Pastor’s Letter: June 21, 2026

Pastor’s Letter: June 21, 2026

19 Jun 2026 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,

Blessed Father’s Day weekend! Speaking for all of us priests, thank you so much for your prayers this past week! The priest Convocation was a great opportunity to be together with our Peoria priests, to pray together and enjoy great brotherhood. As I knew Father’s Day weekend was coming, I spent some time reflecting on my own dad—his life of hard work to provide for our family…and especially his faith that I think was such a wonderful foundation for our family. As I strive to be a good spiritual father, I often think of my own dad and his influence on me, as well as so many great priests through the years who have been solid men of God. Let us all be thankful for the many fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and spiritual fathers who have helped us know God the Father and who we are as His beloved sons and daughters!

As we wrap up our reflections on the Sacrament of Holy Orders, I thought it would be fitting first to recall one of my favorite conversations with someone many of you will remember—Fr. Greg Ketcham. During our years we worked together at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center in Champaign, Fr. Greg was honored with the Church title of Monsignor. “Monsignor” is a title of honor bestowed by the pope, typically in recognition for a special role or significant contributions through the life of ministry. Early on, Msgr. Greg was truly honored by the title, and I think he appreciated the recognition. A few years later, we ended up swapping assignments and I became the Head Chaplain at the Newman Center and he moved to Bloomington to St. Patrick Church of Merna. I had heard from some folks there that he introduced himself as “Fr. Greg” and told people that is what he preferred to be called. When he and I got together to catch up and talk things through, I mentioned that to him…he replied with a laugh and a smile, “Yes, the more I think about it the more I really just like being Fr. Greg. ‘Msgr.’ is a title of honor and father is about a relationship. I just kept thinking as I met people—I would rather be a spiritual father for you than be honored by you.”

For me, one of the great gifts of the priesthood is being a spiritual father. I have been so amazed through the years what a true gift that fatherhood can be—it truly is humbling to know what God can do through the hands and voices of his priests. We truly believe that God calls us to Holy Orders…and that is part of most all vocation stories. In our Roman Catholic Tradition, we also believe that calling includes the invitation to commit to celibacy, to be configured to Christ and live a life of service and availability for God’s people. As the Catechism teaches, “The grace of the Holy Spirit proper to this sacrament is configuration to Christ as Priest, Teacher, and Pastor, of whom the ordained is made a minister” (CCC, 1585). As Christ works through the bishop, priest, or deacon, Jesus is able to provide whatever is needed for his people: from assistance with anything from practical needs to service of the sacraments, to instruction in the Faith and life of prayer, to leadership and decision-making for the good of the Diocese or the parish. Of course, grace builds on nature. And we know that we are sinners in need of Christ’s grace from the Cross just like everyone else. Honestly, we know that sometimes a weak moment or careless word can be hurtful. Humbly, we also know that Christ can accomplish great works, despite our frailty.

Even in our weakness and sinfulness, we believe the Sacrament of Holy Orders is enduring and can produce fruits despite our own limitations. Similar to Baptism and Confirmation, we believe the Sacrament of Holy Orders confers an “indelible spiritual character” on the soul—“this share in Christ’s office is granted once for all” (CCC, 1582). This is why ordination for each of the degrees of Holy Orders just happens once, is not repeated, and is understood to last for all time. Even for a priest who is out of ministry for whatever reason, if there is an emergency situation where the sacraments are needed, Canon Law instructs that the man must fulfill that need and honor that consecration once given for the good of God’s people.

Throughout our Church history, there has been an ongoing call to clergy for conversion and greater faithfulness to Christ. Our Catechism quotes St. Gregory of Nazianzus, who as a very young priest, exclaimed, “We must begin by purifying ourselves before purifying others; we must be instructed to be able to instruct, become light to illuminate, draw close to God to bring him close to others, be sanctified to sanctify, lead by the hand and counsel prudently. I know whose ministers we are, where we find ourselves and to where we strive. I know God’s greatness and man’s weakness, but also his potential.  [Who then is the priest? He is] the defender of truth who stands with angels, gives glory with archangels, causes sacrifices to rise to the altar on high, share’s Christ’s priesthood, refashions creation, restores it in God’s image…” (CCC, 1589). What an amazing gift…and truly what a humbling gift! Please always pray for bishops, priests, and deacons—that all may strive to respond to our Lord’s generous graces and continue to answer His invitation to serve His people. It is a true joy to serve as pastor here—know of my prayers and blessing for everyone this day!

In Christ,
Father Luke