- Pope Benedict XVI has declared the Church will
observe a year for priests from June 19, 2009. to June 19,
2010.
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- The purpose of the jubilee year, the pontiff said in
a March 16 speech, is simple, yet challenging: “To encourage
priests in this striving for spiritual perfection on which,
above all, the effectiveness of their ministry depends.”
- “Striving for spiritual perfection.” Especially
today, when the Church is facing a priestly shortage and
priests must take on additional duties beyond ministering to
their flocks, all Catholics must hold up their priests and
those who are discerning the call to the priesthood in
prayer and support the vital work they do. After all, as
Pope Benedict pointed out, without the ministerial
priesthood, “there would be neither the Eucharist, nor even
the mission nor the Church herself.”
- And while praying for our priests, including bishops
and the pope himself, the lay faithful should remember that
they are all called to participate with ordained leaders in
joining themselves in the sacrifice of Christ, and that
they, too, should embark on the quest for spiritual
perfection.
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- How should you celebrate?
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- Pray for priests
Pray for vocations to the priesthood and Religious life
- Receive a plenary indulgence for Year of Priests
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- Read about the vital role of priests in the life of
the Church
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- Read about priests who shaped our Church and the
world
Study the life of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, who will
be named patron saint of the world’s priests during the jubilee
year
Volunteer at your parish to lift some of the burden off your
parish priest
Invite your priest to dinner to thank him for all he has done
for you and your family
Pope Benedict's letter on the Year for Priests
The
Parish Office
