Fr. Marvin’s Reflection - April 26, 2026

Several years ago, I made a five-day retreat with 16 other priests who were from several dioceses and religious orders. Most were in active in ministry and some were retired.   Each priest carried in his heart a sincere desire to be a good shepherd. They were faith-filled men, docile to the Holy Spirit, and humble enough to be vulnerable before God so as to receive His healing. 

 During that retreat, I came to recognize how much I needed that time with our Lord—to step away, to listen, and to allow Him to heal anything within me that was blocking me from truly being the servant and shepherd Christ desires. The experience made me more aware of my own wounds and brokenness, and it invited me to let Christ shepherd me—to allow His love into the areas of my life that need it most. I came to accept more deeply that I can only be a good shepherd insofar as I place my trust in the Good Shepherd Himself, allowing Him to lead and guide me in a life of holiness and sacrifice.

Today, as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and the National Day of Prayer for Vocations, we pray in a special way for all priests, pastors, chaplains, teachers, and missionaries who have answered the call to shepherd God’s people.

At times, it can be easy to forget that priests are just as human as everyone else. They experience brokenness, wounds, and stress, even as they strive to serve. They need your prayers, support, encouragement, and loving accountability to remain humble and faithful servants of the Lord. They are called to lead with love and compassion, and often they learn how to do this through you, their people. 

Please know that you are all a gift to the priests of our parish.  Remember to pray for us everyday, that we may be faithful and courageous shepherds who chase after the heart of Christ.

In Christ,    

Fr. Marvin