Vocations Office - The Priesthood

A priest is called to represent Christ as "Leader, Pastor, Priest and Spouse".
Pope John Paul II in his letter to the 1992 Montreal Congress

The root of the priesthood extends from a call from God to serve his people in a unique way. At the heart of the ministerial priesthood is a call to lead the members of the Church to holiness by loving in a universal manner and serving the people of a parish, or diocesan community. They have a unique call to lead parish communities by celebrating the sacraments. It is especially through presiding at Eucharist that priests serve as an instrument of God in bringing this greatest gift to God's people.

In addition to presiding at sacramental celebrations, priests have the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel in ways that inspire and challenge the members of the Church. If you have a love of Scripture and desire to lead the people of God in celebration of the sacraments, you may be called to the priesthood.

Just as Christ's role was to be a reconciler, bringing the broken back into a renewed relationship to God, so reconciling people to God and one another permeates the ministry of a priest. In order to bring healing and health to the Body of Christ, a priest lives close to the people, knowing their triumphs and failures, the pain and joy of the community. He stands with the members of the community at significant moments - when they are joined in marriage, bury their loved ones, in sickness and baptisms, all of which and more could happen in a single day. If you have a heart of service and humility rooted in prayer you may have a call to the priesthood. Furthermore if you feel a deep desire to be at the heart of the Church community, to lead the people by example, and to be transformed through the sacraments, the Word of God, and the people of God you may be called to the priesthood.

*For FAQS on the priesthood and how to become a seminarian visit the FAQ section.