Dear Parishoners,

Sometimes, We hear this complaint: "When is the church going to do something about the shortage of priests? Each year it gets worse and worse, and nobody seems to be doing anything about it. We need the church more than ever, but parishes are being forced to close because priests are not available."

Well, my answer is that the Catholic Church is, through your own prayers, continually involved in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This effort is making some inroads, even in a culture that seems to marginalize the priesthood and in which parents are often reluctant to have a son or a daughter choose the seminary or a religious community because they have different hopes for them. We need to remember that vocations are generally borne in good Catholic families, where there is a ton of love, prayer, and support.

Starting this Sunday, the Catholic Church in the U.S. once again will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week. The purpose of the NVAW is to publicly recognize vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. It is a great opportunity for all of us to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of those vocations, especially for young people in our parish community that they may respond generously with open hearts and willing spirits when the Lord calls them.

God bless,
Fr. Gregg