My first memory of the thought of priesthood came to me in prayer when I was 15 and asking God to help me to become an AFL commentator, writes Sandhurst priest Fr Jackson Saunders. Source: Sandpiper.
At that time, I would never have imagined that, 18 years later, I would be serving as a priest and continuing to work as a sports broadcaster on radio. I wanted to pursue a professional calling career but, in fact, found another divine calling.
I am very blessed now to serve as the assistant priest of St Brendan’s Parish in Shepparton in regional Victoria and as a football and cricket commentator on 98.5 ONE FM in the heart of the Goulburn Valley.
Throughout the football season, I juggle radio and parish commitments. Most weekends I commentate a football game on a Saturday and/or Sunday afternoon.
The commentators and listeners are fascinated by the schedule I may have before or after games in the parish. This can include Masses, baptisms, weddings, funerals or hospital visits for end-of-life pastoral care.
Small insights into these moments often come out live on-air, which raise awareness about my vocation and our Catholic faith.
National Vocations Awareness Week, which concludes on Sunday, aims to promote vocations to the priesthood, married, religious and single life.
While my intention in broadcasting sport is purely to provide an engaging and informative commentary for listeners, I find that this work has also become a ministry. It is an opportunity for me to witness to my faith and vocation.
The commentators themselves do much of the evangelising for me through light-hearted comments and banter during the sports broadcasts.
I have discovered in my prayer and life experiences that God wants me to continue to use this talent that he has entrusted to me as part of my ministry.
FULL STORY
Fr Jackson Saunders: Vocation with a Difference (Sandpiper)
