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A note from Most Rev. John F. Doerfler, bishop of the Diocese of Marquette,
on becoming a priestGod has chosen you. God has called you. He has a special mission for you, a mission that only you can fulfill. You will be happiest when you are following God’s will in your life and fulfilling the mission he has given you.
The first step in fulfilling that mission is to open your heart to whatever God may be calling you to do with your life. A good way to take that step is a simple prayer that you can offer every day. “Jesus, I love you with my whole heart, and I desire to follow your will in my life. In your time, make known to me the mission that you have chosen for me.”
The stirrings in my heart that God might be calling me to be a priest began when I was in high school. I realized that I needed to determine whether this was the vocation that God had chosen for me. As a result, I decided to enter college seminary when I graduated from high school. When I entered the seminary as a college freshman, I was not completely sure that priesthood was the path God had chosen from me, yet I thought it was a strong possibility. By the time I reached the end of my sophomore year in college, I knew that this was what God wanted me to do with my life.
Being a priest is all about pointing the way to Jesus. I cannot think of a better way to spend my life than helping people know the joy that comes from Jesus. As Pope Francis said, “The Joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 1)
May you, too, know the Joy that comes from Jesus and fulfilling his mission in your life.
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Father Greg Heikkala, former vocations director, reflects on life as a priestPriesthood is a holy life. Committed to Christ, I and our priests proclaim the Word of God, celebrate the Holy Eucharist and church sacraments, and pray with and point to the mystery of God in the joys and sorrows in the everyday lives of our people.
Priesthood is satisfying and worthwhile. After sixteen years as a priest, I have the sense of an ever deepening and meaningful relationship with our Lord. I would do it all over again.
Priesthood is important. We need holy, healthy, happy and dedicated priests for service in our rural diocese. This is where my role as a vocation director comes alive. Have you ever thought about becoming a priest? If so, please pray, visit with a priest or religious, participate in Mass and the sacraments, and take the next step.
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Contact Father Ben Hasse, vocations director
As vocation director, you are most welcome to contact me if you are discerning a call to the priesthood. My e-mail is [email protected]. My phone number (906) 290-2434. Pray and trust in God’s call for you.
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