A Year for Priest begins

Pope Benedict XVI has declared the Church will observe a year for priests from June 19, 2009. to June 19, 2010.

The purpose of the jubilee year, the pontiff said in a March 16 speech, is simple, yet challenging: “To encourage priests in this striving for spiritual perfection on which, above all, the effectiveness of their ministry depends.”

“Striving for spiritual perfection.” Especially today, when the Church is facing a priestly shortage and priests must take on additional duties beyond ministering to their flocks, all Catholics must hold up their priests and those who are discerning the call to the priesthood in prayer and support the vital work they do. After all, as Pope Benedict pointed out, without the ministerial priesthood, “there would be neither the Eucharist, nor even the mission nor the Church herself.”

And while praying for our priests, including bishops and the pope himself, the lay faithful should remember that they are all called to participate with ordained leaders in joining themselves in the sacrifice of Christ, and that they, too, should embark on the quest for spiritual perfection.

How should you celebrate?

• Pray for priests»
• Priest Year Blog»
• Support vocations to the priesthood and Religious life»
• Receive a plenary indulgence for Year of Priests»
• Read about the vital role of priests in the life of the Church»
• Learn about priests who shaped our Church and the world»
• Study the life of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, who will be named patron saint of the world’s priests during the jubilee year»
• Discover 5 ways to help your parish priest (PDF download)»
• Invite your priest to dinner to thank him for all he has done for you and your family!

Helping you celebrate this jubilee year is what this section of our website was designed to do. Check back often for new links and features.