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Priesthood Sunday

The board of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils (NFPC) has designated Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003, as “Priesthood Sunday,” a day for Catholics to honor the contributions of their parish priests.

In its resolution, the NFPC board calls on Catholics all over America to celebrate the gifts of priesthood in service to the parish community. Leaders and staff of the 19,000 United States parishes are asked to take leadership for putting together the celebration, while the NFPC provides promotional materials and assistance.

“This event is our way of emphasizing the Church’s love for the priesthood and makes the point that the vast majority of priests are held in high esteem and respected by their parishioners, even in the wake of the recent sex abuse scandals,” said Rev. Robert J. Silva, NFPC president. He noted that less than two percent of America’s 44,000 parish priests have been implicated in any way with the scandal.

According to Silva, the whole purpose of the event is to give Catholics an opportunity to affirm the priesthood in the Church and to “express support for the honorable and dedicated priests who baptize, marry and care for their flocks in both good and bad times.”

The NFPC has developed materials that parishes can use in coordinating both liturgical and social celebrations. Parishes can download these materials at www.priestsunday.org.

The National Federation of Priests’ Councils will mark its 35th anniversary in 2003. The organization was founded in 1968 to support the call of Vatican II for greater collaboration between bishops and priests.

Priest Sunday FAQ

1. What is "Priesthood Sunday?"

Priesthood Sunday, October 26, 2003, is a special day set to honor Priesthood in the United States. It is a call for parishioners to honor Christ as Priest and the men who are called to be his priests on earth.

2. Why October 26?

The readings for this 30th Sunday in Ordinary time call our attention to the priesthood ("You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek" and the story of Christ, as Master, healing the blind man).

3. Who is sponsoring "Priesthood Sunday?"

The board of the National Federation of Priests' Councils, the major national voice of priests in the U.S., first declared Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003, Priesthood Sunday and called on churches all over America "to celebrate the gifts of priesthood in service to the Catholic community." A wide array of national lay organizations (including the USA Council of Serra International) and leaders are co-sponsoring the event.

4. Why have a "Priesthood Sunday?"

Our first reason for proposing a Priesthood Sunday is to affirm the priesthood in the life of the Church. Because there are fewer priests, people see less and less of them. Young people are not offered the opportunity to get to know priests. The explosion of lay ministers in pastoral ministry has lessened the visibility of the priest in the community. The role of the priest has shifted since Vatican II, causing some confusion about the place of the priest in the life of the Church. Our proposal seeks to reaffirm the priesthood of Jesus Christ and its central place in the life of the Church.

Second, in the wake of the clergy sex abuse scandal, there has been concern that all priests have been tainted by the actions of a few. Some organizations and parishes have attempted to counteract this negativity. “Priesthood Sunday” sends a message to Catholics and non-Catholics everywhere that the parish priest, as the instrument of Christ’s priesthood on earth, should be loved and respected by those in the parish community.

5. What will take place?

The lay faithful of each parish, school or other ministry are asked to develop their own special way of marking the day and honoring both the priesthood and their own priests. Special liturgies, celebrations and dialogue between priests and lay people are encouraged.

6. Is this just a one-day event to pat priests on the back?

Priesthood Sunday is a special day for liturgy and celebration. But there's a third part to it as well – dialogue. Priesthood Sunday will offer an opportunity for priests and their parishioners to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and build a stronger working relationship for the future. Priest and parish can use this day to honestly look at the challenges of the future and how they can work together in the parish to be "church together."

7. Can we get help in planning for this special day?

A special website has been established (www.priestsunday.org) to provide ideas for liturgies, social celebrations, preaching, school activities and other events. In some dioceses there will be special Catholic newspaper sections devoted to honoring priests. A mailing will be sent at the end of August to every parish in the United States and to members of sponsoring organizations.

8. What can I do?

If you are an active Catholic, a member of the parish staff or a lay minister/leader, call some friends and organize a group to spearhead the celebration. Work with your parish liturgy director. Go to the website for some ideas, then plan your own way of honoring the priest(s) of your parish.

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