Dear priests,
Let’s just cut to the chase…
You do A LOT for us. Probably more than you know. But, there is something that we aren’t sure if you know…and that is how THANKFUL we are for everything that you all do! So, as a token of our appreciation, we have a little something for you.
This is what the community of millennial lay Catholics think of you, and we will never be able to say “thank you” enough. We’re a group of young Catholics, on a pilgrimage to God’s kingdom and WE. NEED. YOU.
Thank you for your “yes”.
Pictured above: Christina S, Abraham C with fellow Seminarians from the Diocese of Culican, Mexico
Whether you are a newly ordained priest or have been a priest for decades, we are incredibly grateful for you and everything that you do.
Pictured above: Ben and Kate H, Jullian M
You bring peace to those who are filled with worry and anxiety, healing to those who are spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically sick, and comfort to those who feel alone and abandon. You prepare couples for marriage, you preach the Gospel, and, because of you, we can watch bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ and are then able to consume the Holy Eucharist.
Pictured above: Emily H, Zyanya B
You cleanse us of original sin, confirm us in the faith, and guide us in all of our Sacraments. There are so many other things you do to help us grow in ways that we wish you knew. We have so much gratitude for what you do. Through the sacraments, humor, and even just being a friend, you bring us to Jesus. You spend your lives doing this. You live lives that are about Jesus and bringing people to Him.
Pictured above: Michael L, Niece of Michael L
You juggle so many things at once, putting so many things before yourselves, and many times, doing so on little or no sleep.
Pictured above: Lexie M with Brandon G, and Patrick W.
You’ve spent countless hours listening to confessions. You answer our questions. You brighten our days. You have a job that you don’t get thanked enough for. Maybe you became a priest knowing you wouldn’t get thanked enough. But you chose it anyway.
Pictured above: Caroline Q, Malaysia, Kim-Therese L, Malaysia
You help to open our hearts and our minds. You encourage us to be better because you know we can be better.
You live lives dedicated to loving, knowing, and serving God, and leading people to God.
You are truly fathers to so many children of the faith.
Pictured above: Shannon O, Victoria B
You listen to us with love and not with judgment. You take emergency calls even when your body needs to rest. You comfort us when tears are streaming down our faces. You are also the people whom we love to make memories with because of the joy you bring to us!
Pictured above: Caroline V, Alex O
You take the time to get to know us, to form genuine friendships with us, and because you do that you can better help us on our journeys.
We see Jesus working in you, without a doubt.
Pictured above: Kosi N, Mel M
And for this, we thank you. Thank you for your kindness, mercy, love, humor, charity, and for being men who truly put God first in life. Thank you for praying for us and with us.
Please know that we are praying for you too.
Pictured above: Luke N, Claudia C
Thank you for saying “yes” to God’s call to the priesthood. Because of it, we know Jesus.
We know Jesus because of your gift.
So, to all priests, young and old, recently ordained or retired, thank you.
Pictured above: Rachael C, Frances B
God bless each and every one of you.
With much love,
More Resources For Millennial Catholics
What Is Happening To Science-Minded Millennials In Nebraska?
https://catholic-link.org/26-catholic-books-you-should-be-reading/
https://catholic-link.org/want-to-request-a-mass-heres-how/
What One Priest Told Me About The Mass That Still Gives Me Goosebumps
Image: https://www.cathopic.com