My Big Catholic Family

For as long as I can remember, summers have always passed too quickly.  With the new school semester quickly building momentum and the smell of fried chicken fading from memory, many people turn a longing gaze back on the cherished days of summer.    

Men preparing for priesthood are assigned to parishes during the summer as an apprenticeship to acclimate them to the routine of parish life.  The seasoned pastor is given the incredible task of breaking in the newbie.  

Our Lady Star of the Sea is a picturesque little parish a few steps from the Solomon’s Island boardwalk.  It overlooks the Patuxent River and the coastline of Saint Mary’s County and beyond.   Over a few short weeks at this summer post, I learned something that cannot be taught in a theology class or a semester of scripture studies.  I learned where to find a good crab cake and many new ways to cook with Old Bay seasoning; but perhaps most importantly I learned to see the Church as my family.   

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, I had the privilege of being a part of family, a family gathered together by the heavenly Father.  Many people welcomed me into their life and home, sharing with me the joys and struggles of life.  Over the dinner table, young children recounted their swim team victories and Irish dance competitions.  Fathers spoke of their newest projects in the yard as mothers proudly laid the warm food on the table.  Others spoke of life after the loss of a loved one; a painful chapter of life that they never saw coming.  

If we search through the Gospels, we see Jesus performing grand miracles, instructing His disciples, and preaching to the multitudes.  His ministry, however, also included more intimate encounters: sharing meals with friends, accompanying them through the joys and challenges of life.  The familiar story of Mary and Martha (Lk. 10: 38 - 42) can remind us just how embedded Christ was in the life of his people. 

The life of a priest and those aspiring to such a life are called to give themselves in this same way.  One’s relationship with Christ goes beyond the walls of the church; so to must His ministers.  A priest accompanies his family as Christ would, walking with them in all the experiences that life may give.   

For me, the face I saw and the stories I heard have given me renewed enthusiasm.  This summer has indeed gone too quickly, but it is not one I will soon forget!  There could be no better inspiration moving into this new year.