Sunday, July 06, 2008 Preaching beyond the pulpit By Sarah Jane A. Nengasca
“ALL, without exception, are called to holiness, the perfection of charity…though not all pursue the same path to holiness.” (PCP II)
Everybody is entitled to his calling. Some choose to be in the state of marriage or single blessedness; others respond through priesthood.
Last June 10, a new batch of Christ’s ministers was initiated to the holy service as 10 deacons were ordained to the priesthood and one to the diaconate by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, in the presence of three other bishops, the clergy and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cebu at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
For these new ministers who waited long years for consecration, finally taking the oath before God and people was reward enough. However, eight of these newly ordained diocesan priests from Seminario Mayor de San Carlos has chosen to spend their priesthood differently: preaching from the pulpit but reaching out to the community.
Called to be apostles and presbyters, they know they are responsible for the pastoral care of the faithful. But they also know that doing secular service to the community is part of Christ’s mission on earth. And they plan to do this by being together as a batch.
Fr. John Mission, coordinator of this new batch of priests, said it is through extension services and community work that they can stick together even if time, and assignments, will part them in the future.
“We believe that in order for us to be always united as one batch of priests, a common activity is needed,” Fr. Mission said.
Fr. Mission said the group feel connected to Tsinelas Association Inc., a non-government organization that gives educational assistance to poor students.
“We’ve been supporting Tsinelas Association in its scholarship programs by sponsoring high school students. As for this school year, we are sponsoring three,” he said.
“In supporting activities like those of Tsinelas, we live with our service while remaining intact as a batch,” he said.
Priests ‘continue the works of Christ in bringing all men united with God.’ Yet, they need to act as one to achieve this goal more effectively, just like what this group of priests is doing.
