Dear Brother in Christ,

 

The Fathers of Vatican Council II reminded us that "all in the Church, whether they belong to the hierarchy or are served by it, are called to holiness."(LG, n. 39) While Vatican II spoke of the universal vocation to holiness, it also spoke of a specific vocation to holiness based on Holy Orders. Perhaps God is calling you to a life of holiness as a priest.

 

This life of priestly holiness involves a configuration to Christ as Shepherd. The spiritual life of the priest is "marked, molded and characterized by the way of thinking and acting proper to Jesus Christ." (PDV, n. 21) The priest lives this reality through a life of pastoral charity. It is a life of service which brings Christ to the People of God through His Word and in the sacramental life of the Church.

 

If you believe that God might be calling you to the priesthood I invite you to explore our web site. Take some time to find out about priesthood in the Archdiocese of Omaha and to meet our seminarians. As you read their biographies, you just might find something in common with your own call to the priesthood.

 

Please feel free to e-mail me at vocations@archomaha.org if you have any questions about the diocesan priesthood in the Archdiocese of Omaha. May God bless you as you discern your priestly vocation.

In Christ,

Rev. Ralph O'Donnell

Vocation Director