Jesus still calls men to be priests just as He called the apostles. This vocation is a call to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ so that his unique saving mission may continue through pastoral service, proclamation of the Word and a celebration of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Maybe Jesus is calling you or someone you know to be a priest!

Signs of a Vocation to the Priesthood

Sense of a spiritual call by God to serve His people as a priest. This spiritual call is experienced by a recurring thought; a growing attraction to the priesthood; a growing sense that one would find fulfillment by serving God as a priest.

Love of God that manifests itself in a desire to give one's life in service to God's people. Love of the Church and her Traditions and a desire to celebrate the sacraments for God's people. Love of God's word and a desire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to God's people.

Desire to serve the people of God as a servant-leader after the example of Jesus, "who came not to be served but to serve." A heart that can listen to others and a desire to be the compassionate, healing presence of Jesus to God's people. Desire to deepen one's relationship with God through daily prayer. Liturgical, communal and private prayer sustain the priest to grow in his love and dedication to Christ.

Generosity with one's time, talents and gifts. Priests are called to generously give of themselves for the good of the Church. The Priest is called to be a "man for others."

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Have I experienced God's love in my life?
• Do I actively practice my Catholic faith and participate in my parish?
• Does the Gospel message excite and challenge me?
• Am I searching for a way to share my gifts with others?
• Do I desire a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ?
• Am I willing to offer my life for the mission of Jesus Christ and his Church?
• Do I want to make a positive difference in the lives of others?

Some Practical Suggestions

Daily Mass. The sacrifice of the Mass is the Church's greatest prayer of praise. At Mass we are fed and nourished by God's word and the Body and Blood of Christ. A young man discerning a vocation to the priesthood is encouraged to participate in the daily celebration of Mass so that he can grow in his relationship with the Lord.

Daily Prayer is time set aside for God alone, usually in a quiet place at a specific time each day. This prayer time can consist of talking to the Lord in one's own words or praying with the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospels. Developing the daily habit and pattern of prayer will help the young man to hear more clearly the call of the Lord.

Spiritual Direction is also very important when discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Speaking with a priest about one's prayer life and seeking his advice on a regular basis is very helpful as one discerns a vocation to the priesthood.

Get involved in some form of service with the Church. For example: teaching religious education, taking Holy Communion to the sick, working with the youth of the parish, etc. are ways to give one a taste of "ministry" and can also increase one's desire for ministry and service.

Talk to a Vocation Director for more information about seminary and priestly life. The Vocation Director can also help one's discernment through regular meetings so as to discern with the young man the authenticity of his call.

The Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston is Father Daniel Hennessey. His address The Vocation Office Archdiocese of Boston, 66 Brooks Drive Braintree, Ma. 02184 or call him at 617-746-5949 or email:Dhennessey@rcab.org and of course a man may always speak with one of the priests of his own parish. We are always ready to help someone in their discernment for the priesthood.

"Whoever opens his heart to Christ will not only understand the mystery of his own existence, but also that of his own vocation; he will bear the abundant fruit of grace."
- Pope John Paul II -

Father Albert L. Capone