Beloved Family:
“Who is a priest?” That question headlines a webpage for the Office for Vocations of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. I appreciate the use of the personal pronoun, because often the question is phrased: “What is a priest?” I realize this difference may strike some as relatively insignificant. However, as we welcome Fr. Nathan Frankart back to Saint Mary this weekend, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving following his ordination, we rejoice that we have come to know him as a person and not simply as a functionary.
That said, it is also important to remember that essentially, each individual priest shares in the One Priesthood of Jesus Christ. This, I believe, helps us to avoid creating a cult of personality around any one priest. As related in an article published by the Institute of the Incarnate Word:
According to our Catholic faith there is only one Priest; Jesus Christ our Lord is the Principal, High, and Eternal priest. He is the Priest par excellence, and He is the only Priest. He is a Priest according to the order of Melchizedek: perfect, living, without interruption, that is, continual, without hiatus or fractures, constant and persevering, forever . . . that will not pass away, holy, innocent, undefiled, universal, for the benefit of all men, sacrificed and offered by Himself, exercising His priesthood with the most efficacious sacrifice, made once for all, in order to purify us from our sins. He replaces the Levitical priesthood rather than following in it. The rest of the priests of the New Testament participate in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ, without replacing Him and without multiplying His priesthood; the only thing that is multi-plied are the subjects who, as “living instruments,” Christ makes into participants in His priesthood. ivepriest.org
Next weekend, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Following the 10 am Mass (YES, you are reading correctly—summer schedule begins in June), we will once again have a Eucharistic procession, giving us the opportunity to witness to the larger neighborhood of the power of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. Members of the Saint Agnes community will be joining us as well.
As we move into the final weeks of the active phase of the Called to Flourish: Our Church for the Future campaign, I would like to highlight another of the diocesan-level projects slated for investment: Camp Christopher. Camp Christopher is operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. Camping provides a perfect opportunity to pass on Catholic values to young people, attending to Nature, Community and Spirit. For more than 100 years, Camp Christopher has been providing campers a world of adventure in nature, community, and spirit. We offer a variety of programs and exciting activities for all ages, including persons with disabilities. Many individuals, families and clergy of the diocese have vivid memories from time spent there.
With funds generated by Called to Flourish, Camp Christopher will be “reimagined:” renewed to deepen faith and form disciples year-round. In addition to renovated cabins, a new multi-purpose retreat center will be built with an indoor chapel and dedicated youth and adult ministries retreat staff, making Camp Christopher an accessible retreat destination for all ages.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
