God and are equally valuable.