A Vocation to the Priesthood: Saying “Yes” Every Day

St. Joseph’s Church in Astoria, July 24, 2024. Photo: The Tablet/Paula Katinas

“Vocation” comes from the Latin word “vocare” which means “to call.” In Catholic circles, it is commonly associated with the call of a person to the priesthood, diaconate, or the religious (consecrated life). There is also a call to the vocation of married life, and often forgotten, a call to single life! We are all called to a state of life; this is different from our job – how we make a living, how we pay our bills! In any state of life, we usually do not receive a direct message from God, but in our hearts, we feel this is what He wants us to do. It is often confirmed by the words of our family members or good and honest friends! 

In reflecting on my own call to the priesthood, I know it was early in life when I became interested in following the example and witness of priests whom I knew and admired. The intuition that I had was definitely recognized by my family members, peers, and those people whom I served in my formation years. After preparing for priesthood ordination (six years in a ” minor” or “preparatory” seminary and then six years in a major seminary where philosophy and theology were taught, I felt ready and the church confirmed that readiness by what is technically known as the “call to orders”. Ordination day and First Solemn Mass were joyful and celebratory occasions. I then presented myself for my first “official” assignment with an open mind and heart. The first thing I learned was that I had a lot to learn. And the people taught me how to be a priest, and I have loved every minute of it. While we priests formally and publicly say “yes” to God’s call on ordination day, I have learned how extremely important andcritically necessary it is to say “yes” to this vocation each and every day. Some days, similar to any other vocation, things go very well.  Other days, there is chaos, confusion, and things go in ways that are unplanned and especially on those days, although in reality, every day, the “yes” needs to be repeated. I’m sure that married couples have the same experience. You wake up in the morning, and you think you have your day planned and scheduled. Then the unexpected happens: a call to visit a sick person; a long-time parishioner or friend is “called home” to God; a staff member or coworker is dealing with a personal crisis; and the list goes on. When you begin your day, as a priest, you do not know what God has in mind for you: the people to whom he wants you to serve. Each day is different! There is NEVER boredom in the priesthood. 

Priestly life requires downtime for prayer and reflection. The celebration of Holy Mass is the centerpiece of each day. There is always quiet time to prepare homiliesor classes that need to be presented. A typical day involves liturgical celebrations, office appointments, outside work (wake services, hospital/school/ or religious education visits, etc.). In each event of the day, it is most necessary to keep saying “Yes” to God who calls and to a God who gives us the strength and the desire to do His work here on earth. We say “Yes” to God every day as we thank Him for His call.  

Yesterday, the Church celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday. We priests, ask God to help us to be good shepherds to His people every day.