Resources

For Parishes & Vocation Promoters

Dear Pastors and Vocation Promoters,

Pastors, Thank you for all you do to support vocations!  As you know, encouragement and support from the parish priest plays an important part in a young man’s discernment to the priesthood.  The Office of Vocations would like to help and support you in your efforts, especially within our social media platforms – website, blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

On this page you will be able to download your “Vocations Toolbox” and utilize those pieces of information that are most helpful to you and your parish community.  I hope that the information provided on this page will aid you in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  Please do not hesitate to contact me personally if you have questions or would like me to come to your parish to speak about vocations.

Vocation Promoters, I ask that you work with your pastors in creating a Vocation Committee in your parish. Pay special attention to the book Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry. This resource is especially important for you as you aid your pastor in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

In gratitude for your love of the priesthood!

Fr. Peter Julia
Director of Vocations

Videos & Podcasts

Videos of Portland seminarians and the call to priesthood, plus links to Mater Dei radio shows on vocations.

Educators and Vocation Promoters

Great resources for teachers, catechists, and those in our parishes who wish to create a culture of vocations.

Poster, Prayer Cards, and More

Download the most recent resources from the Vocation Office. Also find bulletin blurbs, resource order form, and much more here!

Catholic Parents

Wants to foster vocations in the hearts of your children? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for Parents.

Who is a Priest?

Priests have a critical mission: …to bring people to Jesus and Jesus to people.

What do Priests Do?

Priests do far more than celebrate Mass and pray all day. The life of a priest is busy, demanding, challenging—and incredibly rewarding.

Why Celibacy?

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.

Signs of a Priestly Vocation

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.

Lear to Discern

“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them.” – Pope Francis

Priesthood Discernment Self-Test

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.

Overcoming Fear of the Priesthood

The first principle to remember is that God does not speak through fear. Perhaps the priesthood has crossed your mind, but fear pushes the idea away…

FAQs about Priesthood

The purpose of a priest is to bring people to Jesus, and Jesus to people. He does this primarily by preaching the Word and offering the Sacrifice of the Mass.

Seven Stages of Discerning Priesthood

Please keep in mind that every vocation is a mystery, and thus every man passes through these stages differently on the way to priesthood.

Lear to Discern

“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them.” – Pope Francis