The priest as vocation promoter

Seventy percent of those entering seminary in 2018 said they were encouraged to consider the priesthood by a parish priest.

When asked what influenced him in his vocation, one of our seminarians said, “I witnessed many joyful priests at my parish who made the priesthood seems important and appealing to me.”

Pastors and priests are key to young people, especially men, opening themselves to the idea of a life totally dedicated to God. We are grateful for your support and collaboration, and offer these two resources for you:

Lend your Own Voice to Christ
This booklet is a response to the annual survey of men being ordained to the priesthood. Consistently, 80 to 88 percent of newly ordained priests report that they first considered the priesthood upon the recommendation of a priest. However, only 30 percent of priests actually make the invitation! This booklet grew out of the question of how to encourage more priests to make this invitation to share in their life. Available from the Office of Vocations and the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors.

A Priest’s Prayer for Vocations

Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest,
thank You for calling me, unworthy as I am, to Your sacred priesthood.
Bless our seminarians preparing to labor with me in Your vineyard.
Inspire them with the ideal of holiness and sacrificial service.
Make me a joyful witness of Your priesthood so that more men
from our Diocese may hear and respond to Your call.
I ask this in Your name, Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Mary Immaculate… pray for us.
St. Thomas More... pray for us.
St. Elizabeth Anne Seton… pray for us.

(These prayer cards can also be obtained from the Office of Vocations.)