Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Father Zach Samples, promoter of vocations for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, recently reflected on his experiences as a priest in response to a question from Sandra in Sherman: "What do you love most about being a priest?"

He shared that this is the question he has been asked most often since his ordination three and a half years ago. He noted, “I sometimes joke that I am contractually obligated to answer that question by saying, ‘Celebrating the sacraments, of course!’” He added that this is only “half joke,” explaining the central role of the sacraments in Catholic life. “The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, is what makes the Catholic Church. The Eucharist is the ‘source and summit’ of our faith. Without the priesthood, there would be no Eucharist. We need the priesthood to give us the Eucharist — to give us an encounter with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.”

While celebrating sacraments remains central to his vocation, Father Samples described other aspects of priestly life that bring him joy. Among these are visiting people in their homes and making rounds in grade school classrooms. He said that visiting parishioners at home allows for deeper connections beyond brief interactions after Mass: “Visiting people in their homes, sharing a meal together, and just hanging out gives us an opportunity to get to know one another. Jesus really is the model for this — it’s how He got to know people, too.”

Father Samples also spoke about accompanying others through both joyful and difficult times: “Priests are called upon to walk with people in the highs and lows of life. Over the last three and a half years, I have been with people who were experiencing incredible joys and successes, and I have been with people who were in the depths of despair.” He recounted advice from an older priest: “It doesn’t matter what you say or do. When you enter the room as a priest, you have already done something good — you have brought Christ into the situation. What else could you possibly need to do?”

Reflecting on his early assignments at St. Peter’s in Quincy, Father Samples noted how priests minister across all stages of life within short periods: visiting elderly patients at hospitals, engaging with children at schools, meeting staff members over lunch, and attending young adult gatherings.

He emphasized support networks within priestly life: “Every priest needs a priest.” Recalling advice from seminary days at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology—“Every priest needs a priest”—he acknowledged his ongoing need for confession and spiritual guidance from fellow clergy.

Father Samples expressed gratitude for those who support priests: “Behind every priest is a group of amazing people encouraging, supporting, and praying for him... None of this can be accomplished without the encouragement, love, support...and prayers of so many.”

He also highlighted faith-building events such as pilgrimages and conferences—including March for Life and National Eucharistic Congress—as important experiences during his ministry.

Looking ahead to National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 2-8), Father Samples concluded by summarizing what he loves most about being a priest: “The life of the priest is a life spent in constant and perpetual joy...we get to spend our days bringing Christ to others in every phase...of their lives.”