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7 DENVER CATHOLIC | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 H OW, T H E N , M I G H T W E U N D E R S TA N D T H E H O LY P R I E S T ? The holy priest is, first and foremost, a holy member of the Body of Christ. Like all members, he is made holy through an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the graces afforded him through the Church. Like each of the baptized, he is made new by partaking in the 'life to the full' (Jn 10:10) Jesus offers. In his sermon "On the Anniversary of His Ordination," St. Augustine famously said, "For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian." We are all called to holiness. From this place of holiness (as a Christian), the priest experiences a burning in his heart like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. He expe- riences a deep desire to share in Jesus' mission. His heart is to reflect Jesus' Most Sacred Heart. In short, the holy priest is ordained through an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to be one with Christ, the head. His mission is to serve the other members of Christ's body. How beautiful! What a privilege! What a gift it is to be welcomed by Jesus to love his sheep as he loves them, to be his priest and offer the Holy Mass, to share his thirst (Jn 19:28) for souls, to reflect the love of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (Jn 10:11). As Jesus' priest, the priest acts in Jesus' name, making present the outpouring of God's grace in the sacraments, in his teachings, guidance and governance. I am so grateful that Jesus has chosen me to share in his one priesthood, to witness and be a part of the journey of other men who experience this same burning within their hearts. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Priests, we "ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest" (Mt 9:38) and provide an abundance of holy priests for his Church. Now open! Meaningful memory care. Lyrics to a favorite song. A savory dish at mealtime. Words of a familiar prayer. We help those living with Alzheimer's or other forms of memory loss celebrate what still holds joy and comfort. With safe, personalized care based on best clinical practices, we know providing care that's respectful equally supports the entire family. For tours and information, please call 720.909.3817 or visit CHILivingCommunities.org/GSE. The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus." ST. JOHN VIANNEY