September 24, 2025

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

The Priest Appreciation Issue: Several years ago, when I was still a pastor, I was given a plaque. I would like to send one of these to each of our priests. It read, “To our pastor – in infinite wisdom, the Lord surely knew that we would need a pastor as faithful as you. A love of God’s word and a heart for his flock, you give of yourself, and you stand on the rock. We appreciate you.”

I was impressed when I received this. However, I did know that the Lord Jesus had always been there to be my support. Jesus constantly guided me. Jesus was always showing me the way to be a good priest. So, I did feel rather humble for such an honor. I also realized that I constantly had the support of the people of the parish. They helped me to understand all that God expected of me.

This year, I want to offer my appreciation to all the priests – all the pastors – of my Diocese of Ogdensburg. I know well that they are dedicated with God’s help to lead their parishes with love. They are dedicated to our Catholic Church and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They bring Jesus to their people in so many great ways. So, I want you to know how very impressed I am with our priests and their ministry to the people of the North Country.

I also want to use this opportunity to offer my appreciation and gratitude to our bishop, Bishop Terry LaValley. With faith and wisdom, Bishop LaValley has led our diocese over these several years. Bishop LaValley demonstrates his love and dedication to our God as he travels around our diocese. Bishop LaValley, we appreciate you.

I want to encourage you to join me in praying for our priests, praying for our bishop. In addition, please pray for our seminarians as they prepare to take their place among the priests of our diocese. And we must pray for an increase in the number of priests for the Diocese of Ogdensburg. We need these priests to minister of all the people of the North Country, to bring Jesus to the people of our parishes, especially in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Each year, as I pray about the appreciation of our priests, I think of my priest friends who are now with the Lord. I have been blessed in such a wonderful way with so many of these priests, my friends, now truly saints with God. They have guided me. They support me even now; they are always with me. I pray to them and ask them to continue to walk with me. I am confident that they will.

Please join me as we pray for our priests and our bishop: O God, who made your Only Begotten Son the eternal High Priest, grant that those he has chosen as ministers and stewards of our mysteries may be found faithful in carrying out the ministry they have received. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.