In a few days, I will celebrate my 31st anniversary as a priest. I love what God has called me to do. While I try to be joyful, accessible, prayerful, and genuinely fulfilled in my ministry, the future can be scary. When we discuss priestly vocations as Catholics, the conversation often swings between optimism and concern. The truth is that both are warranted. There are encouraging signs of renewal, yet there are also significant challenges that require the attention and participation of every parish community.
Recent data from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops shows that more than 400 men are being ordained to the priesthood in the United States each year. These numbers are encouraging because they demonstrate that God continues to call men to priestly service and that many continue to respond generously.
At the same time, seminary enrollment has declined over the past several decades and part of the reason for the present restructuring in the AOD is that the number of priests available for parish ministry has continued to decrease. My brother priests and I remain stretched thin, often carrying heavy administrative burdens which limit the time we can devote to pastoral ministry. Most of our active priests are now over the age of 50, and projections indicate that in three years the AOD will have fewer than 165 priests serving in parish ministry. We as a Church cannot simply assume future vocations will appear on their own. So, what can we learn from all this?
One of the most striking findings is that priestly vocations are deeply relational. Nearly nine out of ten newly ordained priests report that someone personally encouraged them to consider the priesthood. In other words, vocations frequently begin when someone simply says, “Have you ever thought about becoming a priest?” Let’s get on that!
Another important lesson is the connection between prayer and vocations. More than three-quarters of the recent newly ordained participated regularly in Eucharistic Adoration before entering seminary. Many were active in parish ministries, served at the altar, prayed the Rosary, or participated in Bible studies and faith groups. Vocations do not usually emerge from a vacuum; they grow in environments where young people encounter Jesus Christ and are invited into active parish life. Let’s get on that!
We ALL have a very practical path forward. If we desire more priests, we should not focus exclusively on vocation programs. We should strengthen the foundations that foster vocations: healthy liturgy, Eucharistic devotion, strong youth ministry, faithful Catholic education, service opportunities, and meaningful relationships between priests and parishioners. Let’s get on that!
Reflecting on my own story, my parents and siblings had a crucial role in supporting my discernment. A culture that speaks positively about priesthood makes it easier for people to listen to God’s voice. When parents treat a vocation as a blessing rather than a loss, they become partners in God’s work. Let’s get on that!
The future of priestly vocations will not be determined by demographics alone. It will be shaped by the spiritual health of our families, schools, and parishes. Every Catholic can contribute by praying for vocations, encouraging vocations, supporting seminarians, and helping create parish communities where God’s call can be heard.
Jesus continues to call laborers into His harvest. The question for us today is whether we are helping people recognize His voice when He calls….. Let’s get on that!
With a very Happy Father’s Day to all who have said yes to that vocation, too,
Fr. J.J.