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Dear Friend,
Welcome to our website!
We are into a new year, and it promises to be a great one, but I don't know if any year can could be an improvement over last year. We all at St Paul's remember how great the Jubilee Year in honor of St Paul was. What a great blessing to the world, our Church, and this special parish on the hill, overlooking historic Ellicott City. This year of 2009-2010 has been dedicated as the "Year For Priests". I joked recently that if next year is called the year of St Matthew, I will be three for three in special years! I think this Year for priests should be focused on three things:
- Raising awareness about the wonderful vocation to be a priest. We need more priests, and it is a fantastic way of life. It is one of challenge and sacrifice, but I am convinced that there is nothing in this world more rewarding than loving sacrifice! While you visit our parish website, won't you take the time to visit our Year for Priest page and pray for more vocations.
- Praying for the sanctification of priests. It is no surprise that along with great responsibility comes difficulty, especially when that responsibility carries with it eternal repercussions. Our Holy Priesthood has always been and continues to be under attack. I guess this comes as no surprise because priests by their very lives attack materialism by showing the joy of living simply, they attack immorality by being content with living a celibate life, and they attack secularization by bringing Jesus Christ with them wherever they go. Please pray for the sanctification of priests that myself and all my brother priests may stand strong in these important fights for the soul of our culture.
- Making sure everyone knows they are a priestly people.. While they may not be ordained clergy, every single baptized Catholic is called to live priestly life. This means they are called to offer intercession, prayers, and sacrifices for others and our world. When you visit our growing website, maybe you will see something that you would like to help with or be a part of, please contact us! We would love to help you become more involved.
During this "Year For Priests", please pray for vocations, pray for holy priests of God, and pray that more lay people will embrace their essential role of being full, conscious, and active participators in the life of their parish.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Matt Buening
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