HOLY ORDERS: Called by God and Church

His feelings on June 26, 1993 were mixed: happiness, unworthiness, tranquility, humility.

"It really became a moment of realization of my utter dependence on God to make this work. As I reflect on seven years, God has done His part," said Father Walsh, associate pastor of St. Pius X in Loudonville and a member of the diocesan Vocations Team. "He has enabled me to do this -- and enjoy it. When I thought about this commitment, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. If you ask God for the grace to discern, He will give it to you."

Called by Church

After Bishop Howard J. Hubbard spoke in his homily about what priesthood meant to him, Father-to-be Walsh declared that he was ready to accept this ministry, and promised obedience to the Bishop and his successors.

During the Litany of the Saints, he prostrated himself in a gesture of humble submission while the Bishop and assembly called upon the saints to intercede for them.

"I can clearly remember it," Father Walsh said. "I was crying, and saying over and over again, 'I can't do this without Your help. You'd better be there big time for me.'"

Gestures and signs

After the prayer of consecration, Mr. Walsh became Father Walsh and was invested with the stole and chasuble, the symbolic vestments of the priest.

Bishop Hubbard anointed Father Walsh's hands and embraced him, and other priests came forward to welcome the new priest into the Order of the Presbyterate.

'Luckiest guy'

He feels a sense of accomplishment when he ministers to people and is satisfied at night when he looks back on those he helped that day.

"I really think I made a difference in people's lives and, in a very small way, helped to build the Kingdom of God on earth," he said.

Touching lives

The Sacrament of Reconciliation also reminds Father Walsh of the goodness of people. "Their desire to be more Christ-like motivates me to be more Christ-like," he said. "A great deal of what I do has very little to do with me and everything to do with the Holy Spirit. God has to move the hearts of people."

His work as a member of the diocesan Vocations Team takes him to parishes and schools to promote vocations, and he also conducts informational days to explain priesthood to men thinking about this call.

"It's the greatest need we have in society today, because the world is filled with a lot of unhappy, unfulfilled people," he said. "God needs husbands and wives, doctors, lawyers and plumbers, but one of the things He needs is priests."

Eucharist

"I live for weekends," he declared. "I love celebrating Eucharist with the community. Christmas and Easter are so emotional, my voice is shaky and my eyes are filled with tears."

Each year, when he attends the ordination of new priests at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany to see who else God has called to serve Him, "I can easily think back to seven years ago. The Lord has blessed me for being willing to follow His call."

(07-06-00) [[In-content Ad]]