1. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests OCarm. Seminar, Parur

2. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Where the inspiration came from? Stephen Coveys book for Managers, All walks of people… Stephen Coveys book for Managers, All walks of people… Highly Effective Habits of Successful Religious Orders Highly Effective Habits of Successful Religious Orders

3. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #1 : A Holy person deep inside… First and Foremost Fundamental Quality - Personal Holiness First and Foremost Fundamental Quality - Personal Holiness Personal Prayer Life – Frequently On His Knees at the feet of the Lord Personal Prayer Life – Frequently On His Knees at the feet of the Lord Rooted in the Word of God Rooted in the Word of God Always seeks the will of God in everything above personal will Always seeks the will of God in everything above personal will Constant fighter of sin and temptations! Constant fighter of sin and temptations!

4. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #1 : A Holy person deep inside (Contd…) So, Can we really be Holy? – So, Can we really be Holy? – Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) - 459 The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me." "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) - 459 The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me." "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. 1 Peter 1:15–16 – but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15–16 – but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy. Catholic Saints - St Benedict, St Jerome Catholic Saints - St Benedict, St Jerome Friend who is a confession addict! Friend who is a confession addict!

5. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #1 : A Holy person deep inside (Contd…) How to achieve Personal Holiness? Holiness need to be practised in meditation and prayer Holiness need to be practised in meditation and prayer It is not a psychological exercise It is not a psychological exercise Spending time with the Lord Spending time with the Lord Achieved when In Service of God Achieved when In Service of God Need to be continuously perfected Need to be continuously perfected 2 Corinthians 7:1 – Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

6. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #2 : A lover of the Eucharistic Jesus Eucharistic Celebration - The Ultimate Form of Worship Eucharistic Celebration - The Ultimate Form of Worship CCC 1324 - The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." "The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch." CCC 1324 - The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." "The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch."

7. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #2 : A lover of the Eucharistic Jesus (Contd…) A daily mass goer - Finds extremely difficult missing a chance of not celebrating / receiving the Eucharist daily A daily mass goer - Finds extremely difficult missing a chance of not celebrating / receiving the Eucharist daily The Old priest The Old priest If undisturbed, spends hours before the Blessed Sacrament If undisturbed, spends hours before the Blessed Sacrament Encourages Eucharistic adoration and spirituality in his community, parishes, schools / colleges and dioceses. Encourages Eucharistic adoration and spirituality in his community, parishes, schools / colleges and dioceses. Highest Vocations - Parishes with daily Eucharistic adoration (Survey in USA) Highest Vocations - Parishes with daily Eucharistic adoration (Survey in USA)

8. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #2 : A lover of the Eucharistic Jesus (Contd…) St Padre Pio – The Eucharistic Saint An eye witness account on Padre Pio (Source: Voice of Padre Pio) An eye witness account on Padre Pio (Source: Voice of Padre Pio) He had a lifelong love affair with Our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. To him, the Eucharist was the centre of all spiritual benefits. He had a lifelong love affair with Our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. To him, the Eucharist was the centre of all spiritual benefits. He began his preparations for Mass hours before the Mass began. He would constantly ask his fellow Friars what time it was. He always thought it was time to begin Mass, even though it might have been two hours early. When it came to celebrating the Eucharist, he was like a young race-horse, chomping at the bit, waiting impatiently to get out of the starting gate. He began his preparations for Mass hours before the Mass began. He would constantly ask his fellow Friars what time it was. He always thought it was time to begin Mass, even though it might have been two hours early. When it came to celebrating the Eucharist, he was like a young race-horse, chomping at the bit, waiting impatiently to get out of the starting gate. "But as he started vesting for Mass, his body began to bend forward. As he slowly approached the altar, his body stooped over more and more as if he was being crushed under a heavy cross beam on his shoulders; his gait dragged, his face took on the sorrow of his Lord and Savior. As the mystery of the Sacrifice of the Mass unfolded, Padre Pio reached the pinnacle of suffering at the moment of Elevation of the Host in Consecration. "But as he started vesting for Mass, his body began to bend forward. As he slowly approached the altar, his body stooped over more and more as if he was being crushed under a heavy cross beam on his shoulders; his gait dragged, his face took on the sorrow of his Lord and Savior. As the mystery of the Sacrifice of the Mass unfolded, Padre Pio reached the pinnacle of suffering at the moment of Elevation of the Host in Consecration. To quote a witness, `In his eyes I read the expression of a mother who assists at the agony of her son on the scaffold, who sees him expire and who, choked with suffering, silently receives the bloodless body in her arms, able only to give slight caresses.' To quote a witness, `In his eyes I read the expression of a mother who assists at the agony of her son on the scaffold, who sees him expire and who, choked with suffering, silently receives the bloodless body in her arms, able only to give slight caresses.'

9. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #3 : Committed to the Catholic Faith and the Church Magestarium Never dances when it comes to defending Catholic Faith, Teachings and Traditions Never dances when it comes to defending Catholic Faith, Teachings and Traditions Abortion Abortion Euthanasia Euthanasia Contraception Contraception Homosexuality Homosexuality Celibacy Celibacy Etc Etc Rejects the Halo Effect – All other churches are doing so why not the Catholic Church? Rejects the Halo Effect – All other churches are doing so why not the Catholic Church? Local traditions vs. Church traditions Local traditions vs. Church traditions Displays catholic faith in every actions and deeds – An Open Catechism of the Catholic Church. Displays catholic faith in every actions and deeds – An Open Catechism of the Catholic Church.

10. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #4 : Obedient to Catholic Hierarchy and Religious Superiors Obedience and Reverence to Seniors and Spiritual Elders Obedience and Reverence to Seniors and Spiritual Elders Never breaks the rule book and protocol on performing daily duties Never breaks the rule book and protocol on performing daily duties Open and eager to correction from Spiritual Directors and Confessors Open and eager to correction from Spiritual Directors and Confessors Humble and not rebellious in performing Christian duties Humble and not rebellious in performing Christian duties Fights Spiritual Pride in every aspect Fights Spiritual Pride in every aspect

11. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #4 : Obedient to Catholic Hierarchy and Religious Superiors (Contd…) CCC 896 The Good Shepherd ought to be the model and "form" of the bishop's pastoral office……. The faithful should be closely attached to the bishop as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father":428 CCC 896 The Good Shepherd ought to be the model and "form" of the bishop's pastoral office……. The faithful should be closely attached to the bishop as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father":428 Let all follow the bishop, as Jesus Christ follows his Father, and the college of presbyters as the apostles; respect the deacons as you do God's law. Let no one do anything concerning the Church in separation from the bishop.429 Let all follow the bishop, as Jesus Christ follows his Father, and the college of presbyters as the apostles; respect the deacons as you do God's law. Let no one do anything concerning the Church in separation from the bishop.429 Saint Gerard Majellas Obedience Saint Gerard Majellas Obedience

12. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #5 : Embodies the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control." (Galatians 5:22) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control." (Galatians 5:22) Consistently exhibits the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Consistently exhibits the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Strives for the fruits of the Holy Spirit Strives for the fruits of the Holy Spirit

13. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #5 : Embodies the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Contd…) Great Examples : St Teresa of Lisieux St Teresa of Lisieux Mother Teresa Mother Teresa Saints Saints

14. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #6 : Promotes sacraments among the parish especially the youth Can be spotted with the Youth of the Parish during week ends even daily. Can be spotted with the Youth of the Parish during week ends even daily. Conducts Youth events to keep the youth closer to the church Conducts Youth events to keep the youth closer to the church Constantly challenge and encourage the Youth to take the narrow door of Holiness Constantly challenge and encourage the Youth to take the narrow door of Holiness Stand up against materialism, culture, mass media which is corrupting the youth Stand up against materialism, culture, mass media which is corrupting the youth Is a friend of St Don Bosco Is a friend of St Don Bosco

15. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #6 : Promotes sacraments among the parish especially the youth (Contd…) Pope Benedict XVI said for World Youth Day 2009: "We have set our hope on the living God. The living God is the risen Christ present in our world. He is the true hope: the Christ who lives with us and in us and who calls us to share in his eternal life. Be his faithful disciples and in this way you will be able to help form Christian communities that are filled with love." "We have set our hope on the living God. The living God is the risen Christ present in our world. He is the true hope: the Christ who lives with us and in us and who calls us to share in his eternal life. Be his faithful disciples and in this way you will be able to help form Christian communities that are filled with love." "Make choices that demonstrate your faith. Show that you understand the risk of idolizing money, material goods, career and success, and do not allow yourselves to be attracted by these false illusions," "Make choices that demonstrate your faith. Show that you understand the risk of idolizing money, material goods, career and success, and do not allow yourselves to be attracted by these false illusions," With prayer, perseverance and service, young Catholics will be "credible witnesses of Christian hope." With prayer, perseverance and service, young Catholics will be "credible witnesses of Christian hope."

16. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #6 : Promotes sacraments among the parish especially the youth (Contd…) Pope John Paul II The great lover of the Youth The great lover of the Youth JP II Generation among the Youth – Bold Spirituality! JP II Generation among the Youth – Bold Spirituality! Architect of the World Youth Day Architect of the World Youth Day

17. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #7 : Constant and Vigilant Vocation Hunter Spots future priests and nuns, encourages and nurtures them Spots future priests and nuns, encourages and nurtures them Bishop Fulton J Sheens story of a boy at the hospital Bishop Fulton J Sheens story of a boy at the hospital Promotes vocations in his parish, his diocese and among his family members Promotes vocations in his parish, his diocese and among his family members Shows courage and conviction to say – Follow Me like Jesus to St Peter and St Andrew Shows courage and conviction to say – Follow Me like Jesus to St Peter and St Andrew

18. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #8 : Fearless Servant of God in the Public Sqaure Ready to stand up even till the point of death for a good social cause Ready to stand up even till the point of death for a good social cause Maintains a dignified and statesmanship like stance against the social evil Maintains a dignified and statesmanship like stance against the social evil Never breaks the law of the land Never breaks the law of the land John Paul II against religious persecution by the Communists in Poland and Iron Curtain Countries John Paul II against religious persecution by the Communists in Poland and Iron Curtain Countries

19. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #8 : Fearless Servant of God in the Public Sqaure (Contd…) What the CCC says - 2254 Public authority is obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person and the conditions for the exercise of his freedom. 2254 Public authority is obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person and the conditions for the exercise of his freedom. 2255 It is the duty of citizens to work with civil authority for building up society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. 2255 It is the duty of citizens to work with civil authority for building up society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. 2256 Citizens are obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order. "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). 2256 Citizens are obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order. "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

20. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #9 : Prudent and Transparent person in the community Handles the affairs of the parish / community with honesty and integrity Handles the affairs of the parish / community with honesty and integrity Is widely respected as a moral and upright person Is widely respected as a moral and upright person Is known to all as a peace maker among families and communities Is known to all as a peace maker among families and communities Finds solutions by collecting and co- operating the views of all the parties Finds solutions by collecting and co- operating the views of all the parties Stays clear of controversies Stays clear of controversies Maintains accounts and financial transactions with a lot of transparency Maintains accounts and financial transactions with a lot of transparency

21. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #10 : A constant intercessor for spiritual revival in his parish and community Constantly cries out to the Lord for spiritual revival in his community and parish Constantly cries out to the Lord for spiritual revival in his community and parish The priest crying all night during the retreat The priest crying all night during the retreat Sets up his own example for encouraging the Sacraments Sets up his own example for encouraging the Sacraments An intercessor for mass repentance and conversion An intercessor for mass repentance and conversion Power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation Power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation St John Vianney St John Vianney

22. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #11 : A lover of Mother Mary and Catholic saints Is an ardent Marian by nature Is an ardent Marian by nature Adopts Mother Mary as his spiritual and earthly mother Adopts Mother Mary as his spiritual and earthly mother Believes and Propogates the faith in the Communion of Saints Believes and Propogates the faith in the Communion of Saints Rosary – formidable defence for catholic faith Rosary – formidable defence for catholic faith Mary – Mother of Church and Mother of Priests Mary – Mother of Church and Mother of Priests St Don Boscos vision on the attack against the Church St Don Boscos vision on the attack against the Church Pope John Paul IIs intense dialogues with Mother Mary Pope John Paul IIs intense dialogues with Mother Mary

23. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #12 : Always promotes family values and helps build the catholic family Family is the first Church for a child Family is the first Church for a child Starts propagating Christ through strong family values Starts propagating Christ through strong family values Actively encourages the necessity for prayer in families Actively encourages the necessity for prayer in families Gets together with families and be part of family functions Gets together with families and be part of family functions Propagates the right teaching regarding – Marriages, Family Planning, Raising up Children etc. Propagates the right teaching regarding – Marriages, Family Planning, Raising up Children etc. Vocations and family values – Maximum vocations from praying families Vocations and family values – Maximum vocations from praying families

24. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #13 : Ready to emulate Christs suffering till his coffin Sees suffering as an integral part of ministry Sees suffering as an integral part of ministry Blessing rather than a curse Blessing rather than a curse Priest wrongly accused – Jamshedpur Priest wrongly accused – Jamshedpur Train journey with the old priest Train journey with the old priest

25. 14 Habits of Highly Effective Catholic Priests Habit #14 : Never takes his eye from his lifes mission… Constantly and continuously in search of the Lord in various dimensions Constantly and continuously in search of the Lord in various dimensions Defeats the doubts regarding his call to serve the Lord through fervent prayers Defeats the doubts regarding his call to serve the Lord through fervent prayers A loyal soldier of the church till the coffin A loyal soldier of the church till the coffin Priest friends questions on celibacy Priest friends questions on celibacy

26. Thank You and May God Bless Your Priestly Vocation.