Interview of a priest
Anyone can be a writer. Writing does not have to be ones specified profession or what college degree someone has. An example of such a writer that I have found to be very influential is Friar Thomas Flynn, Pastor of Saint Clarence Church. “Writing is not only part of my profession, but part of my life,” Father Tom said. Friar Flynn’s writing process is simple, but very well thought out. “I have a system, I suppose.” He takes a long pause, “But it is more of a natural thought process. I don’t think about what I am doing. Sometimes I look down and have a sermon completed without really even thinking of a first sentence.” For me, it is not that simple although I wish it was. His twenty-five years of experience as the Pastor of St. Clarence “helps a little,” according to him. As the Pastor of Saint Clarence, Father Tom writes in the church’s weekly newsletter, writes a section on their website, and prepares a sermon for each Sunday mass. The newsletter and website “are the easy things,” according to him. “That is all housekeeping. I write a paragraph or two (for the newsletter) on what is to happen in the upcoming weeks. The website is even easier, because I write on their less often like twice a month.” The website and newsletter are very structured and Friar Flynn finds that to be boring. “The message and structure are set. There is not much room for creativity. I just write exactly what has or is to happen and what we need. It is rather basic.” These may not be inspirational, but they are “part of the job.” What I have found most inspiring are his weekly sermons. He has a passion for his work that a very few others have, can convey into writing, and even fewer through a speech. Even when I was seven years old I remember enjoying hearing his sermons. He makes you forget it is a biblical story and relates it to your life. In the end of each sermon he reminds you that it was said in the bible, by then you really understand the message. He can hold an audience that ranges in age from a few weeks old to ninety-five. “People are drawn to him, because he relates the bible to our everyday lives. Not only in general terms, but also through his own personal life stories. You often forget he is giving a sermon to a hundred other people. He connects that well with each individual,” said Sister Donna Bradesca, a Pastoral Associate at Saint Clarence.