How are you celebrating Priesthood Sunday? Here are some tips, ideas
October 25, 2011
HOUSTON — Catholic parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and around the country will show their support for priests with prayer, celebration and dialogue of vocations on Priesthood Sunday on Oct 30. The last Sunday of October is designated as Priesthood Sunday, a one-day celebration of the priesthood organized by parish lay leaders, was established in 2003 to provide a way for Catholic communities to express appreciation for priests who serve them so faithfully.
Parishioners, schools and ministries are asked to develop their own special way of marking the day and honoring both priesthood and their own priests. Special liturgies, Priesthood Sunday celebrations and the opening of a dialogue between priests and parishioners are encouraged.
The Texas Catholic Herald has come up with some ideas to honor priests on their special day.
- Make a donation to the Catholic Clerical Student Fund at St. Mary’s Seminary. Thank your favorite priest with a financial gift to the Catholic Clerical Student Fund, which benefits the seminary that plays an important role in the spiritual and intellectual lives of Archdiocesan clergy. The Catholic Clerical Student Fund was established in 1933 by the Galveston-Houston Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women to raise money to feed seminarians at St. Mary’s during the Great Depression. For more information, call Carole Updyke, 832-283-3902.
- Pray for vocations.
- Get involved in your parish. Offer your time and talents to a ministry.
- Write a note and tell your priest what you enjoyed about his latest homily.
- Invite your priest to your home to share a meal.
- Place an announcement encouraging prayers for priests in the parish bulletin. Publish biographies of parish priests in the bulletin.
- Send a thank you/appreciation card to every priest who served at your parish.
- Invite school children and CCE students to take 10 to 15 minutes of the class to prepare greeting cards for your parish priests.
- Have a coffee and cake reception after Mass to honor your priest.
- Offer a Spiritual bouquet. Information can be obtained at www.houstonvocations.com