Perhaps priesthood has crossed your mind, but fear pushes the idea away: My friends would laugh if they heard I was thinking about the priesthood!My parents would be shocked.My mom wants grandkids.I'm scared to death of speaking in public.I'm nowhere near holy...
St. Joseph is a model of chastity for those who seek to bring Jesus to others by living a celibate life. You might think that the issue of priestly celibacy is a “newer” matter in the Church. After all, the Roman Church has continually reiterated the law of priestly...
Fourth Sunday of Advent Readings (click here for the Sunday readings) Gospel: Lk 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel was sent from Godto a town of Galilee called Nazareth,to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,of the house of David,and the virgin’s name was Mary.And...
Is God calling me to be a priest? How can I know for sure? What's the best way to make a decision like this? As you contemplate what to do with your life, be confident that God has a specific plan for you, and that you can discover it through prayer. This article...
Third Sunday of Advent Readings (click here for the Sunday readings) Gospel: Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 A man named John was sent from God.He came for testimony, to testify to the light,so that all might believe through him.He was not the light,but came to testify to the...
Second Sunday of Advent Readings (click here for the Sunday readings) Gospel: Mk 1:1-8 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;he will prepare your way.A voice of...
First Sunday of Advent Readings (click here for the Sunday readings) Gospel: Mk 13:33-37 Jesus said to his disciples:“Be watchful! Be alert!You do not know when the time will come.It is like a man traveling abroad.He leaves home and places his servants in...
If you were about to make one decision that would dramatically impact the rest of your life, how would you go about it? If you were contemplating a cross-country move, you’d probably learn everything you could about the new city. If you were choosing a career, you’d...
Solemnity of All Saints Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Providentially, this year’s celebration of National Vocation Awareness Week begins on the Solemnity of All Saints. It is a wonderful reminder of the “call” that we all share in common, the universal...
Nurturing faith-filled relationships in Christ Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon for the past six years I am truly blessed to have been invited into Jesus’ own ministry of calling men to...
Priests do far more than celebrate Mass and pray all day. The life of a priest is busy, demanding, challenging—and incredibly rewarding.
Celibacy is always a top concern for men thinking about the priesthood, but rest assured that every priest had the same thought before he went to seminary.
If Jesus has placed a desire in your heart for priesthood, no matter what your age, don’t ignore it. Talk to a priest you admire about how you feel.
Examining oneself using these twenty qualities or signs is a good way to begin one’s discernment of priesthood, but it should not be done in a vacuum.