Reflection on Priesthood
by Father Dariusz Kalinowski

When I was in the elementary school we had this young priest in my home parish. Sometimes, after religion class he would play soccer with us; he organized trips and other activities for children and young people. Watching that priest in the church and outside, I decided that some day I want to be like him. Being raised in a practicing Catholic family I always liked to go to church. And so I became an altar server and than a lector. Seeing that my parents and my grandmother once in a while would encourage me to think about becoming a priest. I know they prayed very often in this intention.

In high school I started to go on pilgrimages and I went on a few retreats with different religious communities. After graduation, when it was time to make up my mind about what I will do in my life, I decided to give it a try and I entered a seminary. In the beginning I was scared a little not knowing what this stage of my life will look like. And then it was just great to be with other men of my age who had the same goal. I truly enjoyed living in a community, following the schedule of the day, prayers and education. Being put through this formation process I felt my spirituality growing stronger and my faith becoming more mature.

Almost four years ago I was ordained a priest. It is a beautiful and very rewarding way of serving God and his people. Guiding people along as they search for, find and serve God in their own vocations, being with them in their most important moments of life by celebrating the sacraments, all of this is a great way to feel God’s presence and love. Of course priesthood has its challenges. It is a sacrifice, a life dedicated in a special way to God and a community rather than a family; being always willing to serve other people; and in all of this bringing God’s presence to their lives and being an example for them to follow. It is a great responsibility.

Perhaps you think about becoming a priest? Pray about it and trust God, he will lead you. Perhaps you know someone who would be a good priest, deacon, nun or religious brother? Pray for them, talk to them and encourage them to think about this ministry. All of us are responsible for the vocations in the Church.