Prayers make better presents for priests than most items, say some

COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNS) -- How many rosaries, crucifixes and Bibles does a priest receive for Christmas? Answer: enough to open a Catholic book and gift shop.

Parish secretaries, administrators and family members of priests all agree -- priests do not need any more sacramentals as gifts.

Indeed, Catholic priests top many shoppers' "hard-to-buy-for" lists.

For many priests, prayers from the faithful are the only gifts they need.

Personal items, such as shaving and grooming items, are always welcome, and even a gift certificate for a car wash is a good idea, said Carolyn Smith, parish administrator at Immaculate Conception in Columbus...

Another favorite is giving a donation in a priest's name to a favorite charity or a parish's building fund.

But the best gift of all is to pray for vocations to the priesthood, said Amy Rohyas, office administrator at Our Lady Lourdes Parish in Marysville. "Our priests are exhausted," she said. "We really need more priests."

We should really be praying every day for our priests and for vocations. And don't forget or neglect your parish priest(s) this Christmas or your bishop...at least every priest that I know enjoys good food, home-made cookies, etc. I have yet to find a priest that did not like to eat. Invite them to your home for dinner sometime. He is, after all, a spiritual father for us. Make sure he is welcomed inro your home and family.