To launch the Year of the Priest St Pauls published a book about priesthood which contained short articles on priesthood from many different priests, ranging from Popes to the newest priest in our diocese at the time. They thought it would be a fun idea to end the year with children giving their views of priesthood. That was decided before the controversy of child abuse hit the headlines. This book then changed from being a fun idea to a positive way of showing how children relate to priests.

The three schools that were involved in this project were Bishop Challoner Collegiate Schools, St Elizabeth RC Primary School and St Vincent de Paul Primary School. The pupils were asked to write, paint or draw something from there experiences of priests. It is clear that the children had obviously had talks about what it is to be a priest. Having given talks in schools in the past, it always amazes me how it is the small things that children latch on to. One priest must have told a group that he had pizza on his day off, as that comes up quite a few times.

The book is divided into three sections:
1. The Life of a Priest.
2. In Praise of our Priests.
3. With thanks to Our Priests.
The first section is how the children perceive the life of a priest. Some of the perceptions are amusing and some are so touching.
The second section has some wonderful poetry and again some very perceptive comments.
The third section is a mixture of really personal comments about the child and their priest and more poetry and reflections.

As a whole, this book is a real joy to read. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry. I made the mistake of reading it on the tube and went an extra three stops. The artwork by the children is both excellent and inspiring and makes the book a colourful visual extravaganza. A lot of the pieces are in the children’s own handwriting, which makes this book their work, which has been skilfully put together by the compiler.

A pupil called Ayalee has written “Priests take so much out of their lives for us and we should be thankful.” This book is a wonderful way to join in that thanksgiving. As I read this book I could not help think of the phrase “Out of the mouths of babes”. This book is certainly full of their inspiring truths! (Posted on 30/07/2010)