As a Catholic priest with nearly 20 years in the Archdiocese of Washington, Father Adam Park believes that taking care of the body is as vital as nurturing the soul. Just as daily prayer strengthens faith, a routine of exercise, healthy eating, and rest builds physical health, creating a foundation for a life of purpose. Your body’s a gift from God, he says. Tending to it is part of how we honor Him.
Physical health isn’t just about fitting into your jeans; it’s about living fully in the body that God gave you. Regular exercise, like a 30-minute walk, can lower stress and boost heart health, while balanced meals fuel energy and focus. Proper rest is often overlooked; it helps the mind stay sharp and the spirit resilient. As St. Paul wrote, our bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19), a call to care for them with intention. These habits don’t just prevent illness; they create a ripple effect, lifting mood and strengthening resolve for life’s demands.
Spiritual health thrives on similar discipline. Just as you schedule a workout, setting aside time for prayer or Mass builds a rhythm of faith. Both require small, consistent steps, choosing a salad over fast food or a moment of reflection over scrolling on your phone. In the Catholic tradition, this balance reflects a deeper truth: the body and soul are intertwined, each supporting the other. A strong body fuels a vibrant spirit, and a grounded faith inspires care for the physical self. This holistic view shapes Father Adam Park’s ministry, where health and faith go hand-in-hand.
Father Adam Park’s path to the priesthood began in Washington, DC, where he felt God’s call as a teenager. “It was like a quiet nudge,” he recalls, chuckling at the memory of his younger self praying over it. Now, with nearly two decades of service, he’s learned that priesthood demands stamina, physical and spiritual. Leading Masses, counseling parishioners, and organizing outreach like food drives takes energy. Early on, that realization sparked a commitment to healthy habits, not as a chore but as a way to live out his calling.
His routine is simple but deliberate: regular exercise to clear the mind, healthy eating, and a restful night’s sleep to recharge. “It’s not about perfection,” he says. It’s about showing up for yourself so you can show up for others. Father Adam Park weaves these habits into his day-to-day life, blending physical and spiritual care, urging parishioners to see health as part of their faith journey.
Building healthy habits is like planting seeds; small choices grow into lasting change. Father Adam Park emphasizes consistency, drawing on his routine. He says one should aim for moderate exercise weekly, like brisk walking and meditation. You’re moving your body as your heart’s talking to God will make you feel great, he says. Eating well means choosing the right foods; think of colourful salads or grilled fish over processed snacks, a practice that keeps you energized for long days. Rest is non-negotiable; guard sleep like a sacred ritual, knowing it sharpens focus for prayer and service.
These habits mirror spiritual disciplines. Father Adam Park encourages daily prayer, even just a few minutes during a commute or coffee break, to stay connected to God. He points to the saints, who persevered through spiritual dryness with steady habits, as models for both faith and health. “Small steps add up,” he suggests, swapping soda for water. His ministry shows how these routines of physical and spiritual health build endurance for life’s challenges.
In his parish, Father Adam Park doesn’t just preach health he lives it. He’s often seen helping move chairs for a parish event, his strength a practical nod to years of staying active. His leadership encourages others to follow suit. Faith and health aren’t separate, according to him. When we care for our bodies, we’re better equipped to serve. He shares tips, from morning prayers to simple stretches, making both accessible to busy families and young adults.
Father Adam Park’s work in Washington, DC, is a testament to living fully body and soul. His nearly 20 years of priesthood show that small, faithful habits like exercise, eating well, resting, and praying build a life of purpose. He’s not chasing fitness fads or spiritual highs; he’s nurturing a steady rhythm that helps his community thrive. For Father Adam Park, caring for the body and soul isn’t just a choice; it’s a way to honor God, one step, one prayer, one day at a time.
