Priests share fellowship, learn to be 'heart of Jesus' during convocation
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor
“Do you love me,” Father Mariusz Koch said softly as he leaned his arms on the podium before him, addressing the 160 priests in attendance – posing not a question, but rather, a reflective statement.
“The words spoken to Peter are the words spoken to each of us,” he said, quoting John 21 – the parable of Jesus and the miraculous catch of fish. “Our response to that question is a response that really defines our ministry.”
Father Koch, Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal father and a priest serving in the Archdiocese of Newark, was the keynote presenter during the Diocese of Trenton’s three-day Convocation of Priests, held Sept. 13-15 in Galloway. The annual event is an opportunity for priests to spend time together in prayer and Mass as well as attend talks and enjoy fellowship.
Photo Gallery: Convocation of Priests
That message of brotherly support was highlighted during Mass on the second day of the event, in which a prayer was said for the Diocese’s recently deceased priests. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who said in his homily, “We have to remember that carrying the cross to Calvary, our Lord fell. So do we. But like him, we get up again and move on toward the goal.”
“To see the cross is to know that we have been saved by a suffering God,” he said, preaching on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. “That’s the fact that we celebrate today.”
This theme of this year’s convocation was “Priests with the Heart of Jesus,” which, Father Koch reminded, can be found in small acts of kindness.
He asked his fellow priests to reflect on John 21 and Jesus preparing a meal for his disciples after the miraculous haul of fish. “Think of the King as a short-order cook, preparing food for his friends,” he said to a room full of laughter.
Father Koch used his time Sept. 14 to focus on how easy it is to get consumed with everyday responsibilities, forgetting that it’s often a word, a look or a small gesture that can make the biggest impact in a person’s life.
Reflecting on the times when he’s been involved in marriage ministry, he said, “It’s often the little things that save a marriage.” Addressing the priests, he said, “The little things can touch our parishioners, too.”
“God didn’t say go get a doctorate, though that’s important,” Father Koch said. “He said, ‘Do you love me?’ In other words, brothers, the Lord’s calling us to serve each other – be attentive to each other – and sometimes that’s the little things – a note of appreciation, noticing someone. After all, isn’t it the little things we remember?”
Emphasizing his point, Father Koch recalled a story in which he was in a hurry after Mass. Leaving the church, he happened upon a homeless man outside. “Father, I don’t want anything from you,” Koch quoted the man as saying. “I just want someone to talk to.”
That, Father Koch said, was a grace bestowed by the Holy Spirit – a reminder for him to be the heart of Jesus – just as the many Bible parables show Jesus taking the time to interact with those he preached to.
Father Koch reminded the priests to make time to be that helping hand to their brothers as well.
“It’s just as important for our priests to get together in friendship,” he said, citing examples such as priests visiting their older brothers in nursing homes, sending encouraging words to one another or reaching out to a newly ordained or foreign-born priest. “It’s in the little things that God reveals his love to us.”
Father Alex Enriquez, St. Monica Parish, Jackson, was reflective when talking about Koch’s message. “It really struck me because sometimes, as we become older and handle more things in life, we become absorbed with big things and forget the little things.”
“I’m thinking now that maybe it’s outside the confessional that I hear the most intense confessions,” he continued. “Looking back, maybe these are the more serious ones.”
Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life, said it was important to hear the message of how the biggest gestures can often be found in the simplicity of everyday situations.
“The great dramatic moments of life are often memorable,” he said. “But we can never underestimate the power of a kind word, a simple deed or a smile.”
After Father Koch’s talk, the priests were given time on their own, many taking the opportunity to catch up with their fellow brothers. Smiles were shared and laughter was heard throughout the lobby and halls of the Stockton-Seaview Hotel & Golf Club.
“I believe only priests can understand other priests,” Father Enriquez said. “So it’s important to have a priest friend to talk to.”
Father Koch and Msgr. Mullelly both stressed the necessity of giving the clergy time to share fellowship. “I’m getting positive responses from the priests,” Msgr. Mullelly said. “They’re enjoying being together.”
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By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor
“Do you love me,” Father Mariusz Koch said softly as he leaned his arms on the podium before him, addressing the 160 priests in attendance – posing not a question, but rather, a reflective statement.
“The words spoken to Peter are the words spoken to each of us,” he said, quoting John 21 – the parable of Jesus and the miraculous catch of fish. “Our response to that question is a response that really defines our ministry.”
Father Koch, Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal father and a priest serving in the Archdiocese of Newark, was the keynote presenter during the Diocese of Trenton’s three-day Convocation of Priests, held Sept. 13-15 in Galloway. The annual event is an opportunity for priests to spend time together in prayer and Mass as well as attend talks and enjoy fellowship.
Photo Gallery: Convocation of Priests
That message of brotherly support was highlighted during Mass on the second day of the event, in which a prayer was said for the Diocese’s recently deceased priests. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who said in his homily, “We have to remember that carrying the cross to Calvary, our Lord fell. So do we. But like him, we get up again and move on toward the goal.”
“To see the cross is to know that we have been saved by a suffering God,” he said, preaching on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. “That’s the fact that we celebrate today.”
This theme of this year’s convocation was “Priests with the Heart of Jesus,” which, Father Koch reminded, can be found in small acts of kindness.
He asked his fellow priests to reflect on John 21 and Jesus preparing a meal for his disciples after the miraculous haul of fish. “Think of the King as a short-order cook, preparing food for his friends,” he said to a room full of laughter.
Father Koch used his time Sept. 14 to focus on how easy it is to get consumed with everyday responsibilities, forgetting that it’s often a word, a look or a small gesture that can make the biggest impact in a person’s life.
Reflecting on the times when he’s been involved in marriage ministry, he said, “It’s often the little things that save a marriage.” Addressing the priests, he said, “The little things can touch our parishioners, too.”
“God didn’t say go get a doctorate, though that’s important,” Father Koch said. “He said, ‘Do you love me?’ In other words, brothers, the Lord’s calling us to serve each other – be attentive to each other – and sometimes that’s the little things – a note of appreciation, noticing someone. After all, isn’t it the little things we remember?”
Emphasizing his point, Father Koch recalled a story in which he was in a hurry after Mass. Leaving the church, he happened upon a homeless man outside. “Father, I don’t want anything from you,” Koch quoted the man as saying. “I just want someone to talk to.”
That, Father Koch said, was a grace bestowed by the Holy Spirit – a reminder for him to be the heart of Jesus – just as the many Bible parables show Jesus taking the time to interact with those he preached to.
Father Koch reminded the priests to make time to be that helping hand to their brothers as well.
“It’s just as important for our priests to get together in friendship,” he said, citing examples such as priests visiting their older brothers in nursing homes, sending encouraging words to one another or reaching out to a newly ordained or foreign-born priest. “It’s in the little things that God reveals his love to us.”
Father Alex Enriquez, St. Monica Parish, Jackson, was reflective when talking about Koch’s message. “It really struck me because sometimes, as we become older and handle more things in life, we become absorbed with big things and forget the little things.”
“I’m thinking now that maybe it’s outside the confessional that I hear the most intense confessions,” he continued. “Looking back, maybe these are the more serious ones.”
Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life, said it was important to hear the message of how the biggest gestures can often be found in the simplicity of everyday situations.
“The great dramatic moments of life are often memorable,” he said. “But we can never underestimate the power of a kind word, a simple deed or a smile.”
After Father Koch’s talk, the priests were given time on their own, many taking the opportunity to catch up with their fellow brothers. Smiles were shared and laughter was heard throughout the lobby and halls of the Stockton-Seaview Hotel & Golf Club.
“I believe only priests can understand other priests,” Father Enriquez said. “So it’s important to have a priest friend to talk to.”
Father Koch and Msgr. Mullelly both stressed the necessity of giving the clergy time to share fellowship. “I’m getting positive responses from the priests,” Msgr. Mullelly said. “They’re enjoying being together.”