Homily Talking Points

For the priest who is comfortable sharing why he is participating in Eius:

Share your vocation or ordination story.

My ministry is full of joy, but it can also be demanding.

Attending Eius is a gift, allowing me a chance to step back, listen to the Lord, and renew my heart for priestly service.

I want to serve you well, and this service provides me with the tools to be able to do this.

Your support and encouragement mean more to me than you know; thank you for walking with me. Please keep me and all other priests taking part in Eius in your prayers.

The parish will be cared for when I am away for the in-person sessions [share your parish’s plans for the sacraments].

For the priest who would like to focus more on Eius and less on his “why:”

I will be participating in a priestly ongoing formation service called Eius, which is designed to help priests navigate the complexities of ministry and renew their priesthood.

One component of this service is in-person sessions, which I will be attending three times over the next nine months.

This service is designed to strengthen priests so they can continue serving their people well.

We all need time for retreat and reflection, and this will be a time for me to do that. This service provides structured support so priests can remain faithful and effective in their ministry and serve with steadfastness, faith, and commitment.

My going is simply part of being responsible in my vocation to the priesthood.

While I’m away, the parish will remain well cared for — daily Masses and sacraments will continue.

I ask that you keep me in prayer, as I will also be praying for you during this time.

I look forward to continuing to serve with steadiness, faith, and commitment.

Quotes about Ongoing Formation to Share

“Following the footsteps of Vatican II's Presbyterorum Ordinis and John Paul II's Pastores Dabo Vobis, we can define ongoing formation in this way: It is the continuing integration of priestly identity and functions or service for the sake of mission and communion with Christ and the Church.” The Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests

“During the early years of priesthood, it is necessary to organize annual formation encounters for dealing in greater depth with appropriate theological, juridical, spiritual, and cultural themes, as well as special sessions dedicated to moral, pastoral, and liturgical questions, etc…” The Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests