Answering the Call: Why We Need More Priests—And How We Can Support Vocations Together

Across our Diocese and around the world, the Church continues to grow in mission and outreach. Every day, our parishes open their doors, sacraments are celebrated, the poor are cared for, and the Gospel is shared. At the heart of all this vital ministry stand our priests—shepherds who dedicate their lives to bringing Christ to His people.

You may have started to notice fewer priests in your parish or priests serving multiple communities at once. This isn’t because the mission is shrinking—it’s because the need is growing, and we are called to support the future of our Church together.

As our current clergy faithfully continue to serve, many are reaching retirement age, and fewer men are entering formation than in years past. This reality challenges us—not with fear—but with opportunity. God is still calling. The Holy Spirit is still stirring hearts. And we, as the People of God, have a crucial role in helping young men hear and answer that call.

That is where the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) makes an extraordinary difference.

Through the support of generous donors, the CMA helps:

• Fund the education and formation of seminarians

  
  

• Provide spiritual direction, retreats, and vocational discernment programs

  
  

• Strengthen campus and youth ministries where many vocations begin

  
  

• Offer ongoing support for newly ordained priests

  
  

• Ensure that growing parishes have strong pastoral leadership

Every vocation is a gift from God—but it is also the fruit of a community that nurtures and encourages it. Your support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal directly strengthens the formation of future priests here in our own Diocese.

Imagine a future where more young men say “yes” to God’s call… where the Eucharist remains at the center of every community because we each played a small role in supporting those called to the priesthood.

With God’s grace, that future is within reach. By joining together in prayer and support, we can help the seeds of vocations continue to grow—right here in our Diocese.

Let us pray for vocations.

Let us encourage them.

And let us support them—together.

Your gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal helps secure the future of our faith.

Thank you for helping tomorrow’s priests answer God’s call today.