The Catholic priesthood is not a career one chooses, but a calling from God. Young men discerning the call to the priesthood need to listen prayerfully to God and discover where God is leading them.
This process of discernment is a group effort, involving parents, parish priests, bishops and seminary directors. All parts need to be working together to ensure a young man properly discerns God’s will. The faithful have a part in this process, too — praying for the increase of priestly vocations.
Here is a prayer from The Messenger of the Sacred Heart, published in the 19th century, that prays for everyone involved in the discernment process.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary I offer Thee all the prayers, labors, and crosses of this day, in union with those intentions for which Thou dost unceasingly offer Thyself a Victim of love on our altars. I offer them to Thee in particular for all who are called to the honor of the priesthood and for all whose duty it is to aid them to discern and accomplish their high vocation. Cause them, dear Lord, to know the gift of God and to strive with all their power to make it bear full fruit. Amen
And today we celebrate...