DECEMBER 9, 2007

On Monday, December 10, Bishop Zubik will install me as Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena. It is the eve of my first anniversary of service in that parish. On Wednesday, December 12, Bishop Zubik will celebrate the children's Mass at St. John of God to mark my second anniversary as Pastor of St. John of God. Beginning with my first pastorate in 1981, I wrote the following article as a commitment to my ministry. I have done so in each of the six parishes I have served as Pastor. As is my custom, I repeat that commitment yearly. It will be up to you to decide whether I live up to it or not.

"I have practiced many a year
And have come a long, long way
Just to play for you.
So many will be the blessings
And so short will be the time
That I stay with you."

The pop singing duet Seals & Crofts always began their concerts with this signature song: a musical promise of commitment to the time spent together with the audience, a pledge to give their all in talent and energy to form a relationship with their listeners. By this song, they signaled their feeling that their music was not merely a commerical arrangement (you buy the ticket, we sell the melody) but rather the communal sharing of an experience, in which the artists were as dependent upon the response of the hearers as were the hearers upon the artists for providing good music. If this is true for musicians, it is more so for priests. We have all practiced many a year: through seminary training and internships and the experiences of our past assignments. We have come a long, long way from our homes, families, friends, lives and previous parishes, each with but one thing in mind: to play for you. That is to say, we wish to cherish and serve the people and community that we are sent to on behalf of the diocese, the bishop, the Universal Church, the Pope, but most of all on behalf of the One High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Every priest is but a human being; each as such is different from all others in ability, weakness, personality, skills, faults. But all are the same in that they are committed to giving and doing their best for the flock that has been entrusted to their care, within the limits of their individuality. Some of the things that priests do are similar: celebrating Mass; marrying; baptizing; burying; counseling; visiting the sick; teaching and preaching the faith; witnessing by their words and actions their belief and the love of God for His people.

Above and beyond that, to some are given the responsibilities of administration or education or some other charge. But no matter what it is we do, we are dependent upon the good will, cooperation, acceptance, tolerance and support of our people. Like singers, our ministry is empty if it is not interactive and relational with the parishioners. We make the music together, or it is not made at all.

"You can say that I'm your friend
You can see my life begin and end.
I love you, Yes, I do.
You'll always be special to me."

This year especially, please join me in praying for the grace and strength to continue to serve these parishes as well as you deserve.