I was sitting here wondering why I was so exhausted today, and it hit me: this was probably one of the more emotionally difficult weekends I’ve had in my short time as a priest. Saturday included a funeral in the morning; Confessions and Confirmation in the evening. Sunday was the usual routine of 3 Masses and 100 miles of driving. On top of that were a handful of “make-up” first Confessions. I’m tired because all these various emotional events take a toll on our energy level.
I mention this not to merely talk about myself and make my life sound difficult (it really isn’t), but to show what a priest could go during the course of a weekend. So, when you come to Father after the last Mass of the weekend and he’s obviously tired, please don’t be offended if he’s not willing to give up some of his day off to deal with an issue you want to talk to him about. Likewise, don’t give up inviting Father over for supper just because he wants to spend Sunday evening in his recliner watching baseball and chowing on delivered pizza (Can you tell how I spent this evening?).
The life of a priest is one of the most rewarding and beautiful, but it is also one of the more emotionally draining. We need and appreciate the support and love of our parishioners, but sometimes we also need their understanding for our need for space.
Bless you, Father, and thanks for your candour. I think we do no good by pretending to be stronger than we are…..I’ve read that Mother Teresa required her sisters to have an hour each day for tea and a nap, otherwise they would not have been able to keep up with their work.
Recommended reading: Prayers from the Ark, translated by Rumer Godden. And you are in my prayers.
I can relate. Don’t give up your free time. We need to take care of our whole self – physical, mental and spiritual. God bless you Fr. Cory!