All Christians are called to ministry by virtue of their baptism. Priests are ordained for ministry, which at its heart is a call to lead the members of the Church to holiness by loving and serving the people of a parish community. Bringing the sacraments and other means to holiness offered through the Church to their parish community is part of their unique calling. It is especially through presiding at Eucharist that priests live at the center of the Church and offer members of the Church the most profound gift of God’s grace and presence. Priests also have the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel in ways that inspire and challenge the members of the Church. Bringing the wounded back into a renewed relationship with God, just as Christ was a reconciler, is another ministry of a priest. In order to bring healing and health to the Body of Christ, a priest lives close to the people, knowing their triumphs and failures, the pain and joy of the community. He stands with the members of the community at significant moments—when they are joined in marriage, bury their loved ones, in sickness. In these moments the priests special relationship to the Body of Christ is most visible. He is at one and the same time the presence of Christ for the community and the representative or voice of the community in its celebrations. The priest knows the privilege and responsibility of modeling the holiness of God for the People of God.

Do you feel a deep desire to be at the heart of the Church community and to lead the people by example? If you feel God might be calling you to this vocation, please contact the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Gaylord at 989.732.5147.