Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to thank everyone who came to our church this past Tuesday for the Evening of Praying for Priests. It meant a great deal to me to see people come together to pray for our priests, each one prayed for by name. Thank you for giving us your time and, more importantly, your prayers.
Sometimes, I think people forget that priests need prayers just as much as anyone else. We spend a lot of time praying for others, celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, visiting the sick, and trying to help people encounter God and grow closer to Him. But we need God's help, too. We are not perfect. We have our own struggles, weaknesses, and flaws. We need God's mercy and grace just as much as the people we serve.
I can tell you from my own experience that being a priest is an incredible blessing, but it is also a responsibility that I cannot fulfill with my own strength. That is why I believe so strongly that a priest depends on the prayers of his people. Your prayers help us remain faithful to our vocation, grow in holiness, and continue serving even when things are difficult. You may never know the difference your prayers make, but please don't underestimate them. They are a real gift to us.
Ultimately, the priesthood is not about us. It is about Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who calls us to serve His people in His name. We need His grace to do that well, and we need one another. Just as you rely on your priests for the Sacraments and spiritual guidance, we rely on you to pray for us. We are in this together, helping one another get to Heaven.
So, please keep me, Fr. Stan, Msgr. Swiader, and Deacons Dennis and Vic in your prayers. Pray that we may be faithful to Christ, grow in holiness, and serve you with generous and loving hearts. And please know that you are always in our prayers, too.
I hope you will consider joining us for our next Evening of Praying for Priests on Tuesday, April 6, 2027. Whether or not you were able to join us this past Tuesday, you are most welcome. Your presence and prayers make a difference.
Thank you again for your kindness and support. We priests are far from perfect, and we certainly need all the prayers we can get!
Prayerfully yours in Christ,
Father Leo
