By Father William G. Smith

This is a reprint of part of an ongoing series in The Tablet by priests of the diocese marking the Year for Priests [2009] and reflecting on what the priesthood has meant to them.

Thirty years ago, I was sent as a newly ordained priest to St. Saviour’s Church in Park Slope. I was given a list of homebound parishioners to visit each month with Holy Communion and as much comfort and support as I could muster. It was then, as now, one of the usual tasks of a priest and I did not give it any special thought. I hope I brought them some comfort. I know I brought little wisdom but I received from them the most basic lessons of priesthood.

Through the visitation of the sick, especially the dying, I had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people whose courage and faith were deeply inspiring but I will limit myself to one lady and two experiences.  We will call her Ruth.  She was in her 70s and had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  She knew her time was limited and as palliative care was not as developed as now so she would often be racked with pain. I brought Communion to her every week and, as she was approaching the end, suggested that we celebrate Mass in her home with her family and friends.

This was my first experience with “Last Rites” in the strict sense of the term: Confession, anointing and Communion.  The entire Mass was moving and memorable but Communion was unforgettable.  When I placed the host on her tongue, she said, “I cannot wait to die.” My immediate reaction was, given the pain she was in, neither would I. In the next breath, she said, “So I can thank Jesus for everything He gave me.”  There was joy in her eyes.

Continue reading “Priesthood Is Who I Am, Not What I Do” →