Show Your Priest Some Love

Last updated on: April 3, 2020 at 2:38 pm by William Hemsworth

Show Your Priest Some Love 2020-04-03T14:38:25-07:00 William Hemsworth

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

No matter the time of year, life is a constantly busy time for adults, but it is also a busy time for the Church. Our priests work very hard and should be included in our plans. Your parish priest works hard year round and we can always show them our appreciation. Here are a few ways that we can make that happen.

Invite Your Priest Over

How many of us can think of someone of hand who may be alone for Christmas, or Easter, or for their birthday? This something that can be done when the current pandemic has passed us by. I confess that I am guilty of not doing this, but inviting a priest to dinner is never a bad idea. Sometimes, we get wrapped up in our family gathering that we forget that our spiritual father may not have any family in town. Inviting them over goes a long way in showing that they are appreciated and valued.

Thank them

Think of a time in your life when you did something so often for someone that you stopped getting a thank you. They started to react as if the thing you were doing was expected. Yes, being a priest is their calling and vocation, but that does not mean they don’t need to hear words of encouragement. In our own time, the great priests that we have sometimes been lumped in with the scoundrels, and that is unfortunate.

A great majority of priests live holy lives and go above and beyond the call of duty. They are true spiritual fathers who work tireless hours because they love us and want us to get to heaven. Take some time whether it be after Mass, an email, card, or phone call to say thank you for what they do. Maybe even send a card. I can only imagine the pain they feel that we are unable to celebrate Mass publicly. Write, email, or thank them publicly on social media.

Give A Small Gift

Priests are people too, and they usually enjoy gifts. If you have a good relationship with your priest, then it is acceptable to get him something he will enjoy. My parish priest is a huge lover of American history, especially the development of the constitution. A book or DVD on the subject is appropriate and shows that he is valued. In most cases a gift card or cash is acceptable since priests live on a very modest income. If your priest is part of a community then any cash gifts will go there. Avoid something large and cumbersome unless there is a specific need or request for it.

There are many other things we can do for our priests in addition to these three. There is always need for volunteers. Perhaps you can ask your priest where there is a need and you can volunteer your skill. My point here is that our priests are also our family. They are there for us so let’s be there for them during this great season. Being a priest is not an easy job in today’s world. A small token of our gratitude will go a long way to encourage our priests for the vital mission that they have been given by God.

One last thing. Please don’t forget to support your parish during this crazy time. Bills don’t stop.

Photos courtesy of pexels.com

Previous Post

April 1, 2020

Justin Martyr and the Mass in the Second Century

Next Post

April 5, 2020 Divine Revelation and the Vatican II Document Dei Verbum

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz