A friend of mine is going to be ordained a priest next month. This is exciting news because we weren't quite sure when it was going to happen. We thought we knew, back before there was a state shut down and our country was stopped in its tracks by Covid-19; it was originally supposed to be this month.
Had life gone on as usual, he probably would be a priest right now but that was not how things played out. He missed out on all of the traditional events held for students wrapping up their studies at the seminary - they were all cancelled. Not to be rescheduled.
I got the ordination news via text. There has been a delay in any concrete information as to when his ordination would take place. He is originally from an area that was particularly hard hit by the coronavirus and things are just starting to open up in his hometown. I had just spoken with him a few days prior and there was nothing to report on the big event. He and his family has been eagerly awaiting news so they could begin planning the next new chapter of their lives.
You may have noticed I mentioned his family. He is married and has two children under six. (Byzantine Catholic priests are now allowed to be married as long as they do so before they are ordained.) All the time he has been going to school here in Pittsburgh, he has been juggling his studies along with his husband/father roles.
I know how hard it is to manage all of the above. When I went back to school to get my meteorology certification, I was married, working part-time, had a one-year-old and was living out of state. By the time I graduated from the three-year online program, I was expecting my second child the following month. I know how hard it is to go back to school as an adult and I have sincere admiration for those who take on the task.
As a child, my family did not have any "priest" friends. We did not have our pastor over for dinner and my mom did not call him on the phone and have long chats. As I became more involved at my current parish, I have had the honor to befriend some really good people who have chosen the most selfless vocation there is - a shepherd to the sheep, helping administer to those on a journey of faith. These people are only human, people like you and me, who just happen to have answered a heavenly call.
It has been enlightening, from where I'm sitting, to have had this experience with this particular friend. I have befriended seminarians in the past but this is different. This has been the experience of getting to know this man and his family with the understanding that what is about to happen will forever change the course of their lives. Knowing they will soon move away and he will eventually have his own parish to oversee and it will take the love and support of his family and friends to help him deal with the highs and lows of leading a congregation.
It has been a tough time for Catholics over the years. Scandal after scandal has rocked the faithful to their core - some to the point of losing their faith. It makes one wonder why someone would even consider stepping in to a seat that is already hot. But, as is the case for any profession, there are good people and bad people. Luckily, there are still individuals not afraid to put themselves out there as stewards to a wounded flock - stewards hoping to lead by example and do what they can to help the faithful stay the course.
My friend is one of the good people and has been there for me whenever I needed help with our church's Sunday school program - willing to help at a moment's notice. Willing to talk when a listening ear was needed. Willing to help me at times my faith was wavering; speaking with the understanding he doesn't have all the answers. He knows there may not always be a black and white solution to the problems we face but if we address them prayerfully and with an open heart our faith will see us through.
I have been honored to have been part of this man's journey. I have been blessed to get to know his supportive wife, who also made every effort to assist our congregation where needed, and their adorable children. It is sad to see them go but I know they will be embraced with loving arms by the next group of faithful who will be graced with their presence.
Due to the social restrictions in place, my family is not able to be present for the upcoming ordination service, but the event will be streamed online. There is nothing that has strengthened my faith more than to have this family in my life - to see them live out their calling in such a patient and loving way. I know the goal of faithfulness is attainable when our church is infused with special people whose calling goes beyond their own home and their purpose transcends an Earthly explanation.
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