Honoring Our Priests and Praying for Unity
- Allison Auth
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
I could not attend Archbishop Golka’s Installation Mass in person, but I did tune in to the livestream for as long as I could. As I watched the lengthy procession of priests from across our archdiocese, I unexpectedly felt warm tears of gratitude roll down my cheeks. Many of the faces I recognized, and I was deeply moved by the sight of our clergy moving in unison and solemnity to welcome our new archbishop.
Gratitude for Priests
I want to take a minute to honor the priests who serve our archdiocese so faithfully. Many priests have made room in their schedule to hear confessions for this small retreat or that local conference, and I have encountered God’s tender mercy through all of them. One can go to any number of parishes and hear a moving, orthodox homily within a reverent liturgy, albeit with their own charisms. And my experience in spiritual direction with priests of this archdiocese has been nothing short of life-changing, guiding me deeper into encountering God through contemplation and prayer.
I have seen priests who truly love their flock, who lead their parishes into renewal and are very present to their parishioners. (If you haven’t seen the documentary “Kenny” on the life of Msgr. Ken Leone, it’s a must-watch! You can find it on Formed.) I know priests who are intelligent, athletic, funny, sensitive, personal and prayerful. Like every other human being, they have varied personalities and different strengths and weaknesses. But my family and I see a priesthood that is alive and growing, while striving for holiness and faithfulness to the call they have been given.
Looking at Challenges in Hope and Unity
Now, that does not mean that there aren’t problems and struggles. I am well aware of many of the issues parishes face due to a lack of pastoral or financial leadership, as well as the unique cultural struggles priests face these days. Parishes are living entities with ever-changing needs and difficulties that require nuance and real-time solutions. Priests are spread thin and on the edge of burnout. We even know some who have left.
Still, I have a tremendous amount of hope and love for this archdiocese. My kids and I were invited to Mass and lunch at the seminary not too long ago and were struck by the sincerity, kindness, and large number of seminarians — some I knew as middle schoolers! I take this as a sign that we are listening to the Holy Spirit and following the call of God to discern.
And as we discern, if you know of a young man who might make a good, holy and happy priest, please consider participating in the Archdiocese’s Called By Name campaign and fill out the form. This is just one of the ways we can participate together to help discern the future of our archdiocese.
No matter how well we try to discern, though, discernment doesn’t mean that we don’t make mistakes. Discernment also doesn’t mean we should overspiritualize our problems, put priests on pedestals or ignore sound advice. It should be a process rooted in prayer and human formation that accounts for our weaknesses and leans on grace. Since grace builds upon nature, we could all use more human formation rooted in virtue and practical wisdom.
Priests, in their humanity, have wounded people. And parishioners, in their humanity, have hurt their priests. The Church is holy, the office of the priesthood is holy, but we as individuals have work to do to mend those bridges.
I’m reminded of Jesus’ prayer for the Church during the Last Supper that we would all be one (John 17:20). Easter can be a fruitful season of grace and unity, for priests and laity to work together through our unique vocations to create a compelling witness to the power of Christ.
Recently, staring at a stained-glass window in a Cathedral, I contemplated all the intricate parts: the various colors, shapes and sizes that complete the picture. The sun shines through each unique piece, and yet the beauty dazzles because all the pieces work in unison to create the whole. If every priest and lay person is using their unique gifts and strengths to build up the body of Christ, to shine forth God’s love to others and to work through our differences, we will be a radiant image of the Church.
A Word to Our Priests
I exhort you, dear priests, to know your flock! Take time to understand the history, the charism and the needs of your people. You do not have to be present at every event, but at least be present at some. Even if you have personal preferences, sometimes you have to be stretched. Even if some changes are warranted, please go slow and explain, explain, explain! You cannot communicate new changes enough, and understanding goes a long way. Surround yourself with a team of trusted people who will help you implement what you believe God is calling you to. You do not have to be perfect, but at least be humble. The most effective leadership is servant leadership.
A Word to Our Faithful
Parishioners, pray for your priests! Speak words of encouragement and affirmation for the good work you see in them. When difficult conversations are necessary, approach them with humility and the realistic expectation that change takes time and that more conversations may be needed. Do not be overly critical; instead, see where your pastor is coming from with their strengths and weaknesses. Priests are human, too. They need the same things we do, so find ways to help fill the gaps. Most importantly, prayer changes hearts — ours as well as our shepherds’.
A Word from Our Shepherd
In his first Denver Catholic column, Archbishop Golka wrote: “When you’re fascinated by someone, especially Our Lord, you want to know more about them. You cannot help but fall in love with them. When you fall in love with Jesus, you want to spend your entire life for him.”
If we are united in falling in love with Jesus, our parishes will do great things. The path of unity starts with prayer. May the grace of the Easter season renew our partnership and humble service of one another.
