Bishop Tobin on 'Priestly Fatigue Syndrome'
"I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands" (2 Tm 1:6).
Earlier this summer the Diocese of Providence experienced a particularly privileged moment in the ordination of five new priests for service in our diocesan church. It was an occasion of great joy — for the new priests, their families and friends, for the faithful of our diocese, the local presbyterate and for me, their ordaining bishop. The enthusiasm of the new priests was palpable and contagious. All those who attended the ordination ceremony and the first Masses that followed were impressed by the generosity, zeal and joyful spirit of our new young priests.
One observer, however, predicted that the joy and fervor of the moment might not last long, that the reality and challenges of priestly ministry might fall upon our new priests rather quickly. I was reminded of the saying we sometimes hear about the sacrament of matrimony: "A wedding is a day, but marriage lasts a lifetime." We could make the same observation about holy orders, couldn't we, "An ordination is a day, but priesthood lasts a lifetime"?
I guess it's an inescapable reality of human life, regardless of our vocation or profession, that the initial joy of our first commitment often wanes as we get caught up in the burdens and cynicism of the world. It might be inevitable, but it's profoundly sad when it happens.
We can't deny that the same thing happens in the priesthood. Before the oil on our hands is dry, the demands of priestly ministry beset us, and the joy and zeal of ordination day give way to the sadness and cynicism of daily routine. The symptoms of "priestly fatigue syndrome" are all too familiar. Daily Mass is no longer a privilege but a burden to be fulfilled. Our preparation of the Sunday homily is minimal, involving as little prayer and reflection as possible. Our personal prayer life, so carefully nurtured in the seminary, is easily set aside for convenient excuses.
There are other signs of priestly fatigue syndrome. For example, as the days roll on and the zeal begins to fade, our ministry takes on a mercenary tone. We require a sufficient stipend when we preside over a funeral service or substitute for another priest. We argue about how and when we'll visit the sick in hospitals or nursing homes, limiting our own commitment, insisting that our neighboring priest "do his part." Our day off becomes the most important, nonnegotiable day of the week as we can't wait to escape the obligations of our daily ministry.
Priestly fatigue syndrome — without a doubt it's a hazard for all of us — bishops as well as priests — but how sad it is. How far removed from the lofty vision of priestly service that inspired our vocation; how far removed from the excitement, joy and zeal of ordination day! I wonder, is there any way to close the gap between ordination day and the routine of priestly ministry or is fatigue an unavoidable reality? Is it possible to "stir into flame the gift we received" when the bishop's hands were laid upon us or is that just a pipedream, a pietistic fantasy?
Perhaps we should try to return to our ordination day and recapture the excitement and fervor of that time in our life. Maybe it would be helpful to recall the commitments we made and the reason for those commitments. After all, each of us answered affirmatively to these or similar questions, publicly presented to us by the bishop.
"Do you resolve, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discharge without fail the office of priesthood in the presbyteral rank as a worthy fellow worker with the order of bishops in caring for the Lord's flock?"
This question seems to be a compendium of the more specific questions that follow. When we agree to "discharge without fail the office of priesthood," that's a rather comprehensive commitment. We commit ourselves to growth in personal spiritual life, the acceptance of a lifestyle that's edifying for others and the fulfillment of a ministry that's both faithful and effective. It's a tall order of course, especially for the "earthen vessels" that we are. And we understand that we are never perfect in attaining these goals — they are the work of a lifetime.
Additionally, the question itself reminds us that we can make progress in achieving these goals, we can maintain our vision and zeal only with "the help of the Holy Spirit." Fully aware of the weakness and need of his followers, at the Last Supper Jesus promised to send us a helper, an Advocate "to be with us always" (Jn 14:16), the Advocate who would "guide us to all truth" (Jn 16:13) and at the ascension, as Jesus commissioned his disciples to go forth and begin their ministry, he promised, "I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). If we really believe, then, in the presence and power of God in our daily lives and ministerial efforts, our temptation to discouragement and disillusionment is diminished.
"Do you resolve to exercise the ministry of the word worthily and wisely, preaching the Gospel and teaching the Catholic faith?"
From the moment Jesus sent forth his disciples to preach and teach, the ministry of the word has been one of the primary responsibilities of ordained ministers. "Priests, remembering that 'the faith depends on hearing, and on hearing the word of Christ' (Rom 10:17), devote all of their energy to correspond to this mission, which is primary in their ministry. They are, in fact, not only witnesses but also the heralds and transmitters of the faith" (Directory for the Life and Ministry of Priests, 1994, No. 45).
The same directory reminds us that effective preaching has two dimensions: It must be relevant — "it must make direct reference to the meaning of the life of man"; and it must be firmly rooted in God's truth and be characterized by "authenticity and conformity with the faith of the church."
Few would deny the importance of preaching the word of God to our people. And while the church emphasizes our duty to preach, we need to remember that it's also a great privilege to preach — to stand in the pulpit every Sunday and on other occasions to deliver the word of God, to announce the message of hope and salvation to the people of God. Survey after survey indicates that among the primary things people are looking for, longing for, when they attend Sunday Mass are interesting, inspiring and challenging homilies.
Brothers, it's critical that we evaluate our commitment to the ministry of the word. Do we devote sufficient time to the preparation of our Sunday homily? Do we immerse ourselves in the word, spending time in prayer and reflection, taking it unto ourselves before we preach it to others? Are our homilies faithful, effective, challenging and joyful proclamations of the saving message of Jesus Christ?
"Do you resolve to celebrate faithfully and reverently, in accord with the church's tradition, the mysteries of Christ, especially the sacrifice of the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation, for the glory of God and the sanctification of the Christian people?"
The ministry of the word is, of course, complemented by the ministry of sacrament, and in response to this question we commit ourselves to two sacraments in particular — the sacrifice of the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation.
The theological link between the Eucharist and the priesthood is abundantly clear. As Pope Benedict has reminded us, that relationship is found in the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, "Do this in memory of me," words which serve as the foundation of both sacraments. "No one can say 'this is my body' and `this is the cup of my blood' except in the name and in the person of Christ, the one high priest," our Holy Father explains (Sacramentum Caritatis, 23).
A venerable spiritual source, The Imitation of Christ, also points to the intrinsic relationship between priesthood and Eucharist: "Behold, you have been made a priest, consecrated to celebrate Mass! See to it now that you offer sacrifice to God faithfully and devoutly at proper times, and that you conduct yourself blamelessly. You have not made your burden lighter. Instead you are now bound by stricter discipline and held to more perfect sanctity.
"When the priest celebrates Mass, he honors God, gladdens the angels, strengthens the church, helps the living, brings rest to the departed and wins for himself a share in all good things" (Book 4, Chapt. 5).
Dear brothers, our daily personal attention to the Eucharist — faithfully celebrated, gratefully received and humbly adored, is certainly one of the keys to maintaining the joy and enthusiasm of our priestly ministry.
And what of the sacrament of reconciliation, which we promise to celebrate "for the glory of God and the sanctification of the Christian people"? In too many situations, I fear our availability for confessions is now limited to a few minutes on Saturday and the biannual penance services typically offered in parishes during Advent and Lent.
The church insists that "in spite of the reality of a loss of the sense of sin, greatly extended in the culture of our times, the priest must practice with joy and dedication the ministry of the formation of consciences, pardon and peace . . . Because of his office and because of his sacramental ordination, the priest must dedicate time and energy to hearing the confessions of the faithful" (Directory for the Life and Ministry of Priests, 51-52).
It is said that St. John Vianney sometimes spent 16 hours a day hearing confessions. And while that practice was a unique manifestation of his extraordinary holiness and pastoral care, his example reminds us that the hearing of confessions is among the most fulfilling and spiritually rewarding experiences of our priesthood. I encourage you to reflect upon your exercise of the ministry of the sacrament of reconciliation.
Do you preach about it regularly and promote its use for your people? Do you (and the catechists in your parish) teach your children and youth how to receive the sacrament and provide opportunities for them to do so? Do you schedule sufficient and quality time every week for the faithful to receive the sacrament?
Even recent experience has shown that when the sacrament of reconciliation is explained and promoted, and when the priest is truly available, people will in fact frequent the sacrament. The message of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace is certainly something our church and society need to hear.
"Do you resolve to implore with us God's mercy upon the people entrusted to your care by observing the command to pray without ceasing?"
This question reminds us that praying with and for our people is one of the primary responsibilities of the priest. Here we recall the powerful image of Moses, his hands raised in prayer as his people fought against Amalek. "As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight" (Ex 17:11). Our prayer for our people, brothers, as they journey in life and face many personal and spiritual struggles, must be constant.
Pope Benedict struck the same note during his visit to the United States. "We need to rediscover the joy of living a Christ-centered life, cultivating the virtues and immersing ourselves in prayer. When the faithful know that their pastor is a man who prays and who dedicates his life to serving them, they respond with warmth and affection, which nourishes and sustains the life of the whole community" (address to U.S. bishops).
The pope speaks about being "immersed in prayer." I don't know about you, dear friends, but I usually find myself falling far short of that goal. Too often I get caught up in a labyrinth of daily administrative and pastoral activities to the point that prayer becomes an appendage of my day. Nonetheless we know that prayer is essential to our spiritual survival and ministerial effectiveness. Prayer is to priesthood what oxygen is to life.
Perhaps it's comforting to know that even a great saint like John Vianney struggled with the discipline of prayer. He wrote: "Some men immerse themselves as deeply in prayer as fish in water, because they give themselves totally to God. There is no division in their hearts. O, how I love these noble souls. But how unlike them we are! How often we come to church with no idea of what to do or what to ask for" (Catechetical Instructions).
And yet he persisted because he understood the benefit of prayer: "This is the glorious duty of man; to pray and to love. If you pray and love, that is where a man's happiness lies. Though your hearts are small, prayer stretches them and makes them capable of loving God."
Finally, my brothers, I call your attention again to the faithful recitation of the Divine Office, which is a serious public commitment we've made. The Liturgy of the Hours effects the consecration of time in our daily lives, reminds us of the presence of God in every moment of the day, unites us with the church in heaven and around the world, and enables us to fulfill our commitment to pray for our people "without ceasing."
"Do you resolve to be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice, and with him to consecrate yourself to God for the salvation of all?"
This question speaks of "being united to Christ" and of "consecrating ourselves to God," and in so doing points to the goal of the entire Christian life and to the identity we share as priests. Our desire to be ever more closely united to Christ, our desire to grow in holiness is indeed the work of a lifetime, but a goal for which we can never stop striving.
Again, a reflection from The Imitation of Christ: A priest ought to be adorned with all virtues and show the example of a good life to others. His way lies not among the vulgar and common habits of men, but with the angels in heaven" (Book 4, Chapt. 5).
Pope Benedict spoke of this theme in addressing seminarians gathered in New York during his pastoral visit to our country. "The people of God look to you to be holy priests on a daily journey of conversion. I urge you to deepen your friendship with the Good Shepherd. Talk heart to heart with him. Strive for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and humility, in imitation of Christ, the eternal High Priest, of whom you are to become living icons."
The words of our Holy Father are right on the mark. Our people look to us to be holy. They count on us; they need us to be holy, to give them good example of the spiritual life, of discipleship of Christ! How disappointing and scandalizing it is to them when we're not committed to holiness! We can only wonder how many of the faithful have been turned off by careless and lazy priests, priests content with mediocrity in their spiritual and ministerial lives. How many people have lost their faith in Christ and their confidence in the church because of the inappropriate, scandalous, sometimes sinful behavior of priests?
On the other hand, and on a much more positive note, nothing is more effective even in our jaded culture today than the compelling example of a holy priest in love with the Lord, enthusiastic about his work and completely dedicated to the people he is sent to serve. Your work is important, dear brothers; you do make a difference. Your people are watching, waiting, hoping and praying for your leadership and example.
The preface of the Chrism Mass offers this prayer which summarizes the importance of the life and ministry of priests: "Father, they are to give their lives in your service and for the salvation of your people as they strive to grow in the likeness of Christ and honor you by their courageous witness of faith and love."
My brothers, in this second of my letters to you about spiritual themes, I encourage you to return to the day of your ordination and try to recapture the joy and zeal of that moment. Renew your commitment to grow in the likeness of Christ every day! Recall what a great privilege it is to serve Christ and call his people to salvation! And rediscover all that it means to be a courageous witness of faith and love!
My brothers, in concluding this letter I once again offer my sincere admiration and gratitude for all that you are and all that you are doing in the service of Christ and his church in the Diocese of Providence. I echo the words of St. Paul in saying, "I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the Gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:3-6).
© Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
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