In order to commemorate the Year for Priests, which began on the feast of the Sacred Heart in 2009 and will conclude on the same feast in 2010, the Lenten Program "Christ our Priest" studies the Sunday Gospels for Lent 2010 with a special focus on the priesthood.

The program considers not only the priesthood of Jesus Christ himself, which he exercised principally by his death on the cross and his Resurrection, but also the ministerial priesthood of the ordained minister and the common priesthood of the faithful. It must never be forgotten that all baptised share in Christ's priesthood and have an important part to play in the work of Redemption.

Through the reflections and prayers, the program reminds those who use it of the need to pray for priests, that they may be holy and faithful in their ministry, and also to pray for vocations to the priesthood.

The "Words of Life" section draws in part on the writings and life of St John Vianney, the Cure of Ars, the 150th anniversary of whose death is being commemorated in the Year for Priest. It also makes use of an exhoration to priestly holiness of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and of accounts of the life of a saintly mother of several priests, and of a recently canonised priest who gave his life in the service of his people.

"Christ our Priest" is intended to be a prayerful, deeply spiritual reflection on the Word of God and its message for us, helping us to derive more benefit from the observance of Lent in this Year for Priests.