I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.
I Corinthians 11:23
On Holy Thursday, when we celebrate the
institution of the priesthood, I would like to ask your prayers for the "Presbyterate of Louisville." A "presbyterate" is
the body of priests, diocesan and religious priests together, who help the bishop carry
out his ministry as chief shepherd of a particular diocese. Individually, these priests "make the
bishop present" by "pastoring a single portion of the Lord's
flock."
The Church is clear in saying that priests are not priests one by one, but that they are priests and serve the mission of the Church, as a team, under the leadership of a bishop. Vatican Council II put it this way: "All priests are united among themselves in an intimate sacramental brotherhood. In a special way they form one presbyterate in a diocese to whose service they are committed under their bishop" Pope John Paul II said, "Ordained ministry has a radical communitarian dimension and can only be carried out as collective work."
In my work as the founder of Saint Meinrad's Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, I conducted over 150 priest convocations in 9 different countries. I tried to encourage a deeper unity among priests and with their bishops. I even had a new hymn written for those occasions. I put
together several prayer cards - one for seminarians, one for priests and one
for lay people - so that we can all pray for that "communitarian dimension
of ordained ministry." They are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. I tried not only to get priests to work toward closer unity, but priests,
future priests and the people they serve to pray
for that unity.
On this Holy Thursday, I believe that building the unity of our presbyterate is going to be one of the most pressing tasks facing our new archbishop. Many of us have sadly felt more marginalized and demoralized these past few years. I would like to print the words of one of those cards, "A Catholic's Prayer for the Priests of the Diocese." I not only encourage you to pray it this Holy Thursday, but to cut it out and pray it often. ___________________________________________________________________________________
A LAY PERSON'S PRAYER FOR THE PRIESTS OF THE DIOCESE
Loving God, I ask a special blessing on all the priests of our diocesan presbyterate. Help them to remember always that they do not work alone, but that they are an "intimate sacramental brotherhood" under the leadership of Archbishop Kurtz, a ministry team for which they are all responsible.
For the sake of their united and coherent ministry, help them to remember that the ministry they do is not theirs alone, but a share in our bishop's ministry. For that reason, keep them always respectful of and obedient to his leadership.
Help them to be diligent in their ministry, absorbed in it, so that their commitment may be evident and their service helpful. Inspire them to take good care of themselves and help them be attentive to becoming more effective in their service.
Show my fellow Catholics and me ways to encourage our priests - those
who offer priestly service to us in the Church. Help them to set a good example
for us in all that they do. Support our sick, retired and absent priests with
your loving care. I ask this in the name of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen!
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