September 25, 2024

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

Priest’s Appreciation Issue – today I am going to join in this issue’s theme. So, I begin by offering to God my appreciation for our bishop and all the priests of our diocese, the Diocese of Ogdensburg. These wonderful priests of our diocese have been a part of my ministry all my years and have been an important part of all that I do as a priest. I truly appreciate them all, faith-filled priests with whom I continue to associate even in retirement. They have brought real joy to my priesthood. They are truly my brothers.

So, let me begin today by expressing to God my appreciation for our bishop, Bishop Terry LaValley. I have gotten to know Bishop LaValley rather well. He grew up here in the North Country. He was ordained a priest for our diocese, and he was chosen to our bishop. I have had the opportunity of working with him as a priest, and he has continued to be a fine leader for our diocese. I must say that I continue to be impressed with how well Bishop LaValley has led the people and priests of our diocese.

Next, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for all those priests of our diocese who now have gone to the Lord. I remember well so many of them and all the good things they accomplished as priests and pastors. I truly thank God for their presence in my life.

One story here: I remember one special priest, a friend and counselor who is now with the Lord. He was also a skiing companion. I always appreciated his help, his ideas, his guidance, and I remember well how much I learned from him, usually while riding up the ski chair lift.

Next, I want to offer my appreciation to God for the active priests and pastors of the parishes in our diocese now. I am totally impressed with how many of them have taken on the responsibility and challenges of multiple parishes – two or three or even more. These pastors are accomplishing so much – so many great things. So, I do appreciate them all. God is using them in such a special way.

We need more, so I know that you will join me in praying for an increase in vocations and for more good priests dedicated to the Lord. I am confident God will send them. So, today, I will offer to God my appreciation for the priests of the future and pray that God will send them soon. The Catholic Church needs them.

Next, I want to send my appreciation to God for the presence and the priestly ministry of the many international priests, ministering in our diocese. These priests from other lands bring a strong faith and message in their ministry and love of God. These priests are a gift to our diocese; they are dedicated to bringing the people o our diocese of Jesus.

I truly like this effort to recognize our bishop and priests, and our appreciation to God for them all. I know that I have benefited so much by the times when people expressed their appreciation for me as a pastor. So, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to express your appreciation to your pastor. It does make a difference. This expression helps your pastor to recognize that there are many who walk with him and join in making the parish a holy and dedicated people, people who want to make the parish a community united in love. Promise your prayers and sacrifices to the priests who are an important part of your life.