Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Sometimes the topic for writing a letter in the bulletin comes to me in a flash. Sometimes it takes me a bit to get my head around what it is that I am going to discuss. This week, I find myself with something to share, but it has more to do with NEXT weekend than it does with this weekend. That said, talking about it now will be helpful for what’s coming next week.
The 4th Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday, as the prayers and readings at Mass reflect the idea that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. In terms of titles for Our Blessed Lord, this one is particularly beautiful and powerful. It’s a reminder that Jesus guides us and leads us as part of His flock, and like a shepherd, He is a source of protection from anything harmful we might encounter and a safe voice to follow in a world full of distractions and dangers.
That same image finds itself in the language we use in terms of parish life as well. Although not technically the term used in canon law, PASTOR is the term given to the priest in charge of a parish in English and in many other variations and languages throughout the world. And in case anyone’s a bit rusty in their Latin, pastor is the word for shepherd in it. It’s a pretty clear line being drawn, from the Good Shepherd to the priest that is entrusted with leading a section of the flock; a serious and awesome responsibility, too.
Given this context, next weekend, on Good Shepherd Sunday, every parish in the Diocese of Trenton will be participating in Called By Name Sunday. In some ways, it’s a simple process, in which cards will be available at all the Masses for individuals to take. And either right that day or throughout the week, we are all invited to think about men in our own midst, who we could see being a priest someday. And in writing those names down and submitting them to the parish to be collected, we will, in turn, take those names and suggestions and give them to the Vocation Director for the diocese, who will use that as a starting point for a conversation. To be fair, no one whose name is being submitted is being signed up for seminary; rather, it’s a chance for those of us as a part of the flock to look around and ask whether certain members might be called by the Lord to become shepherds.
We’re quite fortunate to have a seminarian join us for the weekend as well. He’ll have an opportunity to speak at all the Masses about his experiences in his vocation and perhaps give some encouragement to those men whom the Lord has called, is calling, or will call to the priesthood in the future.
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
Recent Comments