"I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me." St. John, 10:14.
Some may recall the terrible tragedy of Texas City, Texas, in April of 1947. A series of terrific explosions killed hundreds, wounded thousands, and left the town a shambles.
As in every tragedy, there were bright lights of heroism in the blast and fire of Texas City. Among the heroes was a 38-year old priest, the Rev. William Roach, who gave his life April 16, 1947, in trying to reach those injured in the first blast and administer the last sacraments.
Disregarding the warning of watchmen, the priest made his way to the docks where the injured were lying. He was fatally injured in the second explosion. His parked car was found fifty feet from the water. He died several hours later in a hospital.
This incident highlights one of the serious duties of priests, namely, to give the last sacraments to the dying, even in danger of death. It also leads me to discuss the other duties of the parish priest. Usually we tell you good people what you are supposed to do. Today I want to tell you what we priests must do. It is part of our discussion of the Fourth Commandment. Honor and reverence are due to priests because of their high calling, and because of their serious responsibilities. Truly your priest is a good shepherd.
We should mention first the duties of the chief priest of the diocese, the bishop. He has the grave obligation of attending to the instruction of his entire flock. He must say Mass for the people of his diocese, make a diocesan report, confirm and ordain worthy candidates, visit the parishes, and make a periodic visit and report to Rome.
The parish priest must reside in his parish, and, when absent, make provision for sick calls and other spiritual needs of his flock.
He must preach the word of God on Sundays and holy days. Accordingly, you understand we must preach, even if we did not want to. This is a serious responsibility because most of our people read or hear nothing about religion from one Sunday to the next.
The parish priest must give catechism instruction to old and young, especially to the children, and to those who inquire about the Church, or who wish to become members of the Church. Many hours of explanation are needed to prepare a convert to the true fold.
Another important work or the priest is offering Mass for the people of his parish. On every Sunday of the year and on 35 other days, your pastor offers his Mass solely and entirely for you members of the parish. Too many are not familiar with this blessing which the priest brings to his people. Think of it, 87 times a year at least your pastor offers up the eternal sacrifice just for you.
He is also bound to administer the sacraments, especially Baptism, Confession and Extreme Unction [Anointing of the Sick] to those who are in grave spiritual need. Since he has the obligation to give these sacraments, he is also bound to remind people that they need them. When parents needlessly postpone the Baptism of a child, the pastor must remind them of their obligation. The same holds for Confession and Extreme Unction [Anointing of the Sick].
His duty is so serious with regard to the last sacraments that, if there is danger that the sick or injured person may be eternally lost without those sacraments, the priest must give them even at the risk of his life. That is exactly what the heroic priest did at Texas City. He no doubt felt that some of the injured would be eternally lost if they did not receive Extreme Unction [Anointing of the Sick]. He gave his life to help them.
There is your shepherd laying down his life for his sheep. Don't make his duty more difficult by careless postponement of your spiritual duties.
A priest must also know his flock. "I know mine and mine know me." He must visit the sick and dying, correct abuses and see that church functions are carried out. The parish school takes a great deal of a pastor's time and attention.
The parish priest is responsible for the property of the parish, the buildings, the equipment and their upkeep. Repair, painting, and decoration are unending, to say nothing of the planning and construction of new buildings.
A further tedious duty of the parish priest is to keep records and make reports. He must record every Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, wedding and funeral. For every marriage he must fill out questionnaires and often carry on a heavy correspondence. Regularly he must report to the bishop on the spiritual, physical and financial condition of his parish.
Another serious duty is to those outside the fold. "Other sheep I have that are not of this fold. Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." Your priest is responsible for every soul, non-Catholic as well as Catholic, within the limits of his parish.
Occasionally one hears the ignorant remark: "Priests have nothing to do."
What a stupid statement!
Those who make such silly remarks betray their ignorance of the life and work of the priest. Just his ordinary, routine duties take several hours a day, to say nothing of the many calls upon the time and energy and advice of the shepherd of souls in the average Catholic parish.
This talk is not in praise of the priesthood, nor is it an attempt to secure sympathy for those who serve your spiritual needs. My intention is simply to tell you the spiritual duties of your shepherd, your priest.
He does want to be a good shepherd. He wants to give his time and his talent and his training and his energies to the salvation of your soul. He wants to give all, even life itself, to serve you.
Pray that your priest may fulfill his heavenly duties to the best of his ability. And pray that all the sheep may follow his guidance. Amen,
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Adapted from Talks on the Commandments
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (© 1948)
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