FR JOHN WATKINS: THE JOY OF THE PRIESTHOOD
“God’s grace and His people have strengthened me.”
Photography: Alphonsus Fok and Grace Lu.
Written by Fr John Watkins
Photography: Alphonsus Fok and Grace Lu.
Written by Fr John Watkins
It has been more than a year and a half since I was ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta by Bishop Anthony Fisher OP. On 6 November 2010 I made a covenant with God to offer my life in service for the people of God. There have been joys and struggles, fulfilment and frustration, the ups and downs of any vocation. But God’s grace and His people have strengthened me. As a priest, I have experienced the wonderful power and presence that God brings in this vocation. In celebrating the Sacraments, I have been continually aware and genuinely humbled by our ever-present God. There have been profound moments in the Sacrament of Reconciliation when God has touched the heart of the penitent through words of mercy, when my ministry has changed and comforted people in their struggle and desire to live a Christian life. In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, I have seen peace and joy come to people who were once filled with fear and distress. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, I am humbled when I speak the consecratory words, that Christ is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine nourishing His people. It is in these Sacraments that Jesus Christ fulfils his promise, “And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” (Mt 28:20). My ministry as a priest is a part of this promise and I hope to live in service and sacrifice as well as I can. Often without words, the presence of a priest can bring hope and reassurance to people’s hearts. When I do speak or preach I am amazed at how the Spirit can use me to proclaim the Gospel. It is this ministry of preaching that I have found the most rewarding. Priests are an integral part of the life of the Church. Many men are being called to bring the loving presence, message and forgiveness of Christ to His people but we need these potential priests to be open to His calling. Pray for your priests, that we may be conformed ever more deeply to The Priest, Jesus Christ. Pray also for those discerning the vocation of the priesthood, that they may follow God’s will for them. It is a wonderful vocation in a faith-filled Diocese. |
**This article was sources from the Catholic Outlook and was written by Father Watkins. (2012) To access full article see- Catholic Outlook
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