By David Kilby | Correspondent

When Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., had the chance to spend some quality time with the soon-to-be priests of the Diocese, he told the six transitional deacons to always remember that they are “men of the Church,” and they are called to live out the virtues of faith, hope and love.

At the retreat May 19-23 in St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, Mantoloking, the Bishop gave them wisdom for the journey they would begin at their ordination the following weekend. He said as priests, they’re not going to get much resistance about prayer or the divinity of Christ, but there will be resistance about the Church’s law, structure, policies and procedures.

“You’re going to have to make sense out of the structures,” he said, and answer people’s questions like “Why can’t my Muslim friend be my sponsor at my Confirmation? Why can’t so and so have a funeral in the Church? Why can’t I have a wedding on the beach?”

He explained that the Church’s law and structure are what give the Church order. “Every society, to thrive needs order .... That’s all the law of the Church means to do,” he said, adding that the law is the “internal logic” of what Catholics believe and practice.

Priests are called to “hand on what the Church teaches in a credible, authentic and true way,” said Bishop O’Connell.

“The day after you’re ordained, everybody expects you to know everything,” he said.

In the Creed, Catholics pray “one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church,” he said. Jesus prayed to the Father “that they may be one” in the midst of all their differences, the Bishop continued.

“The Church is holy not because any of us are holy. The Church is holy only because God is holy,” he said. “The Church is for everybody, present on every continent – even Antarctica.”

“The Church is also hierarchical. God invited the apostles to build up the Church. It’s a hierarchy by divine establishment,” Bishop O’Connell shared.

“The Church has called us to an identity and ministry... As men of the Church you are called to serve and not to be served.”

He said the most “essential, most pivotal” thing for the soon-to-be-priests to remember is that they are called to be men of the Church.”

Rev. Mr. John Butler reflected on the meaning of the retreat for him. “It’s to focus in and really concentrate on what we’re committing ourselves to,” he said. “There’s no one thing you could say a priest is. It’s a whole thing you kind of have to wrap your arms around. It’s almost beyond human. That’s where grace comes in ... to do the ordinary and the extraordinary.”

“This is something I have to carry on in my ministry as a priest,” added Rev. Mr. Jean Felicien, speaking of the retreat. “I will use this in my ministry to reach out in a good, pastoral way. I’m hoping to learn to be more aware of people’s needs.”

Rev. Mr. Rafael Esquen shared that the retreat was especially helpful in enriching his spiritual life. “By his authority he inspired me. When he speaks I feel it is God inspiring us,” he said regarding Bishop O’Connell’s talks.

Each day of the retreat typically included a talk by Bishop O’Connell, time for reflection and socializing. Each of the priest candidates had the opportunity to preach the homily during Mass.

Each day also featured a presentation by diocesan staff members. Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy personnel and consecrated life; Anthony Mingarino, diocesan chancellor; Joseph Bianchi, diocesan director of administrative services and executive director of child and youth  protection; Daughter of Charity Sister Joanne Dress, diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services; Maureen Fitzsimmons, diocesan victim assistance coordinator, discussed topics such as administration, financial issues, child protection, and pastoral ministry.

“It helped me focus on the imminent ordination, to get an extra close look at the Bishop’s sense of what it means to be a priest,” said Rev. Mr. Jerome Guld about the retreat. “Of all the things (the Bishop) could have focused on, he focused on faith, hope, love and being a man of the Church. I have a week to reflect deeply on this and I’m thankful for that.”

“It’s an opportunity to prepare myself spiritually, physically, and emotionally for the ordination,” said Rev. Mr. Mark Nillo. “It’s also an opportunity for me to spend time with the Lord and with the Bishop – to start to develop this relationship and make it deeper with the Bishop and my fellow candidates to be ordained.”

“The retreat really helped me as I prepare for my priestly ministry,” Rev. Mr. Carlo Calisin said. “I’m looking forward and I can’t wait to start my journey as a priest. It’s been a long journey for me,” he said, adding that he entered seminary when he was 12. “The light is really at the end of the tunnel.”

Bishop O’Connell encouraged the soon-to-be priests to participate in the community of their Diocese, especially by attending priest’s funerals. The Bishop also presented a gift of vestments to each transitional deacon for their ordination. 

“It was a joy to be with you and get to know you. Because of the retreat, on the day of ordination we feel we really know you. I will celebrate you with great joy,” Bishop O’ Connell said to them.