Silence Not Shouting Leads To More Priests

I am studying for my post-master's certificate in Dogmatic Theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I only take one class a semester so it took me a looooong time to get my master's degree (and it will take me just as long to get my post-master's).

Even though I only take night classes, I love the atmosphere and culture at Holy Apostles. The grounds are peaceful, the chapel is beautiful and lay students have the opportunity to study along with seminarians and religious sisters from all over the world.

During my years of study, it was amazing to see the progression of the seminarians as they studied philosophy, theology, were ordained deacons, graduated and then were ordained to the priesthood. What a privilege to share this time with them.

Over the years I took courses on the Blessed Trinity, Scripture, American Church History and just this past semester I took a course on the Spirituality of John Paul II. Maybe I'm a Theology nerd, but I looked forward to going to class every week. It was exciting to take part in the lively class discussions that would continue even after the class was finished.

Over the years I have had numerous discussions with my professors and classmates about how to discern God's will and how to truly know what God is asking us to do? No matter who I speak with, the answer is always prayer.

This Sunday the Church is celebrating World Day of Prayer for Vocations. I had the opportunity to sit down with Deacon Joshua Caswell and Deacon Nathan Caswell from the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius who are being ordained to the priesthood this month. We talked about why it is important to pray for vocations, how to hear God's call and what we need to do to follow His will every day of our lives.

Pope Francis said, "Dear lay faithful, be close to your priests with affection and with your prayers, that they may always be shepherds according to God’s heart."

So let's pray for all priests and seminarians (especially those who are about to be ordained to the priesthood) that they may be always ready to joyfully follow God's will.