I thought I'd share with you that among those present at the 12 noon Mass at the Cathedral yesterday were 2 young men. They were seated together and seemed to be totally engrossed in listening to the readings for the day. What a wonderful, wonderful site to behold! With invitation to the priesthood in mind, of course, it became my goal to speak with them after Mass.
I said 'hello' to them as they were on their way out of the church. We found ourselves talking, just chatting, laughing, and soon, exchanging experiences of our journey, and very soon, sharing scripture passages that brought us to the present. I wanted to get a feel of who they were before popping up the question "Have you thought of becoming a priest?" When that was blurted out, one of them shared that someone did ask him if he wanted to become a priest. He trodded into that path by joining a group of brothers. Turns out it was there he discovered that it wasn't meant to be for him. But it was alright.
Our conversation and our connection were one of joy. These 2 young men were very happy that I welcomed them and that I took the time to get to know them. What a good reminder that was for me! Welcoming people IN the church could also mean welcoming them INTO the church! And most of all, it was a great reminder to never stop inviting young men to consider priesthood! :-)
I said 'hello' to them as they were on their way out of the church. We found ourselves talking, just chatting, laughing, and soon, exchanging experiences of our journey, and very soon, sharing scripture passages that brought us to the present. I wanted to get a feel of who they were before popping up the question "Have you thought of becoming a priest?" When that was blurted out, one of them shared that someone did ask him if he wanted to become a priest. He trodded into that path by joining a group of brothers. Turns out it was there he discovered that it wasn't meant to be for him. But it was alright.
Our conversation and our connection were one of joy. These 2 young men were very happy that I welcomed them and that I took the time to get to know them. What a good reminder that was for me! Welcoming people IN the church could also mean welcoming them INTO the church! And most of all, it was a great reminder to never stop inviting young men to consider priesthood! :-)
God be praised!!!!
6 comments:
Just a reminder! Come and get your award! You deserve both of them.
Dear Easter,
I will be atteding a Mass tonight in honor of Saint Padre Pio. I will say a special prayer for you and your intentions.
God bless you and your family.
Easter, your joy is so contagious!
HI Evann,
Thank you once again!
HI Ed,
I can't thank you enough! You'd be happy to know that I continue to pray for Fr. Sousa. :-)
HI Esther,
Well, yours too!
God bless you all abundantly!
Easter - I just got caught up with your postings and I'm so touched by your loving these young men enough to stop and welcome them. You are a real disciple. Oh that we all would be so comfortable to seek out young men for God's holy priesthood. Thank you and may Christ reward you with His choicest blessings.
Micki,
Hugs to you, dear lady! Thank you for your kind words.
There was another young man there today at the 12N Mass and I "checked him out" as well. He is a student at the university beside our Cathedral and is looking for a teen support/bible study group. Because today is Columbus Day, my dear friend who is the leader of the bible group for the Cathedral was there. She normally goes to the 6:30am Mass, but on holidays there are no early morning Masses, just the 12n. What are the odds to that? So of course, I introduced this young man to my friend. :-) He said he is interested in joining the bible study group.
God be praised!!!
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