Bishop Dennis Sullivan's Vocation Message in the Nov. 8 edition of the Catholic Star Herald

“I ask you to join with me in creating a culture of vocations”

I asked our priests to speak last weekend at the Sunday Masses about the vocation to the diocesan priesthood.

My purpose in declaring Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood Sunday was twofold. First, from time to time we need to hear that the ordained priest is essential to the life of our church. That topic is infrequently addressed in Sunday sermons. We need to change that and take advantage when the Sunday Scriptures lend themselves to speaking about the ordained priest in the life of the church. Second, there may be a young man who hears in the words of the preacher that Christ is inviting him to consider a vocation to the diocesan priesthood. Let us never underestimate the circumstances in which the power of the grace of an invitation from the Lord to the priesthood falls into the heart of a young man.

As your diocesan bishop, I have a responsibility to provide priests for the church in Camden. I will do whatever is necessary to demonstrate that this responsibility is a priority for my episcopal ministry. The Lord continues to call young men to the service of God’s people as ordained priests. There have been circumstances that may have prevented the Lord’s call from getting through and being responded to. But, we need to clear the air and let the Lord’s message get out.

I ask you who read this column to assist me in making this a priority. Here’s what you can do. You may know a young man whom you think should consider the call to the priesthood. Tell him that. Mention it to him. Your words just might stir up his prayerful thinking and he may hear Christ’s call in your words. You can also pray and pray frequently that young men find the courage to come forward.

Prayer cards were distributed at the parishes. If you did not get one, the prayer is copied below. Cut it out and join me in praying it daily. Your prayer can be both powerful and effective. Let many voices be raised in our diocese making a prayerful noise to the Lord on behalf of His church in Camden.

Our Vocation Director, Father Michael Romano can be reached at 856-583-2858, Michael.Romano@camdendiocese.org. He is available to speak with any young man (eleventh grade and up). Father can assist a young inquirer by guiding his interest in the priesthood. You don’t have to sign up. It’s come and see. Come and hear about the rewarding, happy life of a diocesan priest.

There are many wonderful priests in our diocese. You know them and I am getting to know my new brothers. They serve you generously and gladly. They live fulfilling lives as parish priests. When you have an opportunity, thank your parish priest for having heard and responded to the Lord’s call. Can you imagine what your parish would be like without him? Can you imagine if he was not available for you?

I ask you to join with me in creating a culture of vocations to the diocesan priesthood for the church in Camden.

Click here for Bishop’s message in Spanish

 

Vocations Prayer Card

Lord Jesus, we ask you to bless the Diocese of Camden with an increase in vocations to the priesthood.

We pray that young men from our parishes and families will hear your call and be both generous and courageous in their response. May more young men serve you as priests who teach the faith, preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments and make you present among us through their ministry. Encourage them to embrace the joy-filled andfulfilling life of a diocesan priest. May parents support priestly vocations in their families by prayer and good example. We entrust these prayers through Mary Immaculate, our patroness, hopeful that you will bless our diocese with more priests in the near future…

who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen

 

Prayer in Spanish:

Señor Jesús, te pedimos que bendigas a laDiócesis de Camden, con un aumento de
vocaciones al sacerdocio. Oramos para que jóvenes de nuestras parroquias y familias escuchen tu llamado y sean generosos y valientes en sus respuestas. Que más jóvenes te sirvan como sacerdotes que enseñen la fe, prediquen el Evangelio, celebren los sacramentos y te hagan presente entre nosotros a través de sus ministerios. Aliéntalos a abrazar el gozo pleno y el cumplimiento de la vida de un sacerdote diocesano. Que los padres apoyen las vocaciones sacerdotales en sus familias con la oración y el buen ejemplo. Encomendamos estas oraciones a través de María Inmaculada, nuestra patrona, esperando que bendigas nuestra diócesis con
más sacerdotes en un futuro cercano…
Tú quien vives y reinas por los siglos de los siglos.
Amén.
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