Dear Parishioners,
Every year in the Fall, the priests of the Diocese of Camden, NJ gather with their bishop (currently Bp. Joseph A. Williams) for a few days of prayer, workshops, fraternity and relaxation at the shore. In recent history this meeting has taken place in Avalon at the Icona (Golden Inn). Usually, there is a presentation given by a priest or bishop on a particular topic. This year Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV spoke on "Discernment in the Daily Life of the Priest." It was based on some of the Rules for Discernment of Spirits in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus or Jesuits.
There was a discussion primarily on spiritual consolations as well as spiritual desolation, which both occur in the life of the priest, how to recognize them and what to do with each. The goal here seems to be to help the priest navigate daily living in a manner more attune to the spiritual dynamics of consolation (which can lead us to God) and desolation (which can obscure God) as taught by St. Ignatius. The topic of discernment of spirits is a primary tenet of Ignatian Spirituality.
Besides the talks, there is time for the priests to pray the Liturgy of the Hours together, to make a Eucharistic Holy Hour, and to concelebrate Holy Mass with the bishop. Some of the priests and the bishop competed in an international soccer competition, while others enjoyed the sunshine on the beach or swam in the heated pool.
Over the years I have noticed an aging priest population and how the clergy of Camden has definitely become more international. We honored priests for 25, 40, 50 and 60 years of service. I enjoyed meals with priests form Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Europe as well as with a few of us who have been here in New Jersey all (or most of) of our lives.
May I ask a continual remembrance of your priests in your daily prayers? It is apparent to me that most of our priests are aging quickly and, in many ways, our diocese is currently a type of mission territory served by an ever increasing number of foreign-born priests. Regarding our native clergy, thankfully this past year we had two home-grown sons ordained priests to serve the diocese. However, in years past this diocese boasted of classes of twenty, thirty or more priests per year. We continually need to pray that those called by God will respond to the need for priestly and religious vocations.
I truly believe that God will provide for the needs of His Church but we should do our part to pray, to encourage others and perhaps even to make spiritual sacrifices so that God may give us good holy priests now and in the future.
As I finish my writing and prepare to go to my Eucharistic Holy Hour, I will bring you with me to prayer and ask God to help you in whatever way He sees necessary for your eternal salvation. I trust that you will remember me and my brother priests in your prayers and Masses.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
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