 Is being a priest a "more holy" way of living than others

Is being a priest a "more holy" way of living than others? Is it the best way of being a Christian?

The Vatican Council II (1962-1965) makes it clear that the People of God are essential for the living of the Gospel. Why be a priest today if being a lay person is such an important role, especially when lay people today have so many different ways of being involved in church life and the community?

Whenever we speak of the vocation of priesthood there will often be a person who will come along and say, "but what about lay vocations or religious vocations?" With respect to these valuable vocations, we need to speak specifically of priesthood as a firm option in its own right, not always lost amongst a sea of other options, as if we are embarrassed or apologetic about priesthood. In any case, as I will mention later, since priesthood is about working "with and for people" in a leadership of "service", there should be no conflict.

I have a favourite image or metaphor that I think sums up the role that a priest has in the church. I see being a priest as like being a coach of a football team, where the players are the lay people. There is no question that without the players the game can’t go ahead. (If it is even worth pointing out, the players are clearly the most important element, or better still, the "game" is the most important element, and that "game" is the vision of a world recreated according to Jesus’ vision). However, the "coach" is behind the players, (and in this case, the coach is also a player) giving support, encouragement, formation and nourishment, to people go out and achieve. Anyone who believes that the Gospel is worth living in the world ought to agree also that there is a value and a need for those who back up and support the team! Making sure that the object is kept firmly in sight!

Before I studied to be a priest I worked in a hardware store pat time (1984-1991) whilst I studied for five years at university. I studied Economics and Law from 1996 to 1990, graduating with a Bachelor of Economics and a Law Degree (Hons). I will always value the experience and appreciation of people and their vocations that this time gave me. I realised that it is precisely because many people are being excellent Christians working as shop assistants, nurses, parents, business people, public servants, and so many other professions or callings, that I wanted to be a priest to be of support to these people and their valuable vocations.

The seminary programme trains priests to work with the People of God and to work and study with members of other church denominations. I am so grateful to the Seminary for its formation.

We need more priests, and I am sure that whilst we continue to ask the hard questions about the meaning of the gospel in the light of the 21^st century, there are still generous young men who are willing to respond to the church’s invitation to serve the people of God in the ministry of word and sacrament. Since Priesthood is not about being better than others or being a law unto oneself, but working with and for people, there is no need to apologise for the role of the priest in the community or to water down this role.