The Role
God’s plan for the world is ambitious; it involves
nothing less than the complete transformation of human
society. The building blocks for this massive plan are our local
communities. As part of these communities, the church works in
partnership with civic leaders, community organisations, other
Christian churches and other religions.
One of the most satisfying things about being a priest is being
part of a faith community and being a pastoral leader. This
involves presiding at communal worship. It also involves being
among smaller communities, such as families at big moments
like weddings and baptisms. Priests are called upon to enter
the lives of people when life is darkened with sadness and
difficulty. Even through these difficult moments, a priest can
experience a profound satisfaction that they have been an
instrument of God.
Messenger of Hope
Jesus Christ has an incredible impact on the world.
The teachings of Christ have shaped the values of many
societies and continue to shape those values today. A critical
part of a priest’s mission is to tell Christ’s story of hope. That
story brings comfort to those who are weak and without a voice.
The story is intended to disturb and activate those who have
the power to make the world a better place. Jesus’ message of
hope is not always popular; many people have been killed for
preaching the Gospel, but it is a powerful message that must be
told.
Spiritual Guide
Today there is a strong awareness that people everywhere
long to have spiritual nourishment. The Catholic community itself
also needs to be fed with the body and blood of Christ. The
priest of the future will continue that tradition of assisting
people to develop their spirituality. The future priest will also
need to explore ways of helping people make spiritual sense of
their lives in a dynamic and changing world. Before doing these
things, priests are students of prayer themselves.
A priest develops his personal relationship with God, to learn the
ways of God and to lead others on those paths
