In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
As well as celebrating Holy Mass tomorrow (Maundy Thursday), I will, along with many other priests, be renewing my commitment to serve God and God’s people (that’s you!).
I thought you might like to see the text that your priests will be using, so here it is.
PERSONAL RENEWAL OF PRIESTLY COMMITMENT
In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, the priest makes the following personal renewal of priestly commitment.
✠ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Lord Jesus Christ, as the Church approaches the anniversary of that day when you conferred your priesthood on the Apostles and on us, I renew now, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, the promises I made on the day of my priestly ordination.
With humility and faith, I (the priest inserts his name) resolve to be more united with you and more closely conformed to you, denying myself and confirming those promises about sacred duties towards your Church which, prompted by love of you, I willingly and joyfully pledged on the day I was ordained a priest.
I resolve to be a faithful steward of the divine mysteries in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites, and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following you the Head and Shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls.
Humbly, I ask for an outpouring of the gifts and graces I need for my priestly service, so that, supported by the prayers of the people entrusted to my care, and working with my brother priests, I might remain faithful in my ministry to you, the High Priest, and lead your people in the way of salvation.
I pray for my bishop (insert the Bishop’s name) that he may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to him, so that, in our midst, he may be made, day by day, a living and more perfect image of you, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher and Servant of all.
Lord Jesus, graciously keep us all in your love and lead all of us, shepherds and flock, to eternal life. Amen. ✠ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Please keep me and all your priests in your prayers.