The lifestyle of the diocesan priest is shaped by his service to the local Church. He shares with a Bishop the role of service to the Church in a given geographical area.
He ministers by building community, drawing people together, challenging them to serve each other, and urging them to address the social concerns of our times. The diocesan priest ministers by celebrating the Eucharist and leading the community in prayer, especially in the sacramental moments of birth, reconciliation, marriage, sickness, and death.
Who is the Priest?
- He is the one through whom new members are initiated into the fullness of the church’s life.
- He is the one who brings comfort to the widow, who visits the sick, and who counsels the youth with their problems.
- He is the catalyst in the community who works with his people to build up the family of God.
- He is the one who blesses the bonds of marriage for those who are called to begin a new Christian family.
- He is the one who brings God’s compassion and forgiveness of sins to the people.
- He is the one who invites the community of believers to live as one Eucharistic people, proclaiming and living out the Word of God.
- He is the companion of Jesus who cares for the people of God through the preaching of the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments, and the selfless service of the people
Who can become a Priest in the Diocese of Laredo?
If you are:
- A single male
- Over 18 years of age
- In good standing with the Catholic Church
- Enjoy a good reputation
- Exhibit the necessary skills for seminary formation
- Seriously, believe that God may be calling you to a priestly vocation
- Listen to the response: “Who do you want me to be?” “What do you want me to do?”
Interested men are encouraged to contact the Office of Vocations or his Pastor to learn more about the particular details of the discernment process for the Diocese of Laredo.
The director will be able to assist you in reviewing the particular Diocesan requirements for seminary preparation and application. The Diocese of Laredo, like most dioceses, has particular guidelines and policies in place to govern and regulate the application process. However, each individual’s personal and professional background varies and is considered on a one-to-one basis.
Candidate Qualities
These are the qualities we are looking for in a Diocesan Priesthood candidate:
- A love for the Catholic faith
- Generosity
- A desire to help other people
- A personal relationship with God
- A capacity and willingness to learn
- Respect for other people
- Openness to different cultures and ethnic groups
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Good social skills
- The ability to enjoy one’s own company and a variety of friendships
- The courage to take risks
- A healthy self-image
- The ability to state an opinion that might differ from that of others
