April 18, 2020

‘Uplift Your Priest’ campaign April 20-May 1 to support clergy during pandemic

REGIONAL
By Rebecca Drake

 

HOUSTON – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, priests are being called into great heroic action by offering the sacraments to the sick and dying, finding creative ways to serve parishioners, and maintaining empty parishes with limited staff support.

In response, Houston-based Vocation Ministry is set to launch the first-ever nationwide “Uplift Your Priest” campaign from April 20 through May 1. The campaign is designed to inspire the laity to support and encourage their priests who are now on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and to let clergy know that their people recognize their current sacrifices.

Since its founding in 2015, Vocation Ministry has become a driving force for promoting vocations in North America. Through their hands-on Hundredfold Workshops, Vocation Ministry focuses on establishing and sustaining parish-based vocation ministries to create a vocation-friendly environment that inspires adults and children to consider a supernatural call to the priesthood, consecrated life, or to sacramental marriage.

“Our priests are in a vulnerable position like never before,” said Rhonda Gruenewald, founder of Vocation Ministry, an international organization whose mission is to equip dioceses and parishes to promote vocations. “They need to know that we are behind them. They need to be ‘uplifted!”

The “Uplift Your Priest” campaign will use social media and resources available in both English and Spanish on www.vocationmininstry.com to promote a variety of ways the laity can “uplift” priests over the next two weeks. Ideas include offering a spiritual bouquet; drop off or have lunch/dinner delivered; text/email/write a note of encouragement; challenge three families/individuals to pray a rosary for their priest; or deliver protective gear or cleaning supplies to the rectory.

“The possibilities are endless,” stated Gruenewald. “We hope by offering concrete and practical ideas that we can mobilize Catholics everywhere to uplift their priests and be a source of encouragement during this stressful time.”

A Springfield priest urges support

The priests of the Springfield Diocese, like those throughout the nation and the world, are struggling to serve parishioners who can no longer attend Masses or receive the sacraments that have been so vital to their spiritual sustenance.

Father Christopher Malatesta, dean of the Berkshire Deanery and pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Dalton, shared some of the issues local priests are encountering and how parishioners can help support their pastors during this stressful time.

“This is an unprecedented time in history and many are now feeling what our priests encounter on a daily basis. But the pandemic puts even extra pressures on our priests, who have to find creative ways to minister to their people,” said Father Malatesta in an email message to iObserve. “Since ministry is so often done on a one-to-one basis or large experience at Mass, it takes some creativity to meet their needs. 

“Many would argue that living alone in a rectory can be isolating and, because of that, a priest needs a good support system around himself to remain healthy. During the pandemic, this becomes increasingly worrisome,” he continued. “As dean of Berkshire County, Msgr. Mike (Shershanovich, vicar of Berkshire Deanery) and I have been having a weekly video conference with our priests as a way of checking in with them and making sure they are okay.”

Regarding parishioners’ support of their priests, Father Malatesta says, “People have to pray for their priests. The pandemic is not their fault. The fact the churches are closed for social distancing is not their fault.

“Being on the frontline often puts you into the receiving end of complaints that come our way. People that don’t agree with the degree in which the social distancing has been enforced often lash out at the one in front of them,” he said, and reiterated, “Pray for your priest. Send him a note and let him know he is appreciated during this difficult time.”

On the practical side, Father Malatesta noted, “Another stress is the operating budget. Many are struggling. Businesses are closed, employees are out of work, and so many other variables make it difficult for so many. 

“Those in the position to do so are encouraged to use online giving or mail their offertory into the parish,” he said. “Meeting parish obligations and keeping the ‘lights on’ is one more step to allow everyone to sleep better at night.”

“Uplift Your Priest” begins Monday, April 20 and will continue through Friday, May 1. Vocation Ministry will be circulating ideas and resources through Facebook, Instagram, and through the resource page found on their website www.vocationministry.com.

For more information and a complete press kit, visit www.vocationministry.com/get-in-touch/uplift-your-priest/.