There’s an old story about Jesus meeting a man who was crying at the side of the road. When Jesus asked what was wrong, the man replied that he could not see. So Jesus cured him. After awhile, Jesus met another man who was crying. “I cannot walk,” the man explained. So Jesus cured him. Then, Jesus met a third man who was crying. “I am a priest,” the man said. So Jesus sat down and wept with him. Why would Jesus weep? Pope Benedict XVI tells us that a priest “faces hisMaster’s same fate.” Like Jesus, a priest experiences the world’s “incomprehension” of God, “indifference” toward God, and “rejection” of God. But the Pope goes on to explain that a priest also “experiences Christ’s joys.” Priests are consecrated in Christ so they can speak and act in Jesus’ name, celebrate sacraments, minister to those in need, and lead the faith community. Like Jesus, priests lay down their lives for those entrusted to them by the Father, following in the footsteps of the Lord. Priests find security in a prayer relationship with God the Father. Priests see their trials in relationship to the suffering of Jesus. Priests allow Jesus to weep with them when they experience disappointments in themselves or in the people to whom they minister. Priests know that the Holy Spirit will energize them, inspire them, and instill in them the joy that comes through serving God’s people.
Pray For Your Priest

Encourage others to do the same. You might consider designating a daily chore or activity as a sacrificial offering for your priest. Or you might say a particular prayer every day for him. Let your priest know that you are praying for him. He will appreciate your spiritual support. During difficult moments, he will know that your prayers are helping to sustain him.

The best thing you can do for your priest is to come to Mass every weekend and get involved in your parish. Use your gifts and talents to help the parish grow. Volunteer to help with whatever needs to be done. Attend parish events and support your parish financially. By all means, if God has touched you or your family in some way because of something your priest has said  or done, let him know what happened.    

 When priests see how God is working through them, it reaffirms their calling and goes a long way toward encouraging them. Keep your priest informed if you hear about a parishioner who is sick, injured, or going through some difficulty in life. Priests are often the last to hear about these things, and they can’t be everywhere at once. This will help your priest be where he needs to be to care for his parishioners most effectively. Above all, keep your relationship with Jesus your top priority. Priests will come and go in your parish, and they will touch your life in many ways, but your faith must always be grounded in the Lord.

Watch Your Expectations 

Sometimes, people have unrealistic expectations of what a priest “should be” or “should do.” They want Father to be present at every parish function, every community event, and every time someone has a question, concern, or special need. It’s important to remember that priests are people, too, with the same normal human limits. Just as you need a day or two off every week, so does your priest. In fact, studies have shown that time off is important for priests, to help them maintain both their spiritual focus and their energy levels. One priest recognized that after concerned parishioners insisted that he take a day off each week, he was actually able to accomplish ourselves now and then; it doesn’t hurt to remind your  priest to do so. Accept your priest for the unique person he is. Priests come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and personality styles: introverts and extroverts;  mild-mannered and quick-tempered; serious and witty. Each priest has his own preferences and peculiarities as well, so let him be himself, with his own gifts and talents. Each priest will minister in his own way. Trust God to  work through your priest to meet the needs of the parish, and let him know that you support him. If you have the ability to make your priest laugh — do it! A good laugh goes a long way toward relieving any stress he may be feeling.

A lot of what you hear on the parish grapevine is either untrue or is, at best, greatly exaggerated. Most people really want their priest to succeed in his ministry. But a few negative people can do a lot of damage not just to the priest but to the entire parish. Sometimes, negativity stems from misunderstandings. Often, people will make assumptions about something they hear a priest say, or see him do, that have no basis in reality. Keep in mind that Father might not be able to fully explain something he may have done because he is bound by confidentiality. Or he might appear to be distracted or distant, when he’s actually worried about something in the parish or exhausted after being up all night with a dying parishioner. Until you have all the facts, it’s best to give him the benefit of the doubt. This applies doubly to how you talk about your priest, especially in front of your children. Gently confront parishioners who spread rumors, and make it clear that criticizing a priest behind his back never solves a problem. If there is a legitimate complaint, offer to go with them to talk with the priest. When difficulties arise, do your priest the courtesy of making an appointment so you can talk about it with him in person, one-on-one. (It’s never wise to try to engage a priest in a serious discussion in the vestibule after Mass or in a place where other people are listening.) Be honest in conveying your feelings, but also be respectful. Pray that the Lord will guide you. If you can’t come to some resolution, you may need a mediator or a higher authority. In some cases, you may reach a point where you simply agree to disagree.