St. Aloysius celebrates Priesthood Sunday

In response to the request of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils and in connection with the Bishops’ Committee on Priestly Ministry and Liturgy, parishioners of St. Aloysius parish in Olivia, Minnesota celebrated Priesthood Sunday on October 26, 2003.

The day began with a special liturgy at 8:30 a.m. Deacon Michael Rajcich from the cluster parish of Holy Redeemer parish, Renville delivered a special homily on the significance of Priesthood Sunday in connection with the readings of the Sunday. The theme of the second reading of the Sunday from Hebrews, "You are a priest forever, according to the Order of Melchizedek," was highlighted during the homily and through depiction on a banner made for the occasion. The Youth Choir led parishioners in song.

Parishioners gathered at noon for a parish potluck dinner followed by a program to celebrate the holy priesthood and honor their parish priest, Fr. Paul van de Crommert.

The events of this day accented the importance of priests in our daily Catholic lives and our need to support and pray for them, as well as to affirm and thank them often for their selfless service in the church. The awareness and need to pray for more priestly vocations were especially heightened during the celebration of this special day.