In addition to the priesthood of all believers, Christ called some to a special priesthood of service to all believers. The Church ordains men to the ministry of Deacon and Priest through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

“The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Catholic Church. Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders – as a deacon, priest, or bishop – are consecrated in Christ’s name to ‘feed the church by the word and grace of God.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Are you interested in a vocation to the priesthood to serve in the Diocese of Lansing?  Learn more about this life and calling through the diocesan Vocations Office.

“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus,” says Saint John Vianney. “Without the priest the Passion and death of our Lord would be of no avail [to us]. It is the priest who continues the work of redemption here on earth….What use would be a house filled with gold, were there no one to open its door? The priest holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord, the administrator of his goods….The priest is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for you.”

Priests wear black to symbolize death, for this glorious and essential task is not an easy one. Vocations are the fruit of many labors, especially fervent prayer.

 WATCH: “These are the men you want on your side”. That’s how Diocese of Lansing seminarian, Joseph Kelly, views his fellow students for the sacred priesthood at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Minnesota. Joseph hails from the parish of Saint John the Baptist in Ypsilanti. Watch this talk as he reflects upon his first year at seminary and what drew him to the priesthood.

Vocations for Holy Orders and Consecrated Life
Is God calling You?

There are many ways God calls each of us. If you feel called to the Priesthood, Diaconate or Consecrated Life please contact the Vocations Office in the Diocese of Lansing. May God bless you in your discernment.

Priestly Vocations

Diaconate Vocations

Consecrated Vocations

Religious Life

Consecrated Virginity

click on Image for details