There are so many wonderful priests throughout the world coming up with innovative ways to share the Gospel. They are serving the poor, standing for life, evangelizing through social media, and much more.
We are proud to share the stories here that you might not be hearing about in the local news. Help us spread the word about the many priests who are doing good works for the Kingdom of God.
11 Priests Who Creatively Bring Christ to Others
11 Priests Doing Extraordinary Things
All priests work hard to serve God and His people, but these 10 priests are involved in some truly innovative ministries. This is by no means an exhaustive list! We want to add many more to it. Please, let us know about more priests doing great things for the Kingdom.
Fr. Andrew
Fr. Andrew noticed both a need in his community and an underused large parish hall. His creativity led him to start a crowdfunding project that enabled him to establish the ministry SAFE. According to the website, SAFE serves a three-fold purpose, “Three major projects have been developed within SAFE; the Ambition Music Project bringing young people together from all backgrounds including those hardest to reach in a creative and stimulating environment; a Community Café ran in partnership with Loreto College and their Pathway’s Department, offering students with special educational needs the opportunity to gain work experience and life skills whilst creating a social hub for the wider SAFE Gorton Project; and the Community Garden providing a place of peace and productivity for all members of the community.”
Find out more by clicking the links in the quote!
Fr. Gregory Boyle
Fr. Boyle began Homeboy Industries in 1988 after noticing a need to help youth involved in gang violence. He was led to establish an elementary school, daycare, and a way for youth to find employment. In 1992, he started the Homeboy Bakery. According to the website, “The mission of Homeboys’s model of social enterprises, to create an environment that provides training, work experience, and above all, the opportunity for rival gang members to work side by side.” Each month they serve over 1000 former gang members and recently incarcerated people from the Los Angeles, CA area. They do offer nationwide shipping, so check out the website and order some food!! http://www.homeboyindustries.org/
Rev. Francis J. Hoffman “Fr. Rocky”
Fr. Hoffman, known better as Fr. Rocky, is the executive director of Relevant Radio (there’s an app for that!). He is an author, speaker, and co-host of the radio show “Go Ask Your Father”. There is something about Fr. Rocky that resonates with people. He ministers to over 2.5 million people through his Facebook page alone. More info here: http://www.relevantradio.com/programs/go-ask-your-father
Fr. Michael Gaitley
Fr. Gaitley is the author of several books that are changing people’s lives by introducing them to the heart of Jesus, a consecration to Mary, and Divine Mercy. He writes in a away that is both easy to understand and up-lifting. These books are a sort of do-it-yourself retreat that can be done in your home. You can find his books at: https://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/speaker/fr-michael-gaitley
Fr. Jonathon Morris
Fr. Morris is a Campus Minister at Columbia University and director of programming for SiriusXM’s “The Catholic Channel”, but is best known for staying true to his belief’s and the belief’s of the Catholic Church as an analyst for Fox News. Find out more about him at: http://fatherjonathan.com/
Fr. Leo Patalinghug
Fr. Leo Patalinghug has a passion to evangelize through cooking. He began the web series Grace Before Meals which encourages families to eat dinner together around the table in order to strengthen relationships. Not only is he a well known chef, but he has been both a martial arts teacher and former break dancing choreographer. It’s inspiring to see how his unique talents have been used to minister to others. Fr. Patalinghug also has a show on EWTN called Savoring Our Faith. You can find his web series (and recipes!) here: http://gracebeforemeals.com/
Fr. Frank Pavone
Fr. Pavone is the National Director of Priests for Life, Missionaries of the Gospel of Life, President of National Pro-life Religious Council, and Pastoral Director of Rachel’s Vineyard. He travels around the United States speaking up for the unborn. Find out more about his work here: http://www.priestsforlife.org/frpavonebio.aspx
Fr. Dave Pivonka
Fr. Pivonka along with 4pm Media have put together a free series of 14 videos available at http://thewildgooseisloose.com to help people grow in their understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit. The work put into this series has the power to transform lives.
Fr. Larry Richards
Fr. Larry Richards is the founder of The Reason for Our Hope Foundation. This ministry exists to evangelize through multimedia. They will reach over 15 million people this year with the message of the Gospel. Find out more: http://thereasonforourhope.org
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Fr. Mike Schmitz is the chaplain for Newman group at the University of Minnesota Duluth as well as the Director of the Office of Youth Ministries for the diocese. As part of his ministry with Ascension Press, he releases short Youtube videos on practical subjects from tips on prayer to getting enough sleep. You can find the videos on Ascension Presents Youtube Channel:
Fr. Bob Stec
Fr. Bob Stec is the Pastor of a church near Cleveland, Ohio as well as a leader for a mission community in the Dominican Republic. He is also the co-ordinator of The Fest – a Catholic festival with Christian music, family activities, speakers, Confession, Adoration, a Vocations tent, and an outdoor Mass that happens every August. There is no charge to attend. The Fest began small in the year 2000, but now draws in over 40,000 people each year. It is definitely a powerful way to evangelize and promote vocations. Learn more about The Fest here: http://www.thefest.us/
Though this list is a good start, we know there are many more amazing stories of priests who are out there serving God’s people with zeal and passion. We want to add to this list! Please share your story of a priest who is making a difference in the comments.
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