God often calls us in mysterious ways to do his work

For the past 11 years, I have been writing this weekly column for Christians of various backgrounds. Even some of my Jewish friends tell me they enjoy reading “What a Life!” I have tried to avoid theological doctrines that are particular to the Catholic Church.

I have been a Catholic priest for 46 years and have never written an article about my calling from God. I would like to share that with you now. I am sure those of you who are not Catholic can make the connection with your own religious background.

I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans at St. Louis Cathedral on Dec. 21, 1963. However, my entire 46 years of priesthood have been spent in what is now the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

People often ask me how did I know God was calling me. Well, sometimes God calls us in mysterious ways. After eighth grade I went to a summer camp at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington. It was the first time I had any contact with the Benedictine monks. They live a community life of prayer and work. Being from a large family that appealed to me. So, I entered the seminary in high school.

In college the new director of the seminary called me into his office and challenged me: “Did I really want to be a monk?” I responded, “Yes, I do.” Well, he asked me to pray about this. I did and came to the conclusion that God was calling me to be a diocesan priest who would work with people in a parish setting.

The priesthood itself has changed in the last 46 years. Father Peter Sammon, a pastor from San Francisco, recently talked about the changes he experienced. “Priesthood is far more demanding today. Past roles of administrator, principal decision maker, a person of special status in the community, have changed. The priest is more often called to be an enabler, a facilitator, an inspirator of the people. The priest’s challenge is to call forth the gifts of the lay community and train them in leadership. The priest today, to be effective, must be able to work in a truly collegial fashion. His ability to relate to others – laity, women, religious sisters, and so on – is key.”

One image of the priesthood that I like is that of the orchestral conductor. Everyone in the orchestra has a part to play and the conductor must keep all the musicians playing the correct parts at the right time. Holy Orders, the sacrament that a priest receives when he is ordained, suggests this role. We are to provide the necessary order in the church so that the people of God can carry out the mission of Christ.

The role of a priest is never boring – busy but never boring. People come to us for healing in one form or another. What most people want is someone who will listen to them and affirm their goodness. Before I retired, I used to spend many hours organizing God’s people to take on the various ministries in the church of proclaiming God’s kingdom. The priest must educate and encourage the laity to carry out this mission.

I would like to encourage you or someone you know to consider dedicating themselves to the service of the Lord as a priest, deacon, minister or a religious brother or sister. You will find it a most satisfying life. Pray that more people will say “yes” to God’s call.

God is calling all of us to be holy and live out our baptismal commission. Many have already responded and embraced our vocation. God wants us to renew the world. What will your answer be?