Where Are the Priests?

I had a friend in seminary who had a way of bringing our vocation to the various encounters we would have when we would all go out to dinner or a movie. After a viewing of "Starship Troopers," for example, he would ask a familiar question.

"Yeah, but where are the priests in all this?"

It was part of his sense of humor, but I think he also meant it - meant it to keep us thinking that in the midst of popular culture, the figure of the priest (or any religious icon, for that matter) is largely absent. Hollywood doesn't make movies like "The Bells of St. Mary's" anymore, and if a Father Mulcahy figure appears, it's usually so that others can make him look silly.

However, this is not just limited to TV and film. The priests are missing from many people's lives - sometimes this is the people's fault, but sometimes it is the priests'. We are ministers of presence - the Presence, to be exact. It is not enough for a priest to whine that we are not present or included in the lives of our flock; we have a duty to put ourselves out there. Now, not every priest is an extrovert (myself included), but we are the ones who bring Christ to the lives of our people in a mysterious (read sacramental) yet very real way. So, we go to them.

Last week, on the High-LI program, I was struck yet again by this thought. The very talented and grace-filled staff comprised youth ministers, diocesan directors and coordinators, teachers, and yes, priests. We priests were not an afterthought (at least, I hope we weren't!); we were an integral part of that team. We worked together - "in the midst of the people [God] has chosen" (cf. 1Kgs 3:8).

Some priests don't feel gifted to work with young people - it's not that they don't like them; they are just uncomfortable or awkward with them. That is OK - we must know our strengths and weaknesses. However, to totally withdraw from them would be a real mistake, since our youth are looking for us - rather, for us to bring that Presence to them. I am a priest first, but I love youth ministry. That is why I am there, why I do what I do. I was proud to be part of that talented team, but proud also because, as a priest, I could bring that Presence to all there. It is important.

As an encouragement, I saw several young men on the program who would make fine priests themselves. They showed God's presence to me as well as to their peers. We must pray for them - and continue to be present to them. That is the gift of the priesthood.

St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, whose feast day was August 4, said this about our priests: At the sight of a church tower, you may say, "What is there in that place?" "The Body of Our Lord. " "Why is He there?" "Because a priest has been there, and has said holy Mass. "

"Where are the priests?"

My answer: I am right here.