WELCOME
TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD
TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD
OFFICE OF VOCATIONS
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening
Hartford Priest BLOG
What a Priest Does Part 2: Teachers of the Truth
January 17 2022
When asking what a priest does we can look to the tradition of the church to see that the main “work” of a priest could best be described as a share in the Tria Munera of Christ the Lord: The Sanctify, Teach and Govern. In this post we will look at the ministry of teaching, by which a priest builds up the people of God in the truth of the Gospel.
Priests share in the teaching office of Jesus Christ, the Truth. The Gospels very simply relate that Jesus “...on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes” (Mark 1: 21b-22 ). Jesus was a teacher, who was most often referred to as Rabbi, and instructed the people in the way of the Kingdom. He taught with authority and clarity and many believed his teaching. One of the most widely regarded aspects of priestly life is that of teaching primarily through preaching at Mass. When priests preach at Mass they are not simply sharing their own ideas or telling funny stories, but rather they are sharing in the teaching office of Christ himself. They teach with a certain authority, and should clearly and lovingly communicate the truth of the Gospel and the dogmatic and moral teachings of the Church. The aim of a homily is to further introduce people to Jesus the Truth, so that knowing him they may love and follow him more faithfully.
Priests also teach through advice given in the confessional, through spiritual direction, and through times of formal instruction in Catechism lessons or teaching classes at local Catholic schools. While not a liturgically visible as the Homily at Mass these times of teaching are still in union with Christ the teacher. In all these ways our priests share in this aspect of the priestly office of Jesus Christ.
~ Fr. Michael Casey
Priests share in the teaching office of Jesus Christ, the Truth. The Gospels very simply relate that Jesus “...on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes” (Mark 1: 21b-22 ). Jesus was a teacher, who was most often referred to as Rabbi, and instructed the people in the way of the Kingdom. He taught with authority and clarity and many believed his teaching. One of the most widely regarded aspects of priestly life is that of teaching primarily through preaching at Mass. When priests preach at Mass they are not simply sharing their own ideas or telling funny stories, but rather they are sharing in the teaching office of Christ himself. They teach with a certain authority, and should clearly and lovingly communicate the truth of the Gospel and the dogmatic and moral teachings of the Church. The aim of a homily is to further introduce people to Jesus the Truth, so that knowing him they may love and follow him more faithfully.
Priests also teach through advice given in the confessional, through spiritual direction, and through times of formal instruction in Catechism lessons or teaching classes at local Catholic schools. While not a liturgically visible as the Homily at Mass these times of teaching are still in union with Christ the teacher. In all these ways our priests share in this aspect of the priestly office of Jesus Christ.
~ Fr. Michael Casey
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Vocations Director
Fr. Michael Casey
Fr. Michael Casey
Message from Fr. Casey
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain." (John 15:16). The call of the Lord Jesus to serve him in the Holy Priesthood arises directly from the love of his Sacred Heart. He is still calling many more men today to leave their worldly desires and ambitions behind and set out on the great adventure of the Catholic Priesthood, to dedicate their lives to the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
A call to the priesthood usually begins with some attraction to priestly life and ministry, a call to give oneself to God in a deeper, more radical way. From there through prayer and participation in the Church's sacramental life, one usually is led to greater trust in beginning to take the first steps of answering God's call. If you think God may be calling you, do not be afraid! Spend time in prayer, particularly in Eucharistic Adoration and participation in the Sacraments, in order to come to know Christ better. Also, it would be helpful to reach out and speak to a priest who you may know and trust, just to see what his thoughts are.
The Lord God promised to send shepherds for his Church. Today, the people of God need good and holy priests who will proclaim the Gospel and celebrate the Sacraments for our world. If God is calling you, be courageous in answering, knowing that with St. Paul "we can do all things in him who strengthens us" (cf Phil 4:14).
A call to the priesthood usually begins with some attraction to priestly life and ministry, a call to give oneself to God in a deeper, more radical way. From there through prayer and participation in the Church's sacramental life, one usually is led to greater trust in beginning to take the first steps of answering God's call. If you think God may be calling you, do not be afraid! Spend time in prayer, particularly in Eucharistic Adoration and participation in the Sacraments, in order to come to know Christ better. Also, it would be helpful to reach out and speak to a priest who you may know and trust, just to see what his thoughts are.
The Lord God promised to send shepherds for his Church. Today, the people of God need good and holy priests who will proclaim the Gospel and celebrate the Sacraments for our world. If God is calling you, be courageous in answering, knowing that with St. Paul "we can do all things in him who strengthens us" (cf Phil 4:14).
Associate Directors
