Where do I start?

The Call to Priesthood requires discernment from both you and the Church. If you think you are being called to the priesthood, you should contact the Vocation Director of the diocese. The Vocation Director will assist you in discerning your call and help you with the process of priestly formation.

To come to a clearer understanding of signs God may be placing in your life, a program of prayer is of great value. This consists of the following:
 

• Daily Prayer: Prayer is the lifeblood of a relationship with Jesus. Pray daily and do not be afraid of it. If you are unsure how to pray ask Jesus to teach as he did the dicsiples. The heart of prayer is desire. A desire to know and understand God. 

• Go to Mass daily, if possible: The Eucharist is truly and really Jesus Christ. There is no greater treasure on the face of the earth. Make Mass the centre of your life and you will grow in a conscious encounter with Christ. 

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation: In Reconciliation we receive the loving forgiving presence of Christ. If you haven't gone for years, do not be afraid, the priest will understand and, in fact, be thrilled.

• Talk to a priest: God works in mysterious ways and it is often necessary to talk to someone who has walked in our shoes to help guide us. You can talk to your Pastor or the Vocation Director. 

• Read the Gospels: Jesus, the Word made flesh, speaks to us through the bible and particularly the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. As you read, pay attention to where your heart rests, what desires are stirred in you, what jumps out at you. Relate them to Jesus by bringing them to him in prayer.

• Live a life of Virtue: Holiness is shown through virtue or morally good character. A person's growth in Christ is shown by one's growth in virtue. The Father wants to help you overcome your greatest vices or immoral behaviours. If you are struggling with vice you need to bring it to him and ask Christ to help you.

• Spiritual Reading: Begin reading books that fill you spiritually which will help you grow in knowing Jesus direction for you. Just a few pages a day can make a great difference. Some suggestions: St. Augustine's "Confessions", St. Teresa of Avila's "The Interior Castle", Cardinal Dolan's "Priests for the Third Millenium", Fr. Brett Brannen's "To Save a Thousand Souls", the Lives of the Saints especially St. John Vianney and St. Maximillian Kolbe.

• Hang around good people: It is a simple fact that people become like those they hang around. We influence each other in good ways and bad ways. It is important that our friends are happy, fun and enjoy life but it is also important that those friends encourage us to do the right thing and to put God first in our life. Hang around the right people!