Men interested in becoming a Deacon or a Priest need to go through a process of preparation that takes several years of theology studies. For further information please contact the Pastor or the Diocesan Vocations Director, or visit the Diocesan website for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life at www.beapriest.ca.
Vocation Sunday – Be Inspired!
World Day of Prayer for Vocations – Message of His Holiness Pope Francis
Apostolic Letter: “Patris Corde” (With a Father’s Heart)
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Called to Serve – Faith Sharing Videos
Looking for Vocation Inspiration? Called to Serve is a series where we profile various people who God has called to serve the Church and highlight their journey of discernment and faith in their lives. Everyone has a story and you are not alone. Visit beapriest.ca for vocation information.
Meet our New Vicar General ‘Called to Serve’: In May 2021, Bishop Thomas Dowd announced that Fr. Roch Martin will become the new Vicar General of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, a position left vacant for nearly a year. In this episode, we profile Fr. Roch Martin, who tells us about his upbringing, his own call to the priesthood and what he hopes to bring to his new role as Vicar General for the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. The episode is available here: https://youtu.be/iO7TgxkOtfk
Sr. Costanza Romano shares her own journey of hearing the Lord call her to serve as a Sister, and she explains the promises she made of poverty, chastity and obedience. She also talks about the beautiful history of the Sisters of St. Joseph who have served the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie since 1936. https://youtu.be/UyDC3MG21E0
Rev. Pat Woods shares his emotional journey of his life’s struggles and setbacks, even on the brink of losing his life, and how God powerfully intervened to help him discover that he had more to offer in this world. https://youtu.be/NhnCv_LE5w0
Rev. Larry Rymes shares how he didn’t find fulfillment in his own plans for life, and the joy he’s found in the priesthood. https://youtu.be/UvMXKPxOVZg
Most Rev. Marcel Damphousse, former Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie and current Archbishop-elect of Ottawa-Cornwall, shares his story of when he knew God was calling him o serve the Church as a priest, the joys and struggles he faced, and what he is looking forward to in his new appointment as Archbishop. https://youtu.be/WV1z2Mx6icU
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Are You Being Called?
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
Certain sounds are difficult to hear. Certain messages are unwanted. Certain noises are too loud. Yet through it all, the voice of the Good Shepherd continues to call the sheep to follow. To answer the call in following the shepherd can take on various expressions and lead one to consider different vocations. We are all challenged to recognize the peace, the calm, the stillness, and the clarity of the One who loves us and continues to beckon: “Come!” Once we hear this call and this invitation, our responses may be varied. But we as a Church are called to create an atmosphere and an environment that is open to all vocations. Taking on the image of Christ the Good Shepherd, we share in the task of calling people to follow the Lord.
We recognize that parents can have a positive impact on supporting vocations to priesthood and religious life for their sons and daughters. We recognize teachers and catechists play an important role in forming, in the minds and hearts of our young people, an image of Christ, the Good Shepherd. We know priests and religious are called to be examples of ordained ministry and consecrated life. And we understand bishops, as shepherds of local churches, are called to stir up in the priests, religious and laity the desire to work for and encourage vocations to priesthood and religious life.
While we pray for vocations to priesthood, religious life, diaconate, secular institutes and lay ministry, let us also pray for the ability to invite people with many gifts and talents to consider such vocations.
Let us reflect Christ and participate in the mission of the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep to follow him. All Catholics need to pray for more vocations to the priesthood because they are God’s gift. Priests themselves offer an example to others, particularly to children and young people already involved in parish activities, especially those who serve at the altar.
May all that we say and do reflect our fundamental call to serve God in our world, and may we encourage our young people to follow in the footsteps of the Master.
If you know someone who might benefit from your encouragement toward a Catholic Church vocation invite them to consider being a priest, brother or sister.
If you are being called, call Msgr. Dave at the parish office at 472-3970 and speak with him.
You may also call the Diocesan Vocation Office at 705-674-2727 and ask to speak with the Vocation Director. For more information, you may visit: WWW.BEAPRIEST.CA
Prayer for Vocations
“But how shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe unless they have heard of him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach?” (Romans 11: 14)
