Have you hugged your priests today?

Priesthood Sunday is Oct. 25.

PAT LANGFORD | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Posted: 10.23.09

Parishioners around the world are praying for the priests of the Church during this Year for Priests declared by Pope Benedict XVI, which started June 19, 2009. The faithful also are celebrating and honoring clergy during the annual Priesthood Sunday, which is Oct. 25 this year.

Members of Ascension Parish in Boca Raton began planning weeks ago for the special Sunday set aside to pay tribute to the men of the collar, trying to get full participation of the parish family.

“We’re asking that all parishioners consider sending a card or preferably a letter of thanks to the priests, all the priests in the parish, to let them know how much they are appreciated,” said Ascension parishioner Jim Anderson.

Anderson, president of the Serra Club of South Palm Beach County, an organization dedicated to vocations to the priesthood and religious life, has been involved with Priesthood Sunday since it began in 2003 by the USA Council of Serra International.

He is counting on fellow club members to promote the special Sunday with activities in their parishes and “parish events where all ministries, all parishioners get involved in affirming and thanking their priests,” he said.

St. Helen Parish is honoring its beloved priests and also priests beyond the Vero Beach faith community.

“Our school kids and CCD kids will participate,” said parish manager Paul Zedek about the children of St. Helen School and the students of the parish’s religion classes. “We may find out their (the priests) birthdays; we’ll find out their ordination date and we’ll send them congratulation cards (on these special occasions).”

During weekend Masses Oct. 24-25, St. Helen organizers will ask worshippers to recite a blessing especially for the priests to add to the Sunday liturgy. Zedek explained that the prayer selected for the St. Helen event begins: “Gracious and loving God we thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience the presence of our sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocations; grant them the wisdom and understanding and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry and help them to become instruments of your divine grace.”

“It’s the (Year for Priests) and we give thanksgiving for our priests,” Zedek said. “We do encourage them and we pray for them.”

St. Mark Parish in Boynton Beach will host an 8 a.m. breakfast on Priesthood Sunday in the school gym. The gym stage will feature pictures of the parish’s three Franciscan friars: Father Richard Florek, pastor: and parochial vicars, Father Samuel Zebron and Father Germain Kopaczynski. A movie will play in the background featuring prominent friars and beloved priests, such as Padre Pio and St. Francis.

“We’re inviting everybody to come,” said parishioner Veronica Comrie, event organizer.

“The friars work very hard,” she explained. “I think we should tell them we are really happy to have them. We’re really grateful for their guidance.”

The Serra Club provides a Priesthood Sunday planning guide, and instructions and suggestions for planning special liturgy and blessings for the annual event.

“We’re trying to get all parishioners to say thank you,” explained Anderson.

It is not too late to hug a priest, create a special card to give or tell them that you appreciate them being there. For last-minute ideas, visit www.priestsunday.org.

Do you have a priest hero? Tell us about him and how he played a role in your life and faith. Send an e-mail or call 561-775-9528.

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