Here I am, send me."
Isaiah 6:8
From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way.
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
God calls us all to live our faith and seek out our vocation to become a deacon, priest, religious sister, married or single person. Perhaps God is calling you to the priesthood or consecrated life. Will you have the courage to follow your heart?
For more information, follow the link to Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Vocations.
If you are being called to become a deacon or would like more information, please contact Father Mike, Father Tony or Deacon Leon Noelker at our parish; visit the Diaconate website at www.archstl.org/diaconateoffice; or contact Deacon Dale Follen at the Office of the Permanent Diaconate at 314-792-7433, or by email at [email protected].