I survived the first six months

It is hard to believe it has been over six months since I was ordained a priest. I recently had the opportunity to return to my Alma Mater, Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, and the most frequent question I got was, "has the priesthood been what you expected?" Looking back over these past six months, I realize that it has been a whirlwind of experiences that have affirmed and challenged me. I would like to speak of two.

First, is the outreach ministry to the middle schoolers known as "Cell." Every Wednesday and Friday, St. Ann's opens its doors to all the middles schoolers of our community. They invade like a barbarian horde from across the street to the Family Life Center of St. Ann's. The middle schoolers get out of school around 2 pm and so we provide a safe place for them to share in fellowship and fun. At first, this was a very daunting challenge, however, as the children have gotten to know me they have begun to warm up to me. I don't know whether it was schooling a few of them in basketball or just throwing around the football, but a change occurred. There is one moment that stands out in my mind, a girl wanting me to watch her throw the football. It was then that I realized one of the fruits of spiritual fatherhood. I remember as a child wanting my Dad to see how far I could throw, how high I could jump, etc. It truly is the little things that count.

Second, is my ministry to the sick. Although I have been trained sufficiently in the art of pastoral care, I could not have imagined the intimate situations that I have been invited to witness. Whether it be a woman dying of cancer wanting to pray the rosary with a priest and her family or comforting a mother with two sick sons and a husband that is restricted to a wheelchair. It is in those moments that I experience helplessness. Only Christ has the power to console, to heal, and bring comfort. I realize that I am but a instrument and a path by which Christ can touch his people.

I cannot imagine what the next six months will bring, but one thing is for certain. In all that I do, Christ will be there to guide me, strengthen me, challenge me, humble me, and affirm me.

May you all have a Blessed Christmas

Father Paul Lambert