The redemptive sacrifice of Christ is unique, accomplished once and for all; yet it is made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church. The same is true of the one priesthood of Christ; it is made present through the ministerial priesthood without diminishing the uniqueness of Christ’s priesthood: Only Christ is the true priest, the others being only his ministers.

-The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pp 1545

Just as marriage formation begins long before a person thinks of dating, in those unconscious attitudes shaped by parents, family, friends and (sometimes unfortunately) the media, so too does formation for the priesthood begin when a boy is still to young to clearly discern what “he wants to be when he grows up.” A family member’s attitudes about the priesthood; attendance at Mass and Adoration; a boy’s own experiences as an altar server; the reverence of adult men in his parish and community; and especially the influence of the pastor and priests in his parish church, all have a profound impact. Ultimately, the call to the priesthood is just that; a call. But how many competing voices clamor for a young man’s attention? We all have an investment in good marriages, and we all have an investment in the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

The priesthood is in the strict sense of the term ministerial; it is a service dependent on Christ, instituted for our good and the good of his Church. The Church needs good men. But it is not enough to encourage good men to become priests; we must first encourage young men to become good men. That is done in homes; in parish churches; and by the faithful example of Catholics everywhere.

When a young man begins to seriously question a calling to the priesthood, he is fortunate in the Portland area to be near beautiful Mt. Angel Seminary. As Dominicans, we are doubly blessed to be part of the Western Dominican Province. This summer, the Western Dominican province celebrated the ordination of six priests trained at the Dominican School of Theology. The Dominican School of Theology depends on our financial assistance and prayers as it provides graduate level instruction to Dominican brothers in this Province preparing for the priesthood. Your contributions to its Annual Appeal and Student Formation Appeal will help ensure a future generation of Dominican priests.. And, God willing, in a few years perhaps you, or one of your sons, will follow the Dominican priests of Holy Rosary by studying in Oakland as a novice.

In the meantime, you can uphold the work of our priests though participation in the Serra Club. The Portland Chapter of Serra International, whose world-wide membership numbers over 20,000 lay men and women, is dedicated to supporting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Meetings are held twice monthly at St. Patrick Church in Northwest Portland. If you would like more information, call 503 684-4457 or e-mail dklo22332@aol.com.

Deus Providebit
God will provide.