Vocations

The Latest

Sister Francisca Teresa (left). The nun with her Carmelite sisters (right).

99-year-old Carmelite nun credits her family and Mary for her long, happy vocation

Jun 17, 2022

By CNA Staff

Agustina Medina Muñoz has been a Discalced Carmelite cloistered nun in Chile for almost 80 years. Read more

Pope Francis lays hands on a Bangladeshi deacon as he ordains him to the priesthood during a Dec. 1, 2017, Mass in Dhaka.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2022: Pope Francis says ‘Church must become increasingly synodal’

May 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope made the comment in his annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations message. Read more

Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica in Beaumont, Texas.

Six priests of Beaumont diocese died this year

Dec 21, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

Six priests from the Diocese of Beaumont died this year, including three who were in active ministry at the time... Read more

Father Eric Seitz says Mass, with his father, Deacon Ben Seitz, assisting as deacon. Courtesy photo.

Fargo dad follows his son, a priest, to Holy Orders as a deacon

Jun 15, 2021

By Jonah McKeown

Eric Seitz was ordained to the priesthood August 8, 2020 for the Diocese of Fargo. Two months later, his father... Read more

Father Matthew Breslin blesses his sister, Sr. Mary Strength of Martyrs, shortly after his May 29, 2021 ordination.

New priest blesses his sister, a nun: 'It's been a real privilege and a joy'

Jun 7, 2021

By Jonah McKeown

It is customary for a newly-ordained priest to impart a first blessing. For Father Matthew Breslin, who was ordained May... Read more

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio leads the Archdiocese for the Military Services.

Archbishop Broglio: Military ‘largest single source’ of vocations to priesthood

May 31, 2021

By Katie Yoder

The archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services says that the military is the “largest single source of vocations... Read more

Priests celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Jan. 17, 2105.

Virtual discernment program helps Boston men explore priesthood

Apr 16, 2021

By Joe Bukuras

This past week, the Archdiocese of Boston released its new vocation discernment initiative, Scivias, designed to bring vocational guidance to... Read more

Pope Francis gives the Angelus address from the Apostolic Palace. Credit: Vatican Media/CNA.

Pope Francis: The greatest joy for every believer is to respond to God’s call

Jan 17, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Sunday that great joy is found when one offers his life in service to God’s call.  Read more

Sacred Heart Cathedral in the Diocese of Thái Bình, Vietnam.

Catholic diocese in Vietnam builds new seminary amid rising vocations

Oct 2, 2020

By Courtney Mares

A diocese in northern Vietnam is expanding its seminary in response to an increasing number of priestly vocations.  Read more

Father Nick Adam. Photo courtesy of Father Adam.

News anchor-turned-Catholic vocations director embarks on 'Tour de Priest'

Jul 12, 2020

This Sunday, a Catholic priest will embark on a 320-mile, 5-day bike ride to recruit young men and women for... Read more

Potential postulants wait and see as COVID puts convent plans in question 

Apr 30, 2020

By Mary Farrow

If everything were going according to plan, Jessica would be entering the convent on August 22.  Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on May 31, 2017.

'Have no fear': Pope Francis calls Catholics to say 'yes' to vocations

Mar 26, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Acknowledging that discerning God’s plan is a daunting task, the pope said that trust in the Lord can overcome our... Read more

In Rochester, moms' group prays for vocations to come from among their families

Dec 31, 2019

A newly-formed group of Catholic mothers in Rochester, New York has committed to praying regularly for the flourishing of vocations... Read more

CNA

Discerning in, and discerning out: What happens when seminarians leave?

Dec 31, 2019

By Michelle McDaniel

Catholic journalists know that discernment stories are popular because they give readers hope. And they often follow a pattern: They... Read more

Sr. Mary Gianna Thornby, DLJC. Courtesy Photo.

After Columbine: How one survivor found faith, and a vocation

Dec 30, 2019

By Jonah McKeown

Many years before she entered religious life, Sister Mary Gianna Thornby was an ordinary high school sophomore at Columbine High... Read more

Missionary: Married priests in Amazon wouldn't get to the root of the problem

Oct 15, 2019

A South American missionary to Angola who is participating in the Amazon Synod at the invitation of the pope has... Read more

From Left: Fr. Dan Samide, Fr. Rich Samide, Fr. Anthony Simone, Fr. Patrick Schultz, Fr. Jeff Barnish, Fr. Ryan Mann, Fr. Ryan Cubera. Photo courtesy of St. Mary's Catholic Church Life Teen group.

7 priests ordained in 7 years: What's the 'secret sauce' at this Ohio parish?

May 26, 2019

By Mary Farrow

Starting in 2013, and every year since for the past seven years, one young man from the parish of St.... Read more

Deacon Drake McCalister, his family, and Bishop Jeffrey Montforton. Courtesy photo.

Deacon Drake: From Pentecostal preacher to Catholic priest

May 14, 2019

By Mary Farrow

Deacon Drake McCalister is many things that most men about to become Catholic priests are not.  Read more

Stations of the Cross at World Youth Day Panama Jan. 25, 2019.

Pope Francis: Heal the 'wearied hope' within a wounded Church

Jan 26, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Saturday that he recognized the weariness felt in the priesthood and in religious communities due to the... Read more

Father Juan de Cáceres (right) during his priestly ordination.

From bartender to priest: 'God is very insistent!'

Dec 17, 2018

How do you go from being a bartender who has not attended Mass for 15 years to becoming a priest?  Read more