By Very Rev. Martin A. Linebach, KHS

On July 1^st of this year, I became the Vicar for Vocations.  The role assigned to me by Archbishop Fabre is a full-time position in the Archdiocese.  I believe the Archbishop making the ministry of Vicar for Vocations a full-time responsibility gives insight into the importance for him of priestly life and ministry both now and in the years ahead.  And I write this article on the Memorial (Feast) of Saint John Vianney.  He is the patron saint of priests for the Church universal.  If you are not familiar with his life and ministry, I encourage you to learn about him.  He is another example of the Lord “choosing the weak and making them strong” as He did for most of us who are priests.

For the past year, I served as Interim Director of Vocations while continuing to serve as the Vicar General of the Archdiocese and Rector of the Cathedral of the Assumption.  I quickly grew to cherish the role of Director of Vocations and to grow in affection for our seminarians and the young men discerning a call to holy priesthood.  I pray earnestly that I will – by the grace of God – serve you well by serving them well.

The past year there were eleven seminarians in various stages of education and formation in seminaries where our young men are enrolled.  I am happy to report that in the upcoming year the number will increase to seventeen.  Those who have said “yes” to continue in seminary or to enter seminary for the first time deserve a huge gesture of gratitude from all of us.  I am most grateful.  As I have shared with them, they are truly being shaped and formed by a missionary spirit.  I think especially of our newest seminarians who will in a few short weeks enter the doors of a house of prayer and study – taking leave of their natural environment into a new one.  Not unlike missionaries of the past.

As the new Program for Priestly Formation (No. 6) promulgated by the Unites States Conference of Bishops reminds us, “Priestly formation is an integral journey in which the four dimensions of human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation are woven together in such a way that, while identified as distinct dimensions, they can be seen as an ‘integrated journey of the disciple called to priesthood.’”

I ask you to take a bit of time and become familiar with our seminarians.  Learn about them.  Pray for them by name.  Choose one and write to him.  He needs your prayerful support.  And if you wonder about a young man in your family or parish who seems to have some spiritual quality or character trait that causes you to ponder if he might have a vocation as a priest of Jesus Christ – say something to him.  And then say something to me!

God bless you!  And I hope to be able to meet you as I travel to the parishes of the Archdiocese as together, we ask the Lord to send laborers into His field so that for generations to come – holy priests and good pastors will take care of you – and your children – and your grandchildren – in the years that lie ahead.

Saint John Vianney – pray for us.

Holy Mary, Mother of priests – pray for us.

August 4, 2023 – Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney, Priest

Very Rev. Martin A. Linebach, KHS, is Vicar for Vocations and Director of the Office of Vocations.