We are all called to serve God in some way.  Most people are called to be married and raise children.  For these people the first and primary way they serve God is that in their love for one another they image God's love to the world.  They also serve God by raising their children in the practice and love of our Christian faith.  A few married people will work for the church or charities as part of their calling.  Most people work in secular jobs but they can still show forth their faith in always doing their best and relying on their faith as they make decisions and carry out their work.

A few people are called to serve God in another way, as a priest or religious.  Priests and religious choose to be celibate (never marrying) not because they do not love others but rather that they love all people and are willing to give their lives to the total service of God.  

Our permanent deacons bridge the two groups, both being married and working in the secular world and serving God as ordained ministers.  Deacons can baptize, preside at marriages, and assist at Mass and preach on occassion.

We are all aware of the declining number of priests and religious.  God continues to call people to be priests and religious but as church attendance drops so too does the number of people answering God's call to be priests and religious drop.  Have you ever considered being a priest or religious?  Don't be afraid to check it out!  Or do you know someone who you think would make a good priest or religious?  Then don't be afraid to speak to them about it!  Did you know that there are many people who feel the call to be a priest or religious but never pursue it because no one ever suggests it to them!

If you feel called to be a priest, religious, or deacons, we encourage you to speak to one of our parish priests, sisters, or deacon to find out more about what they do.  You can also contact our Diocesan Office of Vocations Awareness by calling 585-461-2890 or emailing Carol Dady, Coordinator of Priesthood Vocation Awareness at cdady@dor.org or Fr. Tim Horan, Director of Priesthood Vocation Awareness at fhoran@dor.org.  You can also check it out at http://www.dor.org/vocations/index.htm.

Here are some other helpful links for vocations Fr. Jeff's Homily on the Baptism of the Lord for National Vocations Awareness Week (1-13-08) Fr. Jeff's Web Site on Vocations to hear how he was called to be a priest and what it requires Diocese of Rochester Vocations Office Check out these Catholic Updates How is God Calling Me? A Good Fit for You?  Life as a Priest, Brother, or Sister Religious Orders Religious Orders within the Diocese of Rochester Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester Sisters of Mercy Seminaries Theological College (Seminary) at Catholic University of America The Pontifical North American College The American College at Louvain Mundelein Seminary