The Call to the Priesthood
The priesthood is a sacred vocation, where Christ invites certain men to offer their lives in a deep, personal companionship with Him. This call is not random; from all eternity, some men are destined for the priesthood. It is a vocation written into their very being, one that brings profound fulfillment as they follow Christ more closely.

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Priests Act in the Person of Christ
A priest carries out his ministry in persona Christi capitis, meaning “in the person of Christ, head of the Church.” During the Mass, the priest speaks as Christ, saying, “This is my body, given up for you.” As St. John Paul II beautifully wrote, “The priest offers his humanity to Christ, so that Christ may use him as an instrument of salvation, making him as it were into another Christ.”

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The Sacred Power of the Priesthood
When a priest celebrates the sacraments, he wields a sacred power, sacra potestas, bestowed by God. This divine authority allows him to make Christ’s presence real in the Eucharist, in the sacraments of reconciliation, and in his pastoral care for souls.

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A Permanent Change
At ordination, a man’s soul is transformed in a profound, permanent way. This ontological change, a deep mark on his very being, makes him a priest forever—once a priest, always a priest.

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Is God Calling You?
Each person is created with a unique purpose, and long before you were born, God knew the mission He had in mind for you. If you are a Catholic man, God may be calling you to a higher purpose—priesthood.

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The Priest’s Mission
Priests have a vital role: they bring people to Jesus and Jesus to the people. As spiritual fathers, they guide, teach, and serve thousands of Catholics. They proclaim the Gospel, offer the sacrifice of the Mass, and embody Christ’s love in their everyday lives. In a world in need of strong, courageous leadership, priests stand as living witnesses to the love of Christ.

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A Heroic Vocation
A good priest is a spiritual hero, someone who sacrifices his life for the sake of God’s people. He embodies the love, strength, and service of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

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Could Jesus be calling you to be His priest?

Teach:
Priests are called to instruct others in the faith, helping parishioners grow in their understanding and love for God.

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Shepherd:
As spiritual guides, priests lead, unite, and encourage their parishioners, offering support and wisdom as they journey together in faith.

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Sanctify:
Priests administer the sacraments, the channels of God’s grace, and encourage holiness in their communities.

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Priests have a wide range of responsibilities in the Church. Some serve in specialized ministries such as chaplaincy, teaching in seminaries, or working in diocesan offices. However, most priests serve directly in parishes, where they perform a variety of essential duties, including:

• Celebrating Mass and preaching the Gospel

• Leading and nurturing a parish community

• Welcoming new members into the Church through Baptism

• Hearing Confessions and offering spiritual direction

• Guiding teens and young adults to a relationship with Christ

• Preparing couples for marriage and supporting them through counseling

• Teaching people to deepen their prayer life

• Serving the poor, visiting prisoners, and advocating for justice

• Comforting and counselling individuals in times of need

• Visiting the sick and administering the Sacrament of Anointing

• Celebrating funerals and caring for the grieving

• Managing the parish’s temporal needs

• Praying daily for the well-being of the People of God

Discerning the Call to Priesthood
The journey to priesthood is one of discernment, both for you and the Church. If you feel God might be calling you to this vocation, it’s important to connect with the Vocation Director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria. They will walk with you, offering guidance as you explore this calling and help you begin the process of priestly formation.

To better understand the signs God may be placing in your life, a focused program of prayer and spiritual practices can be immensely valuable:

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Daily Prayer
Prayer is the heart of a relationship with Jesus. Make time each day for personal prayer, and don’t be afraid to seek help in learning how to pray. Just as Jesus taught His disciples, He can teach you too. The key to prayer is desire—the desire to know and love God more deeply.

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Daily Mass
If possible, attend Mass daily. The Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ, and there is no greater gift on earth. Making the Mass the centre of your life will help you grow in intimacy with Christ.

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The Sacrament of Reconciliation
In Confession, we encounter Christ’s loving and forgiving presence. If it has been a while since your last confession, don’t worry—the priest will welcome you back with joy and understanding.

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Talk to a Priest
It’s often helpful to speak with someone who has already walked the path of priesthood. Reach out to your pastor or the Vocation Director for guidance. They can offer insight and wisdom from their own experiences.

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Read the Gospels
Jesus speaks to us through Scripture, especially through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As you read, notice where your heart is drawn and how certain passages resonate with you. Bring these reflections into your prayer.

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Live a Life of Virtue
Holiness is reflected in virtue. Growing closer to Christ means growing in good character and overcoming weaknesses. If you’re struggling with any vices, ask God for help, and trust that He will guide you toward virtue.

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Spiritual Reading
Incorporating spiritual reading into your routine can deepen your understanding of God’s direction in your life. A few pages each day can make a significant impact. Some recommended books include Confessions by St. Augustine, The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila, Priests for the Third Millennium by Cardinal Dolan, To Save a Thousand Souls by Fr. Brett Brannen, and the lives of saints like St. John Vianney and St. Maximilian Kolbe.

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Surround Yourself with Good People
We tend to become like the people we spend the most time with. It’s important to surround yourself with friends who are joyful, fun, and committed to living a good and God-centered life. Choose friendships that inspire you to grow closer to God.

For more information about discerning vocation for British Columbians, visit: 

Vocation Directors – Seminary of Christ the King (sck.ca)