Catholic student says priests are ‘spiritual physicians’ (Video)

St. Bartholomew Academy seventh-grade student Clarke Usarzewicz says that the priesthood is the biggest force for good in the world, naming priests “spiritual physicians.”

“The Roman Catholic priesthood, in my mind, is the biggest force for good in the world because everyone is always accepted,” Usarzewicz said. “They strive to do God’s work every day by loving, caring, and showing kindness and compassion to everyone, no matter what.”

Usarcewicz won the 6th annual Cardinal Tobin Priestly Vocations Essay for his message. Usarzewicz’s essay and accompanying video on the importance of the Roman Catholic priesthood earned him a commemorative plaque and the prestigious title of essay contest winner. Additionally, he received a monetary award of $1,500. Father Patrick Seo, the Associate Director of the Office for Priestly Vocations, presented his award on June 11th at the school.

Promoting vocation awareness

This year, a record 53 participants entered the contest, which encourages students in the Archdiocese of Newark to reflect on the role of the priesthood in contemporary society. It was a significant increase from previous years according to Samantha Cappuccino, Administrative Assistant for the Office of Priestly Vocations. Each school or parish is allowed to submit up to three contestants. Then, a panel of judges selects three finalists based on their essays. The finalists then produce a four-minute video to further illustrate their ideas.

In his essay, Usarzewicz highlighted the selfless service and compassion demonstrated by priests. His video featured interviews with Father Matthew Gonzalez and Father Andy Prachar of St. Bartholomew Church in Scotch Plains. In the interviews, Usarzewicz delved deeper into the concept of priests as “spiritual physicians.” He also highlighted their critical role in community healing and pastoral care.

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“Priests strive every day to help and serve their community,” Usarzewicz said in his video. “They are a force for good by showing compassion, kindness, and, most of all, selflessness. Priests are very, very special because they are specifically chosen by God to continue His ministry.”

Father Gonzalez praised Usarzewicz for his dedication to promoting the priesthood. “It was an honor to participate in Clarke’s video. His work reflects a deep gratitude for the gift of the priesthood as the presence of Christ in the world,” he said.

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Uniting to promote vocations

Kim Harrigan, SBA principal, said contest participation is a worthwhile initiative for the students. “It shows our students how important priest’s roles are in the Church, in our school, and in their lives.”

Throughout the year, the school and parish are united in a joint effort to promote education about vocations. “We have formed a vocations committee. They are meeting to discuss how our students can become even more aware so that they can listen to God’s call in their life and decide what vocation they might like to pursue,” she said. “We agreed that our students might not be aware of what God is calling them for unless they understand what is open to them.”

Harrigan said that Clarke is a model student.

“He gives back to his classmates, school, and community. He is always working towards making them a better place for all,” she said.

Usarzewicz’s faculty mentor, Liam Christman, also described Usarzewicz as “a dedicated and hardworking student.” Christman, in his first year teaching at SBA, supported Usarzewicz throughout the essay-writing process.

In addition to his academic achievements, Usarzewicz is actively involved in various extracurricular activities at SBA. He serves as the student council president and participating in forensics. He also volunteers as an altar server and is active at parish events at St. Bartholomew Church.

The Cardinal Tobin Priestly Vocations Essay Contest continues to inspire and educate young Catholics, highlighting the significant contributions of priests and the vital role they play in fostering faith and community engagement.