As baptized Catholics, we are all called to be disciples of Jesus, and to share in completing His mission. Each of us is challenged to live joyfully and generously the vocation to which God calls us, no matter what our walk of life. Each of us has an important job to do. The variety and opportunity this presents enriches us and serves God's will. Each vocation is important because it shows the many ways we can live a life of holiness and show other people God's love.

For some, the call to discipleship is meant to be lived out in the priesthood. Jesus Christ calls certain men to share in his ministry of service to the People of God. Priests are called to give witness to discipleship by the preaching of the Gospel and the celebration of the sacraments, most especially the Eucharist.

Our Response to God's Call: Here I am, Lord, send me.

The Lord calls each of us in a different way. The call to follow Jesus may be as sudden and earthshaking as it was for St. Paul, who was knocked to the ground by a light from heaven. It can be as challenging as it was for the Apostles, who left behind their boats, their nets and even their families when Jesus said simply "Follow me." For most of us, the call comes quietly and when we least expect it. As a result, discerning the call can be a difficult and confusing process, as it was for Samuel, who heard the Lord's voice while he slept.

What do we do when we hear the call? How do we respond? We can deny our true selves and try to ignore the call. Or, we can say "Here I am, Lord, send me!" as Isaiah did. This is how the men studying to be priests for our diocese have responded.

Our Future Priests

The Catholic Church in Eastern Washington is blessed to have a consistently good number of seminarians studying for the priesthood. Much like the prophet Isaiah, they have responded in faith to God's call. They are committed to discerning God's will and deepening their lives of prayer. Our future priests want to learn and grow and one day join those priests who currently serve the people of God in Eastern Washington.

The seminarians studying for our diocesan church and the priests serving our people are ordinary men whom God has called to do great things. They are our neighbors, friends and fellow parishioners. These men are the sons of mothers and fathers with whom we live, work, and play. They are grandsons and great-grandsons of pioneers, homesteaders, and immigrants. Some are immigrants themselves, who have left the security of their homeland to minister in a new land. They hold in their hearts a love for all of God's people and they enrich our local Church with their language and culture. Their presence reminds us of the universality of our Catholic Church.