“Christ gives the dignity of the royal priesthood to the people he has made his own by laying on of hands.”

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God’s call using the words of the prophet, “Here I am, send me” (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate. (US Catholic Catechism for Adults, pg 269)

Discernment & Vocations

Priests, Religious Brothers, Deacons, Sisters

Every single one of us has a special role to play in God’s plan for the salvation of all the world. We have all been given gifts and talents that are not intended only for ourselves; God always intended that those gifts be shared. Some have been called to become parents and married persons. They may also serve some role in the public sector of work, using their gifts to benefit others and give glory to God. Others are called upon to become priests or religious brothers and sisters.

Knowing God’s call in your life is a process of discernment. It can be hard to know where we are being called upon to use our gifts. Our diocese offers a website that aids in this discernment, and it can be found at www.vocations.com. For those young men considering the priesthood as an option, they may contact the Diocesan Vocations Office at (815) 834-4004.