Priests come from parishes.
If your parish is not creating a culture of priestly vocations, supporting and encouraging men to become priests, where will priests come from to serve parishes in our Diocese? Sometimes it seems that there is a fundamental disconnect here.
Here are some observations about parishes that have priestly vocations:
-
Parishioners love their priests, and they are not afraid to express it.
-
The Parish is prayerful and active.
-
Parishioners identify men who would make good Diocesan Priests, and they encourage them to consider a vocation to the priesthood.
-
Their faith is not just about Sunday. They are committed to live out their faith in the world.
-
They love their Catholic faith and are not afraid to stand up for it and share it.
-
There is a zeal for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration.
-
A true belief in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist permeates the Parish.
-
There is a love for the Diocese and the Universal Church. Faith is bigger than my Parish.
How can your parish get involved?
-
Pray a decade or the entire Rosary with the intention for vocations
-
Host a Holy Hour for vocations
-
Encourage members of your parish to attend retreats and programs sponsored by the Diocesan Vocation Office.
-
Have your parish adopt a current seminarian and pray for him