On Monday, October 21st, I joined almost all of the other Pastors from the Archdiocese of New York in our annual Pastors’ Convention. It was different this year because Cardinal Dolan called us into a retreat-like atmosphere instead of the usual convention-like (business and talks.) Honestly, I usually do not attend every year because it can tend to be the “same old thing!” However, this year was different as we talked, shared and expressed our concerns about the abuse scandal of the Church and its impact on us and our ministry.

Many of our priests are losing hope and feel weary regarding all the negative press about priests. We also prayed and celebrated Mass each day together. One suggestion, which I am already doing after the inspiration came to me a few months ago when I was on retreat, is to pray Mass and fast once a week for priests.

I am blessed to be able to celebrate the 6:45 A.M. Mass most days here at St. Benedict’s and once a week I offer a votive Mass for priests. I am certainly praying for my priesthood, as I am very aware of my sinfulness, as well as for a holy priesthood to emerge from this crisis.

I remember and pray for my brother priests who have been affected by this crisis and for all the priests struggling in any way. Christ promised that He would never abandon the Church and I am sure He will renew the priesthood according to His plan for the salvation of all. I am praying that the Catholic Church in America will become a humble and holy Church dedicated to the salvation of souls and to bring all people to the cross of Christ for the salvation of souls.

Pray with me that all souls go to heaven. Pray for those who believe that Jesus is the Savior and for those who are “lukewarm” in the faith. Pray for those who no longer believe in Jesus as Savior and those who do not know that every knee must bend in the heavens and the earth to the glory of God the Father that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of the whole world. I believe there is no other answer to all the world’s and the Church’s problems than to pray, pray, pray!

I am asking you to mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 23rd beginning at 7 PM for a special holy hour in our Church. It is called “Encounter” because we will encounter Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, in the beautiful music and profound moments of silence. We had this encounter evening in the spring and it was so powerful!

I am sure that as we gather as a parish community at the feet of Jesus He will answer all our prayers and fill us with peace and joy. Please take serious this invitation to encounter Jesus and spend time in prayer with me (your Pastor) along with all the members of the parish to pray for our world, for our Nation, for our families and for our Church and her priests.

Until next week, peace and prayers! St. Benedict and Cardinal Cooke, Servant of God, pray for us!

Fr. Stephen P. Norton