Ordained Ministry: Priesthood

Prayer for Priestly Vocations

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Father, in every generation you provide
ministers of Christ and the Church.

We come before you now,
asking that you call forth more men to serve our Archdiocese
in the ministerial priesthood.

Give us priests who will lead and guide
your holy people gathered by Word and Sacrament.

Bless us with priestly vocations
so that we can continue to be a truly Eucharistic Church,
strengthened in our discipleship of Jesus Christ, your Only Son.

Raise up, we pray, men who are generous in their service,
willing to offer their lives and all their gifts
for your greater glory and for the good of your people.

We make our prayer in the presence and power
of the Holy Spirit, through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

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Who is the Priest?

A Reflection by Archbishop Schwietz

In his book, Gift and Mystery, commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination, Pope John Paul II wrote that priests are to be "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." At his deepest level, a priest is configured to the One Eternal High Priest: Jesus Christ, and it is Christ whom he obediently serves. The most important moment in the daily life of a priest is the celebration of the Eucharist. What Christ accomplished on the altar of the Cross and what He earlier instituted as a Sacrament on Holy Thursday, the priest now renews by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As a steward of the mysteries of God, the priest is called to faithfully preach the Word of God and teach the treasures of salvation, the Catholic faith, among all the people to whom he is sent. Priesthood is a very demanding yet deeply-fulfilling calling.

You may feel a stirring deep within you that perhaps God is calling you to serve Him and His people as a priest, yet you don't feel quite ready to enter the seminary. The Saint John Vianney House of Discernment may provide just the environment you need. Be assured of my prayers for you as you discern our Lord's will in your life. May God bless your journey!

Sincerely yours in Christ and Mary,

+ Roger L. Schwietz, OMI
Archbishop of Anchorage

Learn more about the House of Discernment for Priestly Ministry