One of the spiritual works of mercy is the privilege of praying for others. One special group of people that needs our prayers is our diocesan seminarians. These young men have stepped forward to begin the process of discerning whether or not God is calling them to the priesthood. Our prayers for them help them keep their heart open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this discernment process which can take anywhere from 6-8 years of schooling depending on their education level.
This weekend we kick-off what is called “Adopt-aSeminarian” prayer partnership. There is a little prayer card with a picture and description of each of our
six diocesan seminarians. Pick up a card and keep that person in your daily prayers. Feel free to send them a note of encouragement and/or a gift occasionally if you want. When I was a seminarian (a hundred years ago!), I remember how much a card of support meant to me.
We are so blessed to have two men recently ordained from St. Clare Parish. We are also blessed to have several other young men in our parish in high school or college who are beginning the discernment about a priesthood vocation so we keep them in our prayers as well as they consider this awesome vocation.
Thank you so much for all your support and prayers for my own priesthood vocation. It is such a joy and honor to serve you, our diocese, and the bigger Church for Christ.