Year of the Priest begins today in Naperville

The Rev. Thomas Milota says there's much more to being a Catholic priest than what parishioners see every Sunday.

"You often think of the public persona," said Milota, who is the pastor at Naperville's Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. "But there's a lot of individual contact that priests have with people who are going through a tough time or might be struggling in their marriage or just need someone to talk to."

He said even hearing confessions provides healing moments that are "a very important part of the life of the priest."

Tonight, more than 1,000 suburban Catholics are expected to gather at Ss. Peter and Paul, 36 N. Ellsworth near downtown, to publicly thank all priests for the work they do.

The 6 p.m. Mass and picnic that follows are part of the Diocese of Joliet's celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Priests. The diocese has 700,000 members in seven counties, including DuPage, Will, Kendall, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois and Kankakee.

"Priests are always asked to do so much," diocese spokesman Doug Delaney said. "This is a way to honor them."

World Day of Prayer for Priests is celebrated on an annual basis by Catholics worldwide. Last year, the Joliet Diocese held its event in Manhattan, Ill.

Milota said this year's gathering is more significant because today is the start of the Year of the Priest. Pope Benedict XVI has declared the entire year will be dedicated to the priesthood.

"Obviously, there's been some bad press in the last few years," Milota said. "But I think most people's experience with their local parish priests is a very positive one."

At least 30 active priests within the diocese are expected to attend today's event. A group of retired priests also will be honored for their decades of service.

"We're going to thank them in a special way," Milota said.

Originally, the Mass and picnic both were scheduled to be held outside. But due to weather concerns, the Mass will be held inside the church's Ministry Center Chapel. The picnic has been moved to the basement of the church's junior high school.

The Rev. Mitch Pacwa, a Jesuit priest who hosts his own TV show on Eternal Word Television Network, will be the guest celebrant at the Mass. Pacwa also is leading four seminars on Saturday.

For more information or to register for Saturday's seminars, visit wdppjoliet.org.