Local Priest Says Enjoying People Key to Enjoying Life

A Knoxville Priest gave advice on how to enjoy others in a mass Wednesday night.

Father Pat, the priest of Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church asked the parish to dwell on the good things in others and to fix their thoughts on what’s good and right, but to most importantly fix their thoughts on Jesus Christ.

“The secret to Christian joy is how you choose to think,” Father Pat said. He also encouraged positive attitudes to help others enjoy people, inevitably resulting in enjoying life.

“Be grateful for the good. What do you tend to remember about people; the good or the bad things?” Father Pat asked. “Probably the negative if you’re like most people.”

He also suggested being patient with others progress. He assured the congregation that the Holy Bible says “what God starts, God finishes, so have faith…Faith is the assurance of things not yet seen. God is not finished with those people around you.”

Father Pat said he feels that pleasant memories are a choice and if people want to enjoy others, they have to make that decision.

Later, he asked the congregation to gage their happiness using a scale of one-to-ten. “Do you enjoy your life?” he asked.

According to Father Pat, uncontrollable circumstances, unmet needs, unlovely people and untamed anxieties are the four “joy stealers” that bring negativity into your life. If people can overcome these “joy stealers” they have a better chance of happiness Father Pat said.

Finally, he also encouraged people to be more open and sincere with affection. He believes by following these attitudes people will be much happier.

Father Pat, who has been a priest for 24 years, joined Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church more than three years ago and he speaks at mass daily.