Seminarian Max’s View of the Priesthood

by Max Rich, Seminarian  |  07/28/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Friends,

One of my ardent prayers is that before I leave this parish or retire, we should have produced at least three priests from our parish. This prayer has been intensified by the assignment of seminarian Max Rich for his summer pastoral experience here at our parish. His presence and commitment to his vocation has not only renewed my own vocation but has also given me hope that my prayers will be answered.

As Seminarian Max is coming to the conclusion of his summer assignment among us, it is my hope that his holy life has also inspired some young men to join the priesthood. Let us Keep Max and his fellow seminarians from our diocese in our prayers as they move to the next level of their formation in a few weeks’ time. Now, allow me to share a few words from Seminarian Max about his view of the priesthood. He writes:

Dear OLMC parish,

I have a very vivid memory from when I was 9 or 10 years of a priest named Fr. Ernesto Reynoso (a priest here at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel several years ago) who told me that there is no lack of joy in the vocation to the priesthood. While I have not yet reached my ordination day as a deacon or priest, I can already see how true these words are. In the Will of God there is perfect peace, and I have come to discover that no matter how different God’s will is than my hopes and desires, it is always what will bring me the greatest peace and joy. It is so sad that priesthood and religious life is often viewed as a burden for only a few courageous and brave souls to take upon themselves. This could not be farther from the truth. Not only does God call weak and sinful people to priesthood and religious life, but if it is His Will for them, He gives them greater peace and joy than they could have ever hoped for. Yes, it is a difficult life, but it is worth it. And more, if God truly knows us and loves us better than we know and love ourselves, we ought always to seek what His Will is for us – this, and only this is where we will find peace.

I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to participate in the life of your parish this summer! With both sadness and joy, I will be departing on Sunday, August 4th, firstly for some vacation time, and then back to seminary in Denver for another year of studies. I can truly say that Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is very joyful and full of life, and it has been a great joy getting to know you all these past two months.

My prayer for you all is that you might follow God’s Will in your life, no matter the cost. Please pray the same for me!

Thank you and God bless,
Max Rich

I love you!