Welcoming Priests and Pastors to New Assignments

Around this time of year, many Catholic dioceses rearrange priest assignments. Priests move to different parishes, new roles, or new duties. That makes this a great time to reach out with a card or gift to welcome the new minister. Even if it’s a little late, a card or gift from a new parishioner will help the priest feel welcome and accepted in his new role. Furthermore, Catholic priests are often assigned fairly far from people they know and love. As a result, they often have to start building relationships all over again with each new assignment.

Welcome Cards

Signs of support and welcome can ease what is sometimes a challenging transition for priests. To help, the Printery House offers two cards specifically for this situation.

Front cover of card to welcome a new priest. There is a cross in the center, and the text reads A Warm Welcome to Our New Priest

An old pencil drawing of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sitting on their horses, by Wilhelm Marstrand.

The inside text reads: Thanking God for the gift of your faith-filled life and your dedicated service. Praying that the Holy Spirit will sustain and strengthen you as you serve our parish. God Bless You

The card above is a little more specific to the role of a pastor, but it can also be used for pastors of Protestant congregations who use that title.

In addition to the specific cards above, we also have options from our general priest or minister appreciation selection. The following cards could be used appropriately to welcome a minister or priest to a new job or assignment.

Inside Text: May Christ, in whose place you stand as priest, give you continuing grace to teach, guide and sanctify His people.

Inside Text: May the good and loving God, who ordained you for His saving work by the laying on of hands and prayer of the Church, bless you with purity of heart and zeal for souls. And may the prayers of Mary, Mother of Priests, protect you from all evil and help you to grow in love. Amen.

Similarly, the next card would be appropriate for a new chaplain:

Inside Text: May God look upon you with favor for your faithful care of His people. Praying you continue to be renewed through the power of the Gospel and through the grace of Christ, Our Lord.

Gifts for New Priests and New Pastors

In addition to our cards, several of our icon reproductions would make excellent welcome gifts for a priest in a new assignment. Here are a few:

Check out our entire selection of icons! Our icons are also available as greeting cards which are blank inside, so you can adapt them for whatever purpose suits you.