‘Where would our lives be without our faith?’
When I was ordained, I was deeply grateful to God for receiving the ministerial priesthood. Since I had very good formation and an excellent education, l thought at the time that I proved worthy of this incredible gift. Now, after 30 years of service, l see things differently.
While I know I have grown in so many ways in my vocation, I realize more clearly I am never worthy of this vocation. The Lord’s generosity of grace has revealed to me how to trust wholeheartedly in God in order to be faithful in this ministry.
In particular, the pandemic that we all endured these past two years has made it clear to me how Our Lord operates a unique grace that has made it possible for all of us to not only make our way through this ordeal, but even flourish. What do l mean by that? Consider how we were tested in unfamiliar ways and had to exercise unnatural behaviors such as social distancing, remote learning, refraining from physical contact such as shaking hands, and not being able to see one another’s faces because of masking. While all of this was uncomfortable and inconvenient, it was also an invitation to grow in charity. Whether we felt personally vulnerable to the virus or not, we were constantly reminded that others around us had real health concerns and we needed to look out for each other. Interacting in a charitable way towards others – loving our neighbors as ourselves – took on a whole new perspective.
I have been quite inspired in how much I witnessed the mindfulness of parishioners to think of others and how to reach out in creative ways.
While we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a diocese this year, recall the words of St. Peter about how precious our faith is. We have much to reflect upon in gratitude. What would our lives be without our faith? How has our faith transformed our struggles into renewal?
My journey is united with so many others. When l look forward to continuing to serve, l believe if I keep my focus upon the Lord l will have more to celebrate – with blessings that truly are “more precious than gold.”
Father Stephen M. Hoyt, V.F., is the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir. He also serves as vicar forane for the Hickory region. He will celebrate his 30th anniversary of ordination on Nov. 21.