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South Africa: Joys and sorrows of a Parish Priest PDF Print E-mail
Written by Fr. Giorgio Massa   
Monday, 10 December 2007
When appointed to a mission or a parish, the priest is invited by the Bishop, or by the superior, to take it easy, not to start by changing time tables, arrangements of sitting in Church, uniforms of extraordinary Eucharistic ministers, etc., but to be patient, study the situation, consult with the pastoral parish council (PPC), before taking decisions. Nobody likes to have his routine disrupted without proper explanation especially a church’s congregation.

The first three months may not be easy for the new priest but then, little by little, things will become clearer and easier. A priest coming to a new congregation comes with plans and expectations and so does the congregation that receives the new priest. Will these plans and expectations coincide or not? As a rule, adjustments will have to be made by both parties.

One of the joys of the priest is to be able to work hand in hand with the PPC, the sodalities, the different ministries, the choir, the altar servers, and the youth. If this does happen the congregation will grow in number and strength. Another source of joy for the priest will be to have a strong and active youth group because this will secure the stability and growth of the congregation.

The presence of many weddings will also be a joy for the priest because they will ensure the formation of Christian families which are the foundation of the Church.
The presence of vocations to the priesthood and to religious life in the congregation will be the crowning of all the joys of the priest.

But there are no joys without sorrows as there are no roses without thorns.

The co-operation between sodalities, and other groups, will at times, be disturbed by quarrels amongst strong members of the same which will threaten the very existence of the community. Nothing causes more suffering to the priest than to see the congregation divided in groups fighting each other and been unable to reconcile them.

The breaking up of marriages which seemed as solid as a rock will bring sadness and discouragement to the priest. Christian families are the foundation of the Church.

The death of young people will break the heart not only of their parents but of the priest as well. The priest has got a heart too and he loves the people entrusted to him. They are his family, his all. If they die doesn’t he cry? Doesn’t he feel pain? Certainly he does.

The priest is not a super-man. He is just a man and he needs our love and prayers. Let us love and support our priests. They need it. They deserve it.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 09 December 2007 )