My own vocation story goes back to elementary school in the 1960s. I served as an altar boy and later as a musician in my home parish. I was encouraged to contemplate a greater calling to serve the Lord. Priest and religious friends provided counsel and encouragement urging me to listen attentively and respond generously. Through my studies at university, I kept hearing the Lord’s call to become a priest. Confirming echoes resonated in my heart.  Finally, I could no longer resist and said my final definitive, “Yes,” to become a priest, being ordained on Oct. 14, 1978, in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan. It seems so long ago now. And then, again, it seems like yesterday. Nevertheless, many people in different capacities affirmed and supported my vocation path. My parents were also supportive for which I am truly grateful. It is a decision that I have never regretted. In fact, my experience of priesthood exceeded my expectations in every respect. Even throughout priesthood, the call has been confirmed and strengthened repeatedly. In 2020, Pope Francis sent me to Birmingham. I said, “Yes!” to his invitation. There is something freeing in being told where you are going to serve in ministry. Go here! Go there! And we pick up and go and do our best, with God’s help.

In Gaylord, Michigan, there was one late vocation to the priesthood. His former secular job was in marketing. His greatest joy was to be a salesman. Now he would market Christ. He couldn’t have been happier. It was the best product of all to promote in ministry. Yes, our life showcases the redemption Christ won for us. We share this Good News! What a gift!

Here in the Diocese of Birmingham, a new priest and several deacons will be ordained this year. Next year, more young men will be ordained. This fills me with great joy that young men are responding generously to the Lord’s call to priestly ministry. It is an answer to our fervent prayers. Thanks to your ongoing prayers and support of our Catholic Charities and Communities Appeal and the special St. John Vianney Appeal for Seminarians in August for the Seminarian Education Fund, we are better able to meet the formational expenses for preparing seminarians for priesthood. My deep gratitude goes to our generous benefactors who enable us to reach higher goals every year. With about 20 seminarians currently in formation, I am hoping we can get to 25 and eventually 30 candidates. The Lord is calling! We must listen!

There are a variety of vocational opportunities within the Church: from marriage to the single life, to religious life in community or consecrated virginity, to being a religious sister or brother with a community charism, to being a deacon, priest, or bishop — every call is one that fills souls and hearts with peace and joy. We may not be rich and successful in worldly terms, but we are rich and enthusiastic in what the Lord is asking. I couldn’t be happier and more joyful. “Here I am, Lord, … send me!”