When it comes to appreciating fathers, most of us are good at recognizing our dads in June. Our familial love is best manifest in the time and concern we show to them. Unfortunately, when it comes to our priests, we often forget to acknowledge just how important they are to us and to the parish family. These men strive to be spiritual fathers to our families each and every day and likely do so without much gratitude from us.

Don’t forget your spiritual father this Father’s Day!

Beyond the weekend Mass, a priest administers the inner-workings of his parishes and schools, visits the sick, and advises the catechesis for the parish. His service is nearly 24/7, as he is largely on-call throughout the week, day and night. Because his dress identifies him as “man of the cloth”, a priest can be approached by strangers as well as parishioners at any point in time; moments of anger, despair, need and love. His life is a constant ministry of service to others.

Just as your own father sacrifices for you, your parish priest also gives his life up for you. By the grace of his ordination, he is called to “guide and defend the Church with strength and prudence as a father and pastor, with gratuitous love for all and a preferential love for the poor, the sick, and the needy. This grace impels him to proclaim the Gospel to all, to be the model for his flock, to go before it on the way of sanctification by identifying himself in the Eucharist with Christ the priest and victim, not fearing to give his life for his sheep.” (CCC 1586)

Just as your own father sacrifices for you, your parish priest also gives his life up for you. By the grace of his ordination, he is called to “guide and defend the Church with strength and prudence as a father and pastor, with gratuitous love for all and a preferential love for the poor, the sick, and the needy. This grace impels him to proclaim the Gospel to all, to be the model for his flock, to go before it on the way of sanctification by identifying himself in the Eucharist with Christ the priest and victim, not fearing to give his life for his sheep.” (CCC 1586)

  • Thank him. Many times his acts of service go unsung and unnoticed. Thank your priest for his vocation and dedication to his ministry.
  • Thank him. Many times his acts of service go unsung and unnoticed. Thank your priest for his vocation and dedication to his ministry.
  • Work with him. Many parishes in our diocese are led by a one-man band. Often one priest is responsible for two, if not three, churches in his parish. Lighten his burden by volunteering to teach RCIA or help engaged couples by becoming a FOCCUS facilitator. Invest in your parish’s spiritual life and aid your priest by working with him to build up Christ’s Church.
  • Love him. Continue the traditions of inviting your priest to your family gatherings like dinner, sporting events or receptions. Include them in your life beyond the weekend Mass. Perhaps the best way to appreciate your priest is to utilize what he offers: attend daily Mass, go to Reconciliation or get your house, car, barn, or livestock blessed.

Priests are men who have chosen to give away their whole selves for each one of us. They are, by their example, a reminder of Christ being with us. Think today of how you can appreciate and help your local priest this Father’s Day.