If you are seeking assistance in discerning God’s call in your life, please do not hesitate to reach out to your parish priest and to me to explore that call more deeply. While the Office of Vocations does mostly focus on the Diocesan priesthood, we are happy to support and provide resources for any vocation that you might be discerning. You are not alone! Be assured of our prayers for you as you pursue God’s will in your life.
I look forward to meeting you!
In Christ,
Fr. Joshua Weaver
Heavenly Father, We ask you to bless our diocese with selfless hearts that are willing to serve You, by serving Your Church. Lord Jesus raise up from our homes those called by the Father: courageous and humble men to the Priesthood, faithful people to Consecrated Life and holy men and women to the sacrament of Marriage. Holy Spirit, help us to live our universal vocation to holiness, by listening to the Father’s voice and responding with a sacrificial love.
You were created by our loving Father for a reason, a purpose. God the Father knew who He was creating and why. You have been charged by Him to undertake a mission, entrusted only to you. He is always calling us to our mission, our vocation.
God gives priests a special grace to be ministers of Christ among the people. They perform the sacred duty of preaching the Gospel, so that the offering of the people can be made acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. If you are being called to be a priest, you will see visible signs. The Church calls these visible signs areas of formation. A man called to priesthood must be open to be molded or formed by the Church into a man of virtue, prayer, integrity, and holiness.
Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.
Since all the baptized share a common relationship with God, all are called to be “religious” or holy in the broad sense of the word. Some men and women, however, choose to live a particular lifestyle called religious or consecrated life. They follow a specific tradition or spirituality patterned after the life and teaching of the founder of their community. A community can include sisters or brothers, or priests, who share a common vision and mission. They profess evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everyday, they make time for prayer, ministry, and community.