Why do people become priests?
• to lead from the heart of the community
• to follow in Christ's footsteps
• to bring hope to the disillusioned
• to give courage to the afraid
• to share our strength and weakness
• to celebrate the gift of eternal life
Priesthood makes a real difference in our world today by reaching out and touching all our lives.
Priesthood?
A Life of Service
It is said that a priest is someone who lives with the people and each becomes a part of the other’s life. Priests work and serve within their communities. They serve individuals and families and are the spiritual leaders of our communities. Priests are very active people, with friends, hobbies and recreational activities like other Christian people. Some serve in schools, as university teachers, chaplains, or campus ministers, working in media, in hospitals or in prisons.
The Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos is a rapidly growing religious community: we now have a membership that spans across the United States and in several other countries as well. We need dedicated priests to serve as spiritual leaders in their communities.
• How is God calling you to serve others?
• Do you know of someone serving others who may be called to priesthood?
A Special Role
Jesus in the Eucharist is the center of a priest’s life and ministry we serve God and others through:
• Offering pastoral care – visiting the sick and troubled, counseling individuals, married couples or families, animating parish projects and activities.
• Proclaiming God’s word – through the witness of our lives and through homilies founded on daily reflection and prayer.
• Ministering the Sacraments – celebrating Eucharist and baptism, witnessing marriages, leading funerals, and bringing God’s healing presence to people through the Sacraments of Penance (Confession) and the Anointing of the Sick.
• How do you care for others, proclaim God’s word and foster church life?
• Do you know someone possessing these qualities who could be called to priesthood?
More Than a Job
Deciding on a priestly vocation is, in one sense, a career choice like any other. Skills and attributes include:
• Prayerfulness
• Strong interpersonal abilities
• Leadership
• Charity towards others
• Positive self-image
• Good health and emotional stability
At the deepest level priesthood is about union with Jesus Christ: the goal is to become more and more like him. Being a priest is more than a job - it’s a way of life, requiring strong personal and professional commitment that is reflected in all that you do, all that you are. The opportunity to serve God and bring hope, joy, and healing into the lives of many people brings with it a deep happiness and a sense of peace.
A religious priest commits oneself to the monastic life, and gives respect and obedience as he collaborates with his bishop. This type of relationship reflects the selflessness of Jesus and is a sign of the ultimate call to union with God. These commitments are a reflection of God’s enduring faithfulness to us.
• Are you searching for something more?
• Do you know someone seeking fulfilment who could be called to priesthood?
What can I do?
If you feel drawn to this life of service, share your questions with others. You may also know of someone who may make a good priest. Have you told them? Could you share this website with them?
Ministerial Vocations Committee
One of the functions of the O.SS.T. Ministerial Formations Committee is to help promote the need for prayer and support for all who may consider answering the call to the Diaconate and Priesthood within our community. We exist to foster support for those discerning a vocation to ordained ministry (priesthood and diaconate), seminarians for the "The Old Catholic Marianists", as well as recently-ordained or incardinated priests and decons.
For more information, please visit our Contact Us page and leave a message.
A Prayer for Priests
Lord of all and giver of life, call to the priesthood men on fire with your divine love. Call them to be the voice of the Good Shepherd to a scattered flock. Bless us with holy priests: through their ministry may your life-giving presence in the Sacraments always be present in your church.
Raise up men filled with your power and with missionary zeal, so that all who dwell in darkness may come to live in Jesus’ light.
Send your Holy Spirit upon the men you have chosen for priestly ministry. May they answer your call and follow you with generous hearts.
Lord of the harvest, send labourers into your harvest. Amen.
Immaculate Heart of Mary: pray for us.
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The Priestly Vocation:
Consecrated for the Salvation of the World
