January 25, 2019

Year for Vocations: Father Brian McGrath

REGIONAL

During this Year for Vocations in the Springfield Diocese, Catholic Communications has invited seminarians and priests, both active and retired, to participate in a “mini-survey” by submitting answers to three questions. Their answers will be posted in The Catholic Mirror, on iobserve.org and the Catholic Communications Facebook page, and in the Parish Packet for use in parish bulletins.

Here are the responses from Father Brian McGrath, pastor of St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lee:

What gives you the most joy as a priest?

I still get tremendous joy each and every time I celebrate Mass. It is such an honor and such a profound mystery. Even when I am sad or tired or beat-up, God’s joy comes through his sacrament. Another great area of joy is in my school. Sure, there are extra meetings and the constant concern about something. But to be around our youth, to see their enthusiasm and wonder, to know we are providing a great service of education and formation … I am so blessed to be part of a parish with a school!

What do you find most inspiring about the Catholic faith?

That God came to us! He knows us inside and out. He sees our struggles and wants. And he comes to us!

What gives you hope for the future of vocations in the Catholic Church?

God calls. I know I ran from a vocation for years, but God still got through to me. I cannot express the happiness and blessing it is to be a priest. I believe He is calling others.