The Gift and Challenge of Vocation…

There are many great and wonderful gifts God has given us in this world. There are the gifts of life, of family, of friends; of our country, the gift of our faith, the gift of a catholic education, of our talents and opportunities. For all these we own immense thanks to the Lord who arranges all things sweetly for those who love Him. But there are far greater gifts than these. Is the Lord, perhaps, calling you to the priesthood? To religious life? Or to both?

To become a Missionary of Christ…

The most important requirement to become an Missionary of Christ priest is a passionate desire to serve God as an ordained priest in every where. The missionary life requires one to be a man of faith, hope, open, dedicated, flexible, down-to-earth, and committed to growing in the spiritual journey. As members of an missionary community known for hospitality, Missionaries of Christ must be able to relate well to others and able to both give and receive support. A good sense of humor is an asset!

More than ever, what the world needs now are men who can be missionaries of God’s compassion, kindness, gentleness, and healing love.  If you feel in your heart that God is calling you to follow Him and minister to His people, don’t delay. God’s people are waiting for a disciple of the Lord to be among them.  Say “Yes” and see if it’s God’s plan for you.

 If you are a Catholic man, between the ages 18 and 30, and believe you might be called to the missionary priesthood, come and explore the possibilities with us.

 

Prayer To Discern A Vocation

Lord, there are so many things in my life that I do not understand,
so many questions about the future that I need to ask.
What is Your plan for me?
What is the work You want me to do?

All I really know is that You love me.
Show me the road You want me to walk –
to fulfillment, to happiness, to holiness.

And if You are calling me to
priesthood or to the religious life, give me the strength to say “yes”
and the grace to begin even now
to prepare myself for the challenge
of a life spent in Your service and
in the care of Your people.

I ask You this in Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Theodore Cardinal McCarrick
Archbishop Emeritus of Washington

Here I am, Lord