The Good Shepherd

My parents emigrated to USA from Ireland. Eventually they became USA citizens.

As I grew older, I wanted to go to Ireland to meet my aunts, uncles and cousins.

One cousin I enjoyed very much was Michael Joseph. He emigrated to America, worked as a bus driver for the MTA in the Bronx, then, for a few years he went back to Ireland to be a shepherd. A shepherd in our family! I wondered – was he like Jesus the Good Shepherd?

Sheep knew the Good Shepherd’s voice – yes, some – You Tube video – but the Voice of the Good Shepherd can be hard to hear.

Good Shepherd knew his sheep by name – yes, many – Jesus know us all by name – sons & daughters of God!

The Good Shepherd cared for them - (bath) – Baptismal bath for forgiveness: mercy

The Good Shepherd Lay down his life for the sheep? – cared, put up fences, had sheep dog -  Jesus died on the cross for us!

Good Shepherd Sunday is also World Day of Prayer for Vocations – Focus on Priesthood, Religious Priests, Brothers and Sisters and Deaconate.

Need for Good Shepherds:
Last year’s Class of 2015  -  595 ordained – up over 100

Still about 20 short each year.

Average age – 34

Most between  25 – 39

2/3  white   14% Hispanic   10% Asian

25 % born outside USA

½ attended Catholic schools

Began to think of priesthood about the age of 17

80% were altar servers

70% encouraged by priest

45% by friends and parishioners

40% by mothers

½  were actively discouraged – mostly by friends  12% dads  9% mothers

Msgr. George Thompson coming to St. Columba.

Have you ever thought of becoming a priest?

We are grateful so many families and parishioners have encouraged vocations from St. Columba – a number of young priests – 1 in deaconate formation & 3 discerning – at least two young women considering becoming sisters.   We pray that there may be more to serve the Good Shepherd!!!

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, in verdant pastures he gives me repose, beside restful waters he leads men he refreshes my soul. He guides me on right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil, for u are at my side with your rod and staff that give me courage. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.