Last Fall we were blessed with 21 new seminarians for our Archdiocese. This coming Fall also looks promising for a large group of new men.
We have two different seminary locations: Juan Diego House in Gardena, where men are able to complete the required studies in philosophy and other needed courses before entering theology studies at our major seminary; and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, where the men study theology for four full years, with an internship assignment in a parish during the year between second and third theology.
I am grateful to all of you for your continuing Prayers for Vocations--as Jesus Christ encouraged us. Prayer, especially at Mass or before the Blessed Sacrament, is so important for our overall efforts.
But we also must intensify our personal invitation to men to consider whether Christ may be calling them to serve Him and the Church as a priest. Often we see in our parishes men who attend Mass frequently during the week, who are involved in various parish ministries, and who show the signs and characteristics we are looking for in our future priests. A word of personal encouragement and invitation to these men is part of God's call to them.
Here in our Archdiocese we have a Prayer for Priestly Vocations, below. Please pray that Prayer often with your family members.
Father, in every generation you provide ministers of Christ and the Church. We come before you now, asking that youcall forth more men to serve our Archdiocesein the ministerial priesthood.
Give us priests who will lead and guideyour holy people gathered by Word and Sacrament.
Bless us with priestly vocations so that we can continueto be a truly Eucharistic Church,strengthened in our discipleship of Jesus Christ,your Only Son.
Raise up, we pray, men who are generous in their service,willing to offer their lives and all their giftsfor your greater glory and for the good of your people.We make our prayer in the presence and powerof the Holy Spirit, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
May I recommend the following websites for more information on Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life:
OFFICE of VOCATIONS:
ST. JOHN'S SEMINARY:
JUAN DIEGO HOUSE:
