Jimmy


A GRAIL PUBLICATION

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St. Meinrad Indiana



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ReO. Chtliul Tliemexiel

PRICE TEN CENTS

A GRAIL PUBLICATION

ST. MEINRAD INDIANA



Nihil obstat:

Leonard A, Bauer
y S. T. D.

Censor deputatus

Imprimatur:

Albert R, Zuroweste, D, D.

Bishop of Belleville

February 18y 19Jf9

All rights reserved.

DeacMscI

Copyright by

St, Meinrad^s Abbeyy Inc,
19Jf9



A VOCATION

‘'Have you ever thought about what

you would like to be when you grow up,
Jim? Getting pretty close to gradua-

tion time you know. About time to

decide, isn't it?"

“Yes, Father. I know it is. Gee,
Father, do you . . . well, do you think I

could ever be a priest?"

Father Tom Reiley stopped in his
tracks and put out a hand to stay the

lad who was walking beside him. The
two were headed for the playground on

the other side of the school building

where a baseball game was about to get
underway. But the ball game would
have to wait. Here was the opportunity
Father had been wanting and he wasn't
going to let it pass. He knew Jimmy
White was a good boy—one of the best
in the eighth grade at St. Mary's. He
had always thought he saw the makings
of a good priest in Jimmy but lately
had begun to feel he might be mistaken,
and that maybe God would not call Jim-
my after all. Now things looked differ-
ent. Jimmy had been thinking about

- 3 -



the priesthood! So it was time to do
something definite.

The priest smiled broadly as he an-
swered the boy. ‘‘Why, of course you

can be a priest, Jim. That is, if you

have a true vocation. Tell me, what gave
you the idea?'’

Encouraged by Father Reiley's evident

interest Jimmy replied, “I don't know
exactly. Father. I just feel that way.

Sometimes when I am watching you at
Mass I get a feeling inside me that
makes me want to be a priest so I can
offer Mass too."

“Did you ever ask anyone to tell you
about the priesthood — what it means
and what it takes to be a priest and
all that?"

“No, Father. I was afraid to ask."

“Afraid, Jim. Afraid of what? That
you would be scolded?"

“Oh, I guess I just didn't want any-
body to know I was thinking about it
'cause I wasn't really sure."

There was no one within hearing
distance but just the same Father Reiley
lowered his voice almost to a whisper.

“This is going to be a secret, Jim, be-

tween you and me. Here, let's sit down
on this bench and talk this thing over."

Jimmy was glad for the chance to

- 4 -



confide in Father Reiley, who, being a

priest himself, would be able to under-

stand better than anybody else, better

even than his own father or mother.
‘'You know what, Jim?'' said Father

Reiley, after they had settled themselves

on one of the schoolyard benches, “I

really believe you have a vocation to the

priesthood. You know what we mean by
a vocation, don't you?"

“Yes, Father. A vocation means a
call from God."

“Right, Jim. It is God Who calls and
chooses the ones He wants to be His

- 5 -



priests. But sometimes the ones He is
calling don't realize it. Now, when your
mother or dad calls you, you know defi-
nitely that they want you for something
and you obey. Well, when God calls you
He wants you for something too and He
wants you to obey Him. There is this
difference—God doesn't call out loud as
your mother or dad does. No, God speaks
to the heart."

'‘But how does God speak to the heart.
Father?"

"God has many ways of making His
voice heard, Jim. For instance, the
feeling that you say you have experi-

enced during Mass is one way. That was
Christ calling you. It is His way of
saying, 'Jimmy, I need you—I want you
to be a priest.' Here's another way:
perhaps you may know some priest that
you admire, or a boy who is studying
to be a priest, and the thought comes to

you, 'That is what I would like to be.' "

"Oh, it has. Father. Many times I've
looked at you and wished I could be

just like you."

"Hold on, Jimmy, I didn't mean my-
self, I was just citing an example."

"But I would like to be like you. Fa-
ther. I'd like to be able to help people

the way you do, and be called 'Father'

- 6 -



and be able to preach about God and the

Blessed Mother/' Jim went on seriously.

'‘So what, Jim? What are we going
to do about it?"

"What can we do, Father?" asked Jim.
"The first thing, Jim, is to decide that

you are going to let nothing stop you

from answering that call of Christ. He
is saying to you, 'Come, Jim — follow
Me.' You must answer by telling Our
Lord that you have heard His call and

you want to follow Him. Then you must
pray. Pray hard, Jim. Ask Our Lord
and the Blessed Mother to show you the
way and to give you the help you'll need.
I'll be praying too. Later on I'll arrange

to take you to visit the seminary where
you will have to go to study."

"Father," said Jim.

"Yes, Jim."

"Don't you think we ought to let
Mother and Dad in on the secret?"

Father Reiley nodded. "By all means,
Jim. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll take
a stroll over by your house this evening

and break the news for you. How'll
that be?"

"Swell, Father. Thanks, Father. I'd

better go now."

Father Reiley glanced at his watch.
"Time for me to go too, Jim."

- 7 -



'‘Goodbye, Father/'

"So long, Jim. Don't forget those

prayers!"

"I won't. Father," promised Jim as he
went skipping out of the schoolyard.

VOCATION MEANS SACRIFICE

John White and his wife, Martha,
were sitting on the front porch enjoying

a few moments of relaxation at the end
of the day's work. Mrs. White happened
to look out across the lawn just as Fa-

ther Reiley swung around the corner.

"Isn't that Father Reiley, John?" she
asked.

"Yes, it is," answered her husband,

"and I believe he is coming in here."

By that time Father Reiley was half
way up the walk. "Good evening, folks!"
he called out.

"Good evening. Father," the two re-

sponded. "How are you this evening?"

"I'm very well," replied their pastor

in his usual friendly fashion, then add-

ed with a chuckle: "How is everyone
at the White House? May I join your
peaceful family circle?"

"Glad to have you. Father. Have a
chair. What's on your mind?"

"Your son Jim. Now, now, Mrs. White,

- 8 -



there is nothing wrong/’ declared the

priest, seeing that his word had dis-
turbed Mrs. White, and she was about
to excite herself unnecessarily.

“I just want to tell you something
about him. What would you say if I
told you your son has a vocation to the
priesthood?”

- 9 -



‘‘I'd say how did you find it out, Fa-
ther. He's never mentioned anything

like that to us," answered Mr. White,

drawing a long puff on his pipe.

“Oh, Father, don't you think Jimmy
is a bit young to be making such a de-

cision?" put in Mrs. White.

“No, Mrs. White, he isn't too young.

God has put that desire into your boy's
heart. He wants him to be a priest. A
vocation to the priesthood is the highest

calling a boy can have. But it is some-
thing that cannot be trifled with. It

can be lost you know, or rejected. God
only knows how many parents there are
who have been the cause of their child's
loss of vocation. That is a serious mat-

ter to consider, when we stop to think
that God will hold those parents respon-
sible who did not do all in their power
to encourage vocations in their homes.

I know that neither of you would want
to prevent Jimmy from answering the
call that he has felt and which he spoke

to me about this afternoon."

“You're right. Father. We want to do
whatever God expects us to do, don't we,
Martha?" spoke John White, turning to
his wife for her opinion.

“At least we'll try. Father." answered
Mrs. White.

- 10 -



‘‘Good/' said Father Reiley. “I knew
I could count on you. It's going to mean
sacrifice, though, on both sides. Jim will
have to go away to school. There are
long years of study ahead for him. The
Priesthood is the most important pro-

fession there is. A boy has to be trained
for it in the proper atmosphere—away
from the world and all its hubbub, so
he can think and study about the things

of God and the truths of religion that
he will have to teach to others. He must
be guarded against temptations so that

his mind and body will be free to work
at the task of storing up knowledge that

he will need later in his work of caring
for souls. At the same time he has to
learn to practice what he intends to
preach, which means good, solid spiritual
training. I purpose to take Jim down
to the seminary for a visit before long

so he can get a general idea of what
the place is like."

“Excuse me. Father, but won't all this

schooling cost a lot of money? One can't
run a home or a business without money,
and I don't suppose the seminary can

be run without it either," commented
Mr. White.

“You've got something there, Mr.

White. Yes, it does take money. That's

- 11 -



part of the sacrifice. The seminaries
have to meet with the approval of Rome
and of the Bishops. They have to main-
tain a pretty high standard. However,

I may be able to arrange to take care
of part of the financial burden for you

through the chancery or the seminary.

I don't have things worked out yet. I

just dropped by to find out your opinion

in the matter. Besides I told Jimmy I
would speak to you about it this evening.

He is fairly bursting to discuss it with
you. He's a fine lad, if ever I saw one.
But he'll need encouragement from you."

- 12 -



Father Reiley rose from his chair. ‘‘I

have to get back to the rectory/' he

said. ‘'Have an appointment at eight

o'clock. Must be nearly that now."
“Sorry you can't stay longer, Father.

Your news has given us a lot to think
about. We are certainly grateful for
whatever you do for Jim," said Mr.

White. “We'll give the boy all the back-

ing we can."
“Come again soon, won't you. Fa-

ther?" called Mrs. White.

“That I will, Mrs. White. Goodnight
to both of you, and God bless you!"

- 13 -



THE DIGNITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

It was Saturday morning. Father
Reiley had just finished his thanksgiv-

ing after Mass and was about to put the
chasuble and other Mass vestments back
where they belonged. Suddenly he heard

footsteps behind him, and turning a-

round looked down at Jimmy White’s
wide grin. There was an eager look in
Jim’s eye.

'Tve straightened up the sanctuary,
Father,” he announced.

‘‘Good boy, Jim. Are the other serv-
ers gone already?”

“Yes, Father, they are. But I was
wondering if you would have time to tell

me more about being a priest. I’d like
to find out more about it.”

“I have time right now, Jim. I’m glad

you are that interested. What would you
like to know?”

Jimmy didn’t have any questions
ready so Father Reiley began by asking

him one. “What would you say is the
greatest thing in a priest’s life, Jim?”

Jimmy thought hard for a moment.
Perhaps it was the bright red vestment
that Father Reiley was folding so neatly
in the drawer that gave him the in-

- 14 -



spiration. '‘I think it is the honor of

saying Mass/' he finally answered.

‘Mim, you've hit it right on the nose!"

exclaimed Father Reiley. ‘‘That's just

what I hoped you would say. Offering
the Holy Sacrifice is the priest's greatest

privilege. It is also his greatest joy as

well as his greatest consolation. Why is
it such a great privilege, Jim? Can you
tell me that?"
“You tell me, Father."

“All right," replied Father Reiley,

leaning his broad back against the vest-

mept case and shifting his weight from
one foot to the other. “I'll tell you.

You've heard this in your religion class,
I know, but I'll try to bring out more
clearly the point we have in mind. Now
get this, Jim—every time a priest offers
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass he is
offering the Body and Blood of Jesus
Christ just as truly as Christ Himself

made the offering of His own Body and
Blood at the Last Supper and on the

Cross of Calvary."

Father Reiley paused and looked

straight at Jim. “You know the story
of the Last Supper, Jim," he said.

“Yes, Father. It was then that Our
Lord changed the bread and wine into

His own Body and Blood and gave the

- 15 -



Apostles their First Holy Communion/’

'‘Quite true, Jim. But Our Lord did
even more — and this is tremendously
important — He gave the Apostles the
power to do the same as He did. In
remembrance of Him they were to say
the same words, do the same thing, and
get the same result. He made them, as
it were, other Christs. And so each
morning at Mass, as the priest conse-
crates the bread and wine, he is not

speaking as a man, but is speaking as

Christ Whom he represents. At the con-
secration the priest says, "This is My
Body. This is My Blood” and no matter
what kind of man the priest is, be he
fervent or otherwise, the bread and wine

become the Body and Blood of Christ.
But the priest would not have this power
if Christ had not first given it to the

Apostles. Nor if He had not commanded
the Apostles to pass that power on to
their successors who are the Bishops, so
that they in turn could transmit it to

the priests whom they ordain.”

Jimmy was taking it all in—his atten-
tion was closely centered on the priest
before him.

"Any questions now, Jim?” asked
Father Reiley.

"I was just thinking. Father, what an

- 16 -



awful power it is that God gives to the

priest. It makes me feel afraid. Do you
really suppose He wants to give that
power to me?’'

‘‘Of course He does, Jim. You see,
God doesn’t always choose the brightest

or the holiest men to be priests. It is
God’s own power working through men
that makes the priesthood so wonderful

and gives it so much dignity. God could
have given the power to His angels in-

stead of giving it to His priests, but He
didn’t choose to do so. Look at the Apos-

tles, Jim. What kind of men were they?
They had no training in school before
Christ called them. Yet they followed

Him and He showed them and taught
them what He wanted them to do. You
can do as much, can’t you?”

“I’ll try. Father,” answered Jim.

“That’s the spirit, my boy! Don’t
get discouraged. And remember what I
told you the other day.”

Jimmy smiled. “I know. Father. You
said, ‘Don’t forget to pray.’

”

The discussion ended there, but Fa-
ther Reiley noted with satisfaction that

his words seemed to be taking effect,
for out in the church Jimmy’s tousled
head could be seen for quite a while

above the front pew where he was kneel-

-17



ing in earnest prayer before the Blessed

Sacrament.

O wonder of wonders that God should
take the form of bread, but still more
wonderful the way in which it is ac-
complished! And to think that he, Jim-
my White, was being called by Christ
and some day the blessed privilege of
bringing God down upon the altar might
be his! ''This is My Body. This is My
Blood.'' Jimmy repeated the words soft-
ly as he slipped quietly out of the church.

THE TASK OF A PRIEST

It was hot and sultry. The last class
of the day was in session. And Father
Reiley was very much aware that his
pupils were not concentrating on their
Bible History lesson. More than likely
everyone's mind was beginning to turn
toward the baseball field.

"That will be all for today," he sud-

denly announced when the class was only
about half over. "School dismissed."

Thirty pairs of eyes opened wide at

the announcement and thirty pairs of

hands lost no time clearing off desks

and gathering up ball gloves, bats and

other baseball items.

"Hurrah for Father Reiley!" someone

- 18 -



shouted. A chorus of 'Thank you, Fa-
ther'’ followed.

Jim White was one of the group that
crowded around Father Reiley on the

school steps a few minutes later.

"Coming over to ball practice with us,
Father?" asked one of the boys.

"Sure thing, boys. We've got to win
that game from St. A's," answered the
priest.

"It was nice of you to let us out early.
Father," spoke up Jim White.
Father Reiley's eyes twinkled and he

winked at Jim. "It was nice for the
teacher, too, Jim," he said.

"Do you like to teach. Father?" ques-
tioned Billy Marvin who was a star pupil
as well as a star baseball player.

- 19 -



''Yes, Billy, I like to teach. In fact,

I have to—every priest is commanded
to teach. I'll bet you didn't know that."

"Who commanded you. Father?"
asked Jim.

"That's an easy one, Jim. Our Lord
commanded the Apostles to teach when
He said, 'Going therefore, teach ye all
nations,' and naturally whatever He
commanded the Apostles to do all the
Bishops and Priests of the Church must
do also. Now, every priest doesn't teach
in a class room, but every priest does

have to teach. That's why we have ser-
mons on Sundays, and at other times
like Lent and Forty Hours and Missions.
Preaching is one of the pastor's first

duties. He is bound to instruct his par-
ishioners in their duties. We all have
duties toward God, ourselves and our

fellowmen—we can't get away from
them. True, we can learn a lot about
them during our school-days but that
isn't enough. As we grow older we take
on greater responsibilities and need

more instruction on how to shoulder the
burdens that life brings. Our Lord spent
three years preaching and teaching. The

Apostles were constantly receiving in-

struction from Him. He taught them
how to live, how to pray, how to teach

- 20 -



and how to die. After His ascension
into Heaven Christ sent the Holy Spirit
who would encourage them and bring
back to their minds all that He had
taught them. And so the priest speak-
ing from the pulpit is carrying on the

work of the Holy Spirit because in his
sermons he brings back to the minds of

the people all they have learned in their

catechism and instructs them more fully
about their duties, and he also encour-

ages them to do what is right. But a
priest can also teach without opening

his mouth.”

''You’re kidding, aren’t you. Father?”

"Honest, I mean it, boys. Ever hear
that little saying, 'actions speak louder

than words’? Well, example is one of

the most powerful means of instruction
there is. Our Lord used it. He was a
perfect model of obedience, purity, hu-

mility, patience, kindness and of every

other virtue. He didn’t just tell the peo-
ple that 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,

blessed are the clean of heart, blessed

are the meek’—oh, no. He showed them
by the way He lived. I know of a priest
who won many converts just because he
was understanding and kind. But sup-
pose we consider the group of you stand-
ing with me now. Why, I might talk

- 21 -



all day about fair play, honest sports-

manship, being a good loser and all that

sort of thing and not get to first base.

But let a bunch of boys on the field

show all those qualities while at play

and the idea goes over like a homer

over the fence. It takes example along

with words. Get what I mean, boys?”

“Yes, Father. We get it,” they shout-
ed in one voice.

“Well then, let’s go over to the play-

ground and give a little silent instruc-

tion on how to win a baseball game. . .

.

Long after the ball practice was over

for the day Jimmy White was still pon-

dering Father Reiley’s words. The task

of teaching which Christ had imposed

on His priests was a big one, but Jimmy

would not have to wait until ordination

to begin his teaching career. By setting

a good example he could begin right now.

SHEPHERD OF SOULS

Father Reiley sat in the back of the

schoolhall, watching listlessly as Sister

Anna put the eighth graders through

final practice of the graduation exer-

cises. Presently one of the girls began

reading the class prophecy and Father

Reiley pricked up his ears to listen. He

- 22 -



was not at all surprised to hear that
Billy Marvin would one day be in the
pitcher's box of a big league ball team,
but he was surprised when he heard
Jimmy White named the future pastor
of St. Mary's. He couldn't figure out
who had let the cat out of the bag, but

as soon as the signal for dismissal had
been snapped and Sister had been con-
gratulated on her well planned program.
Father drew Jim aside and questioned
him: '‘Say, I thought we had a secret.
Who told?"

- 23 -



‘‘I don't know, Father," answered Jim.

^‘Sister Anna must have guessed it.
She's pretty keen that way."

''Well, my boy, since you're going to
be my successor as pastor of St. Mary's
some day, maybe I ought to tell you a
little about the job a pastor has," said

Father Reiley half jokingly, yet serious-

ly enough for Jim to sense that more
instruction on the priesthood would be
forthcoming if he encouraged Father

to talk.

"Go ahead. Father, shoot," replied
Jim eagerly. "I'm listenin'."

So Father Reiley again opened fire.

"Jim," he said, "a pastor has more to
think about than himself. A parish
priest is responsible for the holiness of

all the souls in his parish. That means
a lot of work. He is really a shepherd
of souls. The people of his parish are
his sheep. And just as the old-time
shepherds of Our Lord's day cared for
the sheep of their masters so does the

priest look after the souls that God
places under his charge. Christ was the
first Good Shepherd. He gave Himself
that name. He said, 'I am the Good
Shepherd. I know Mine and Mine know
me.' The priest then, if he be truly
another Christ, is also a good shepherd.

- 24 -



He must know his sheep and care for
them/'

‘‘How does he care for them, Father?"

put in Jim.

“Like this, Jim. When the priest bap-
tizes the children of his flock he is put-

them into the sheep-fold of the Church.
Later on he arranges protection for

them from the wolves that would de-
stroy them. This he does through the

Sacrament of Confirmation which the

- 25 -



Bishop administers in order to strength-

en souls against the attacks of the devil.

It is also the priest who prepares food
for his flock by bringing the Body and
Blood of Christ down from heaven
through the Mass; for isn't it in Holy

Communion that our souls receive divine
help to make us grow in holiness? Then
there are the poor strayed sheep and the

lost ones who must be brought back.
There are the sick and wounded sheep
who must be healed. All these are taken
care of in the Sacrament of Confession.
There are the wandering sheep who
want to seek shelter in the sheep-fold.
These are the converts who must be in-
structed. Yes, Jim, at every turn of life

the priest is there ready to aid—he even
stands as God's witness when in God's
name he blesses the solemn contract that
couples who enter into marriage must
make. And when the awful agony of
death comes upon the soul, who but the
priest can give real help? It is the priest

who brings the Holy Viaticum, and who
anoints the body with the purifying oils

of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction."

Father Reiley paused and took a deep

breath. ‘'Oh, it is such a wonderful

work, Jim, . . . a beautiful work!"

Jim thought to himself: “Father

-26 -



Reiley must be a true shepherd or else
he couldn't look the way he does now."
But Jim wanted to keep the conversation
going so he said: ''What else does the

shepherd do for his sheep, Father?"

"
'The Good Shepherd gives his life

for his sheep' " quoted Father Reiley in

answer to Jim's question. "Every pastor

gives his life for his sheep, Jim, even as

Christ did. The years of his youth he
gives to the study and preparation nec-

essary for ordination. After ordination

he takes up the actual work—he gives
his time, his health, his talents, he sac-

rifices his own pleasure, he risks his life
and sometimes his honor, in caring for

the needs of His Master's sheep. The
Good Shepherd represents the mercy of
God. The priest, is above all else, the
dispenser of God's mercy. And never
before has the world so needed the mer-

cy of God!"

"Gee, Father," cried Jim. "Even if I
had thought about giving up the idea of
being a priest I couldn't now."

There was a long moment of silence
which was not broken by either of the
two who sat absorbed—each in his own
thoughts, yet each thinking of the other.

—Suddenly there was a sound of youth-
ful chatter. A group of girls was re-

- 27 -



turning with flags, bunting and stream-

ers with which to decorate the hall for
the graduation exercises.

''Looks like we're going to be in the

way here, Jim," declared Father Reiley
coming out of his dreams. "We'd better
get out before we And ourselves wearing
a piece of red, white and blue drapery."

Jim laughed. For some reason his
heart felt very light and his spirits rose

high as he tried to keep his short little

legs in step with Father Reiley's long

ones which were hurrying toward the

nearest exit.

THE PRIEST A MISSIONARY

A tall, heavy-set man, dressed in
black, with his hat pulled down and his
coat collar turned up, made a quick dash
from the bank door to a parked car.
However, what looked like a bandit try-
ing to make his getaway with a bank
loot was really only Father Reiley try-
ing to dodge the raindrops of a sudden

shower as he hurried back to his car

after depositing the weekly parish col-

lection.

"More rain," he mumbled to himself.
"But at least there is no danger of flood

in these parts."

Father Reiley stepped on the starter

- 28 -



and had not gone more than a block or

two when he spied Jimmy White hud-
dled against a corner building. He was
trying to shelter himself from the rain

while waiting for a bus.

''Hop in, Jim,'’ called Father Reiley,

as he stopped for the traffic signal.

"Hello, Father. Am I glad to see
you!" exclaimed the lad, brushing at his

wet clothes with his hands and settling

himself in the seat next to Father. "I

didn't expect all this rain today. I

thought we'd had enough for awhile."

Father Reiley laughed. "That isn't
for us to say, Jim. But I know one
thing, all this water is going to do a

lot of damage in some places."

"Dad was saying this morning that
Father Stone's new church is being
threatened by flood. That's a pretty
good distance from here, isn't it.
Father?"

"Yes, it is, Jim, but it's in our diocese.

I'm telling you, Jim, you don't have to

go to the foreign missions to look for

excitement. There is plenty of it right

here in our own diocese. A diocesan
priest is as much a missionary as any."

"How do you figure that. Father?"
questioned Jim. "I always thought one

- 29 -



had to go to China or some far-away
place like that to be a missionary/'

‘‘Not at all, Jim," replied Father

Reiley, swerving the car out of the way
of a delivery truck. “If it is a matter

of zeal and the enduring of hardships,

then you can get all that right around

here. Strange as it may seem there are
places in this diocese almost as poor as

some in China. That's not saying we
don't need foreign missionaries. No, in-

deed. Christ said to teach all nations.

But I do say that the priest who takes
on the pastorship of a small mission

center is doing heroic work wherever it's
located. He has to build and repair on
almost nothing and usually with what
labor he can manage to get from the
people in their off time. Most of the

time there is no school and no decent

rectory. Instructions to the children

must be given separately in the evenings
or on Saturdays and Sundays. The priest
very often has to travel great distances

to take care of his scattered flock. May-

be it isn't as glamorous sounding as

doing mission work in a foreign coun-
try but it adds up to the same things

—

hardships, loneliness, heartbreaking dis-

appointment — all those things have to
be faced by the diocesan missionary too.

- 30 -



Paints a rather gloomy picture, doesn't

it, Jim, and 'twould be a rather gloomy

life too, if it weren't for the purpose

in back of it.

Jim wanted to ask Father Reiley

what he meant by that, but seeing that

they were almost to the rectory he an-

swered with : ‘'I can get out at the

rectory. Father—it's only a few steps
around the corner to home and the rain
has stopped now."

''So it has, Jim. Looks like the sun

is coming out. Well, that's the way it
is in the life of a missionary, Jim. The
rains of trouble, hardship and disap-

pointment come but so does the sun-
shine of success. In the heart of every

missionary there is a spirit of zeal and

love for souls that shines through on

the darkest days and makes them bright
because the missionary knows He is do-
ing God's greatest work and . . ."

Father Reiley stopped in the middle

of his sentence and chuckled a little.
"What am I trying to do here, Jim

—

talk you out of being a missionary or
talk you into it."

"I don't know. Father," responded
Jim. "But you've cleared up a few
things that I'd been wondering about.

- 31 -



Thanks for what youVe told me and
for the ride too, Father/'

The doors of the car slammed simul-
taneously as the two climbed out. '‘As
far as I'm concerned, the diocese is the

only missionary field I'm looking for-

ward to," called Jim over his shoulder.
And that was all Father Reiley want-

ed to know.

STEPS TO THE PRIESTHOOD

Some of the players said it was Fa-
ther Reiley's pep talks, some gave the

credit to Billy Marvin's super pitching,

while others said they never would have

won the game if Jim White hadn't come
through with that four bagger when he
did. But if you had asked any number
of the spectators they would have an-

swered, "Team work, that's what did
it!" And they would have been right.

Father Reiley was justly proud of his
boys and he was taking them on an out-
ing to prove it. All the way to the park
they had been re-hashing the plays of

yesterday's big game and glorying in
the final score of 8 to 7.

Finally the conversation turned to the

losing team. "Father Casey's a swell

coach, I think," spoke one of the boys

from the rear seat of the station wagon

- 32 -



in which they were riding (it had been

borrowed for the occasion).

''I think so too/' agreed the boy sit-

ting next to him. ''He's almost as good

a coach as ours."

"You said it, Jack, nobody can beat
Father Reiley," boasted Billy.

"Thanks, boys," said Father Reiley.

"But remember. Father Casey has been

at St. Ann's for only two years. In fact

that's all the longer he's been ordained.

Most likely he played ball while in the
seminary, and I'll wager he was on a
team like ours once, but that would have
been fourteen years ago—before he went
away to study for the priesthood."

"Golly!" exclaimed Ted Peters. "Four-
teen years ago. How many years does
it take to become a priest?"

"Subtract two from fourteen and

you've got the answer, Ted. It takes

twelve long years of hard study—and
here's something that will surprise you,

I know—every young man who receives
the sacrament of Holy Orders must re-
ceive seven ordinations I"

"Whew," whistled Ted. "No wonder it
takes so long!" Everybody laughed.
Jim White was the first to ask: "Won't
you please tell us about the seven or-
dinations, Father?"

- 33 -



‘‘OK/' replied the priest. “As soon as
everybody quiets down.''

In an instant all were silent, waiting

eagerly for Father Reiley to begin. The
priest straightened himself against the

seat of the car and started his explana-

tion.

“You all know that Our Lord insti-
tuted the Sacrament of Holy Orders
when he ordained the Apostles His first
priests and made them the first Bishops
of the Church. He also gave to them
and to their successors the power to
ordain other priests and consecrate oth-
er Bishops. At first there was only the
order of priesthood. Later, as the

Church grew and more ministers were
needed, deacons were ordained to assist

the priests. Gradually five more orders
were instituted, making seven all told.
I'll try to explain a little about each

one. First, though, I must tell you about
the tonsure."

“What's that, Father?" asked Ted,

who by this time had become deeply
interested.

“That, Ted, means a hair cut," re-
plied Father Reiley. “The idea was
copied from the Romans who shaved the
heads of their slaves. The early Fathers
of the Church shaved their heads to

-34



proclaim themselves slaves of Christ.

This same idea prevails today. The
Bishop cuts the hair of the candidates

for the priesthood as a sign that those

young men belong especially to Christ
and intend to dedicate themselves to the

service of the Church.’'

‘‘Don’t they look rather queer?” some-

one asked.

Father Reiley expected that question

and he smiled broadly as he ansv^ered:

“The Bishop doesn’t shave their heads.
He just cuts a few strands of hair from
five parts of each one’s head so as to

form a cross. It is hardly noticeable.”

“When do the seven ordinations
start?” asked Billy.

“After the candidates have received

tonsure they are called clerics and are

eligible to go on to the seven final steps

that lead to the priesthood. These steps

are the four Minor Orders and the three
Major Orders, and together they make
up the seven ordinations that each can-

didate for the priesthood must receive.”

“The four Minor Orders,” continued
Father Reiley, “are Porter, Lector, Ex-

orcist and Acolyte. Porter means guard
of the doors. In the time of persecution,

reliable men were needed to inform the
faithful of the time and place of divine

- 35 -



services. The Porters had to open and
lock the doors and keep out those who
would cause a disturbance. Later on
they helped to take care of the sacred

vessels, ring the bells and usher. Now
those duties are performed by the sac-
ristans, ushers and janitors.

''Next comes the order of Lector

which means reader. In the early days
the Catechumens, that is, those who
were preparing for baptism, were not

allowed to remain for the whole Mass.

They received instructions from the
Scriptures which were read to them be-
fore the actual sacrifice began. The Lec-
tors were especially trained to read the
Scriptures. We can easily understand
why, when we realize that in those times
there were no printed books such as we
have now. The text was written by hand
in manuscript form and it required a
really skilled reader to make sense out
of it. Gradually the work of the Lectors
was taken over by the deacons and
priests and so the Lectors formed a

schola for singing the various parts of

the Mass. Now the choir takes the place
of the schola.

"The third Minor Order is that of
Exorcist. The duty of the Exorcist was
to perform exorcisms over the Catechu-

- 36 -



mens in order to drive the devils out

of them. Today the priest performs

these exorcisms at the time of baptism.

‘'The last of the Minor Orders is that

of Acolyte. It \vas his duty to assist in

the services, light the candles, pour the

wine and water. Now the servers at
Mass do all that.''

“May I ask a question. Father?" in-
quired Jack.

“What is it. Jack?"

“Well, if the duties have all been

taken over by others why does the can-
didate for the priesthood have to re-

ceive the Minor Orders?"

“That's a good question. Jack," re-

marked Father Reiley, pleased to find
the boys following his explanation so

closely. “The reason is this—the Church
uses the Minor Orders, which are so
called because they are of less impor-

tance, as a fitting preparation for the

Major Orders which are of grave im-
portance. All the Minor Orders recall
the fact that the priest is the responsi-

ble guardian of the house of God and
everything connected with it. And al-
though various duties are now per-
formed by lay people without the rite
of ordination it is up to the priest to

see that the duties are carried out."

- 37 -



''I guess that explains that, Father.
Now tell us about the Major Orders,
replied Jack.

‘'There are three Major Orders—Sub-
diaconate, Diaconate and Priesthood,^^
began Father Reiley. The Subdiaconate
was introduced into the Church when
the work of the deacon increased and
divine services became more solemn. The
Subdeacon must take on the obligation
of perfect chastity, of never marrying,
and of saying the Divine Office like the
Deacon and Priest. And like the Deacon
and Priest he dresses in sacred vest-
ments when he takes part in the ser-
vices. But it is only when deaconship
is bestowed that the indelible mark of
the Sacrament of Holy Orders is im-
printed on the soul. For after the cleric
is ordained deacon he participates in the
priesthood in so far as he assists the
priest at solemn services. He is also
permitted to preach and to distribute
Holy Communion.''

“Now then, the young man is ready
for the final step—the order of priest-
hood. Through the imposition of the
Bishop's hands he is made a priest for-
ever. He is given the power to offer
Holy Mass, to forgive sins and to bless.
During the rite of ordination the Bish-

- 38 -



op vests him in the sacred vestments

and consecrates his hands with holy oils.

Then the Bishop calls upon the newly

ordained priest to offer Mass together

with him.''

Father Reiley paused. '‘Any ques-

tions?" he asked.

"It means an awful lot to be a priest,

doesn't it, Father," said one of the boys.

"Yes, it does," answered Father

Reiley. "The Priesthood is the heart of

the Church. But don't forget that the

priests come from the heart of the peo-

ple in person of young men like your-
selves."

There was no time for further com-
ment. The entrance of the park loomed
just ahead. Father Reiley knew his talk
had made a deep impression upon Jim
White who had been silent through most
of the discussion, but he hoped he had

also made the others see something of
the great importance of the priesthood.

A LOOK AT THE SEMINARY

The day for the promised visit to the
seminary had arrived at last. It was a
day Jim would never forget as long as
he lived. And the enthusiasm with
which he described it to his mother

- 39 -



when he returned made it a red letter
day for her also.

''Oh, mother!'' cried Jim. "You should
have seen the baseball fields. And the
big gym! Father Reiley says I can learn
to play basketball there."

Mrs. White looked a little surprised.
Baseball and basketball in the seminary?

"Oh, yes, mother," replied Jim to the
question mark look on his mother's face.
"Father Reiley says the sems have to
keep physically fit so they can study.

They have a lake for swimming and
skating too. And a big terrace for tak-
ing walks." Jim's eyes sparkled at the

prospects of evening strolls around the
well-kept campus.

Mrs. White smiled her approval, then

- 40 -



inquired, ‘‘What about your studies,

Jim?''

“I have a book that Father Anthony
gave me. He's swell . .

.
just like Father

Reiley. The book tells about the classes.
Here it is," said Jim, handing his moth-

er the Seminary Catalogue which the

genial Director of studies had given him.

Mrs. White was about as excited as
Jim. She paged through the book quick-

ly. On one page she found the schedule
for the day. Everything was planned.
First came Holy Mass and meditation,
followed by breakfast and four classes.

At noon, dinner and a period of recrea-
tion. In the afternoon there were more
classes and recreation until supper. Eve-

ning devotions at 7 were followed by

study and after that came bedtime. She
could see Jim's days would be full.

“The class rooms are wonderful,"
Jim went on. “And so is the refec . . .
the refec . . . the place where I'll eat with
all the other students," finished Jim.

“You mean the refectory, Jim,"
prompted Mrs. White.

“Yes, that's what Father Reiley called
it. He showed me the dormitory, too,
where I'll sleep. Golly, there were a lot
of beds there. Father Reiley told me
some stories about his seminary days.

- 41 -



and he says the sems still do those
things. They have plays and concerts,
and lectures and even have contests. Gee,
I can hardly Avait to get started.''

^'Well, I'll be needing the Summer to
get all your things ready," replied Mrs.

White scanning the list of clothing and
supplies that Jim would be required to
bring along.

Jim paused thoughtfully as the vision
of the seminary chapel filled his mind.

'‘Mother, you should see the beautiful

chapel. We go there every morning for
Holy Mass and Communion. It's so easy
to pray there." His thoughts recalled

the feeling of peace that had come over
him when Father Anthony had led him
up the aisle pointing out that much of a
seminarian's time is given to prayer.

It had seemed to Jim that never before
had the desire to be a priest been so

strongly felt as it had that afternoon

when he knelt for the first time in the
seminary chapel and looked upon the

huge crucifix which hung behind the
tabernacle. The same Christ Who had
died upon the cross and Who was pres-
ent before him in the tabernacle was
calling him to follow as closely in His
footsteps as any man can, for He wanted
him to be one of His priests.

- 42 -



Jim’s train of thought was broken by

the sound of a door opening. Mrs.

White’s ear had also caught the sound.

‘'Isn’t that dad coming in, Jim?” she
asked. But Jim didn’t wait to answer.
He was out of the room with a dash

—

eager to tell the day’s adventures to his

father who he knew would be more than
anxious to hear them.

THE PRIEST’S BEST FRIENDS

Father Reiley’s breviary lay open on

his knee, but his eyes were closed in

. silent meditation. It was the Feast of
St. John the Baptist, and this great

saint’s life suggested many points worth
pondering. So completely lost was the
priest in thought that he did not hear

Jim White come up the steps to the
rectory porch.

“Excuse me. Father,” began Jim, and

Father Reiley was immediately aroused.

“Oh, good evening, Jim, my boy. I
didn’t hear you coming. Sit down,” re-
plied Father Reiley.

“I don’t want to interrupt you. Fa-
ther,” spoke Jim.

“But I have finished saying my Office,
Jim,” informed Father Reiley, closing

the breviary and laying it carefully on

- 43 -



the bench beside him. ''Sit down, and

I’ll share my thoughts with you. There
are a good many lessons we can learn
from today’s feast—you especially, since
you are to prepare for the priesthood.

Some day you will be learning what the
Divine Office is all about and what it
means to the priest, but for the time
being you can follow the feasts of the

Church year through the use of your
daily missal.”

"I know today is the feast of St. John
the Baptist, but how does it have special
meaning for me. Father?” inquired Jim.

"St. John the Baptist,” began Father

Reiley, "is called the Precursor of Christ

because he went about preaching to the

- 44 -



people of the great Messias who was
to come and save them from their sins.

In a way all priests are prophets of Our
Lord like St. John, because they must
preach the coming of Christ by faith

into the hearts of His people. St. John

should be a model for us since his voca-

tion was a very special call to preach
Christ. Then, too, St. John said, in

speaking of Christ, ‘He must increase

:

but I must decrease.’ Applied to our-

selves that means that we must decrease
in selfishness and increase in Christ-

likeness. It means putting aside our
selfish interests and thinking of the

things of God and of the Church. If
you learn to be selfless during your sem-

inary days, Jim, you will have a much
more fruitful priesthood from the be-
ginning.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. Father, but

I guess I should,” Jim admitted.

“However, St. John isn’t the only saint

who can be a model for us. There are
scores of them,” continued Father Rei-

ley, warming up to his subject. St.
Peter, the first Pope

; St. Paul, the great-

est of all missionaries; St. John and St.
James and all the other Apostles. They
all long to share their priesthood with

you, and for that reason they have a spe-

- 45 -



cial interest in you right and and want
to help you. The Cure of Ars is another
saint to whom you should be devoted.
He was poor in talents but rich in zeal
and love for souls, and because of his

great zeal God gave him extraordinary
powers for doing good. It was through
the confessional that he did his greatest

work. He died a poor little pastor, but
not before he had become a model for

all diocesan priests. Then there is the
saint of our own times, the Little Flower
of Jesus. Of course she wasn't a priest,
but she was especially devoted to the
priesthood and has obtained many
graces for the seminarians and priests

who pray to her. But there is one per-
son, above all others, who is most in-
terested in your success as a student and

as a priest and that is .

.

‘'The Blessed Mother," put in Jim.

“Yes, my boy, there is no other person
to whom we can go with as much con-
fidence and hope of being heard. It was

through Jesus that Mary became our
Mother. How she must love those who
come closest to her Son! A priest is
another Christ—how often you will hear
that. He has the mission of carrying
on the work of Our Lord and has been
given a share in His divine power. Be-

- 46 -



cause a priest gives his all to God's

service he must forego earthly attach-

ment to women. But Mary is always
beside him ready to inspire him and
encourage him. She gives her love in a

special way to priests because they re-
semble Christ most closely. Make her
your companion now, Jim. Make her
part of your everyday life. Remember
this, Jim—no priest was ever ordained
without the help of Mary and no priest
can carry on the work of a priest with-
out Mary to guide him. You can go to
her in joy as well as in sorrow. She

has known both." Father Reiley paused
and smiled.

''Here we were discussing St. John
the Baptist and all of a sudden we end
up talking about the Blessed Mother.
But that isn't such an unnatural con-
clusion when we consider that it was
through the visit of Our Lady to St.
Elizabeth that St. John was sanctified
even before his birth. Truly every grace
comes to us through Mary."

Father Reiley leaned over to pick up
his breviary. It was getting near sup-
per time.

"Was there something special you
wanted to see me about?" he asked Jim.

Jim replied, "I just wanted to give

- 47 -



you this paper which I received from

Father Rector. You are asked to fill it
out so I can return it to Father when
I go to the seminary.

‘‘ril be glad to do that, Jim.

‘'Thanks very much, Father. See you

later.''

Father Reiley's eyes followed Jim
down the steps and watched him until
he disappeared out of sight. Only then

did the priest turn to go into the house.

A prayer for Jim was on his lips. “Keep
him, dearest Mother, keep him in your
heart and make the goodness that is in
him now, grow and grow, and never
cease to bear good fruit."

- 48