Anniversary: Fr Isaac Falzon (left), Fr Minje Kim (second right) and Fr Gerard Lai (right) were ordained by Archbishop Emeritus Mark Coleridge (second left) on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in 2023. Photo: Purple Moon Photography
LAST Monday, on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Fr Gerard Lai, Fr Isaac Falzon and Fr Minje Kim approached the third anniversary of their ordination to the priesthood.
The three men received ordination together on June 29, 2023, at the Cathedral of St Stephen in Brisbane by Archbishop Emeritus Mark Coleridge.
Now in their third year of priestly ministry and serving at their second parish, Fr Lai, Fr Falzon and Fr Kim took some time to reflect on their journey since saying ‘yes’ to the call.
Fr Gerard Lai
The last three years of priesthood have been a joy and “deeply fulfilling”, Maroochydore associate pastor Fr Gerard Lai said.
Something I have come to realise in the last three years is that the priesthood is about “bringing people to Jesus and Jesus to people.”
“I am in an extremely privileged position to be present in the highest moments of people’s lives, such as weddings and baptisms, as well as to be present as a source of comfort in the lows of life, such as with grieving families at funerals.”
Joyful moments: Fr Lai said he loves being able to witness the joy of families when their child gets baptised. Photo: Georgia Whiteley
Fr Lai said one of the greatest lessons God taught him was: “a little bit of prayer goes a long way”.
“St Francis de Sales once said that we all need to pray at least half an hour a day and if we are really busy… then in that case, we should pray a whole hour,” he said.
In Fr Lai’s first month of priesthood, he remembered struggling to flip through the pages of the Romal Missal during Mass and on one occasion, walked down the isle without his microphone, “I had to walk all the way back”.
Since then, Fr Lai said he has grown in his ability to not just “say the Mass” but to pray it.
“I think that goes further to personal prayer as well,” he said.
“To not just say prayers but to actually connect one’s heart to God.”
Recently Fr Lai’s grandmother passed away and said he has since realised the “great impact” she had on his faith journey.
“She was unashamedly joyful and wasn’t afraid to greet strangers,” he said.
“When I told her my concerns she used to sing the Doris Day song, ‘whatever will be will be’ and reassure me to give it all up to God.”
Some of Fr Lai’s personal highlights from the last three years included: his pilgrimage to Medjugorje where he was able to celebrate Mass and hear confessions, giving a talk at a youth Reconciliation Rally and leading Mass on top of Mt Ngungun with the parish young adults.
Highlights: Fr Lai celebrated Mass on top of Mt Nygungun for the parish young adults this year. Photo: Dahli Jacobson
When asked for one final piece of advice, Fr Lai said: “never doubt that we can all make a difference in the world”.
“God’s love and mercy is greater than we could ever imagine.”
Fr Isaac Falzon
“The last three years” of priestly ministry have been “deeply rewarding, and at times, very challenging”, Ipswich associate pastor Fr Isaac Falzon said.
“The greatest joy has been walking with people through the important moments of their lives and seeing God at work,” he said.
God at work: Fr Falzon said it has been a highlight to witness God’s work in people’s lives.
Since becoming a priest, God has taught me “that my role is not to achieve great things for God, but to remain faithful to Him”.
“God does the work; I simply need to trust Him and say yes each day.”
Fr Falzon said over time he has “grown in patience, humility and trust”.
“Priesthood has taught me to rely less on my own strength and more on God’s grace.”
One piece of advice that has stayed with Fr Falzon over the years was: “love your people, preach the gospel with conviction and never forget to spend time with Jesus each day”.
Fr Minje Kim
“Being a priest for the past three years has given me a new perspective on who Jesus is,” Caloundra associate pastor Fr Minje Kim said.
“Particularly through Christology and the pastoral ministry of the Catholic Church,” he said.
“It has ultimately encouraged me to remain active in seeking Jesus in each and every person I encounter in my ministry.”
One of Fr Kim’s biggest highlights from the last three years has been “experiencing Jesus’ encouragement and consolation” whenever he was feeling “physically or emotionally exhausted by challenging tasks”.
“These moments have given me an opportunity to reflect on how Jesus himself endured many challenges and sufferings,” he said.
Fr Kim said one of the greatest lessons God taught him was: Jesus never abandons us in times of despair, “He is always present and merciful”.
To discern God’s guidance for spiritual growth, Fr Kim uses three criteria: happiness, willingness and confidence.
“I truly find myself happy in priestly life,” he said.
“I find my self increasingly willing to accept whatever God asks of me.
“I am becoming more confident in my priestly ministry, even when I face challenges.”
Growth: Fr Kim is continuing to grow in happiness, willingness and confidence. Photo: St Mary’s College, Ipswich
A significant mentor in Fr Kim’s priestly journey has been Monsignor John Grace, who was the rector for most of his time in seminary.
“His humility and authenticity naturally drew people together and helped build community,” Fr Kim said.
“Inspired by his example, I hope to continue to grow in these two qualities (humility and authenticity) so that I may serve as a genuine and faithful servant of God.”