Vocations Options

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Vocations Options

Everyone is called to a vocation. To begin your discernment, click on an option below:

Priesthood - The Call and Lifestyle

The priest is a person of faith and prayer who has responded to God's call to service and leadership in the Church. The priest is ordained to be a sacrament within the Church. This means that the priest makes present and visible the leadership which Christ gives the Church. He does this by ordering and guiding the Church community and its ministries, proclaiming the Word of God and leading the community in worship, and sending the members of the community forth in mission. Diocesan priests promise obedience to their bishop since their ministry is really an extension of his own, and they also live a life of celibacy.

In addition to diocesan priests, there are others who are members of religious communities. These religious order priests take vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience. Through living in community with other priest or brother members of their order, these men derive strength and support to meet the needs of the Church.

Priesthood - Qualifications

How does someone know if he has the gifts and talents to be a priest? Ask yourself these questions.

Do I desire to deepen my prayer life in order to grow in my relationship with God?
Do I seek to strengthen my commitment to Christ and his Church?
Do I desire to serve God through serving others?
Do I sense within myself gifts that would enable me to lead people in worship and in building community?
Do I have a willingness and ability to work with a variety of people?
Am I a person of at least average intelligence with a desire to learn more about our faith and to share that knowledge with others?
Do I pay attention to my emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical and social needs?

Priesthood - Opportunities for Service

Most men ordained for the Diocese of Saint Cloud will serve in the parishes of the diocese as pastors and associate pastors. There are also opportunities for priests to serve as teachers, chaplains at hospitals, as well as in administrative positions. A priest may also have the opportunity to serve a mission parish in Las Acacias, Venezuela.

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