Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     A good number of people have commented that they have enjoyed and appreciated reading about our “What It Takes to Run a Parish” series that we have been publishing over the past few months.  This series will wrap up by the end of summer.
     As part of this series, I offered a glimpse into some of my responsibilities and daily activities as Pastor, and a few folks have commented to me that they really have no idea what a priest does on a day in, day out basis; rather, that many people still think that a priest primarily works on Saturdays and Sundays, and that celebrating Masses takes up most of his time.
     Next Saturday, four men are anticipated being ordained as priests in the Diocese of Pittsburgh by Bishop David Zubik.  One of these men is our very own Butler Catholic School, and Saint Joseph High School graduate John Ferguson, who is currently at “transitional deacon,” meaning that during this past year (as a deacon) he has been further preparing to transition into the priesthood.
     What awaits him post-ordination only God knows.  Just like anyone who enters a vocational commitment, saying “yes” to the great unknowns and mysteries of life that lie ahead takes great faith and courage.  There will be days when he may wonder what life would be like if he had taken another path; and days when he will be fulfilled beyond imagination.  He will serve and meet people that, up until that point in time, their paths never crossed, and never would cross if not for his priesthood; and cross paths with people from his past in circumstances and situations that are impossible for him to predict.
     The key is that he, and all of us who discern a vocation, regardless of the vocation, is that we strive always, every day, to fulfill what we think and believe is God’s will for us, and we do so until our hearts stop beating.
     In the words of the Trappist monk, Father Thomas Merton:  “The fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.  But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.  And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.  I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.  And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road.”
     I pray for you daily, and may we all pray for John Ferguson in a special way this coming week!
 

Gratefully,  



 Rev. Kevin C. Fazio