By Charlotte Anne Hunkele
On June 26, 2009, the Knights of Columbus held a party for our pastor, Father Christopher Pisut, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church. The Knights have started a new annual tradition in our parish that commemorates the ordination of our Pastor. It took place at the Parish Center. They served a delicious meal and dessert. Many parishioners attended the dinner. The guests also included Father Pisut’s immediate family and some of his extended family members, as well.
The celebration was very similar to a wedding anniversary. There was a photo album and a slide show of Father Pisut’s ordination. Many of us have never witnessed the sacrament of Holy Orders and this was not only a way to recall the day we were celebrating, but to learn through the pictures about the events that take place during the ceremony.
The language in the Catechism of the Catholic Church is marital when speaking about Christ and His Church. It says, “The unity of Christ and the Church, head and members of one Body, also implies the distinction of the two within a personal relationship. This aspect is often expressed by the image of bridegroom and bride” (CCC796). The catechism also tells us that, “In the ecclesial service of the ordained minister, it is Christ Himself who is present to His Church as Head of His Body, Shepherd of His flock, High Priest of the redemptive sacrifice, Teacher of Truth. This is what the Church means by saying that the priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, acts in persona Christi Capitis” (CCC 1548). Thus, this also would mean that the priest is married to the Church.
The celebration of an ordination is akin to the celebration of a marriage. The priest is in essence married to the Church. For as he is in persona Christi, and as Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church, so is the priest as he keeps himself only unto her. Therefore we celebrate the anniversary of an ordination in the same way that we celebrate a marriage. It should be recognized and honored every year. Though one would have to admit a Silver Jubilee or Golden Anniversary is a great reason for celebration, now, especially during the, “Year of the Priest”, all celebrations of ordination bring elation. It means that a man has heard the voice of Christ in his heart, and has said, “Here I am Lord.” And, we, his children in faith, have a Father who loves us, as Christ loves us, and, who, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, “the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible” (CCC1549) to us. We depend on him to bring us the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our faith. Without our priest, we would be without the Eucharist. We would be without Jesus.
Pope Benedict XVI installed a, “Year for Priests,” which began on June 19, 2009, on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. How fitting that we celebrated our Pastor’s anniversary, at our Church which bears that name precisely following the wishes of our Pope. Let us pray for our Pastor, Father Christopher Pisut, and for priests everywhere during this special year, and in years to come, remembering to give thanks for their vocations, and asking our Lord, Jesus Christ, to bless and keep them, always.
In grateful appreciation to Father Christopher Pisut, the parishioners of Sacred Heart thanked Father for his life’s decision. The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of the Catholic faith and the priest is essential for the sacrament. Pope Benedict XVI has declared this year to be a celebration of the priesthood. It is fitting that we should celebrate Father’s priesthood this year and every year
Click here for pictures: 6th Anniversary
A slide show may be added in the future.
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