More on Holy Orders and Religious Vocations
Quo Vadis Dinners for High School-Age Men
The Office of Priest Vocations sponsors nine Quo Vadis dinners a year throughout the Archdiocese of Washington. Young men of high school age are invited for a time of prayer, discussion, and dinner with seminarians and priests. Those who would be interested in attending may go to www.dcpriest.org or call the Office of Priest Vocations at (202) 636-9020 for details.
Men’s Discernment Mass and Dinner
Single Catholic men, college-age and up, are invited to discuss the possibility of priesthood with priests, seminarians, and other men from the Washington D.C. area. Holy Mass will be celebrated in the seminary chapel, followed by dinner and discussion. Please visit www.dcpriest.org or contact the Office of Priest Vocations at (202) 636-9020 for more information.
Quo Vadis Camp
These are great days of fraternity, learning, vocational discernment, and fun. Hosted at beautiful Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Quo Vadis Camp includes time for prayer, hiking, games, sports, talks, and lots of great food. Please visit www.dcpriest.org or contact the Office of Priest Vocations at (202) 636-9020 for more information.
Vocations Awareness
ForYourVocation.org was launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops with two objectives: to help individuals hear and respond to the call of God to the priesthood or consecrated life, and to educate all Catholics on the importance of encouraging others through prayer and activities to promote vocations. The site offers resources for men and women who may have a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, aids for promoting a vocation-culture within the home, and tools for educators, youth leaders, and vocation directors including prayers, videos, best practices, lesson plans, and vocation awareness programs.
Permanent Diaconate
The Archdiocese of Washington Office of the Permanent Diaconate is interested in speaking with men who have an interest in becoming a permanent deacon. Learn more about the diaconate program, including contact information, current admissions criteria for the Archdiocese of Washington’s Permanent Deacon formation program, and a brief description of a deacon’s role in the Church today.
Click LINK for more information on the Diaconate Program.
Consecrated Life
A vocation to the Consecrated Life is a gift from God the Father to the Church, rooted in the example and teaching of Christ, and given through the power of the Holy Spirit. To learn more about secular institutes, men's and women's congregations, religious institutes, and societies for Apostolic life, upcoming events, and religious community discernment retreats, please visit the Consecrated Life website of the Archdiocese of Washington.
A Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood (St. Vincent Ministry to Priests)
Lord Jesus, you invite us to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He send laborers into His harvest.
Lord and God of all, call to the priesthood men on fire with your divine love, who will be the voice of the Good Shepherd to the scattered sheep of the flock.
R. Lord of the harvest, send laborers into your harvest.
Lord and Saviour, bless us with holy priests. Through their ministry may your life-giving presence in the sacraments be always present in your Church.
R. Lord of the harvest, send laborers into your harvest.
Lord and Giver of Life, raise up men filled with your power and with great missionary zeal, so that all who dwell in darkness may come to live in the light of Christ.
R. Lord of the harvest, send laborers into your harvest.
(Pause for silent prayer for vocations to the priesthood.)
Lord Jesus, you called chosen men to be with you: to preach the good news of salvation and to have authority over the powers of darkness. Send your Holy Spirit upon the men you have chosen for the priestly ministry. May they answer your call and follow you with generous hearts. Amen.
A Prayer for Priests (St. Vincent Ministry to Priests)
Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By the same Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted. And may the gift of Mary, your mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image may form them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.