A Call to Diocesan Priesthood

"When it came to calling Apostles, Jesus did not pin a notice to a tree and ask for volunteers. Instead, he looked people in the eye and called them by name to follow him. This personal call to each person rings through our church still, and this invitation comes in many forms:

"It comes first of all in the home, from the example of parents and friends for whom faith in Jesus Christ is important. It comes from good priests and an active community. More than these, however, it comes in the quiet moments when we return Christ's gaze and meet him in personal prayer.

"Perhaps in these moments we will see the greater picture of God's desire for his people, and realise the intrinsic need for pastors of these people. A need that is growing as fast as the community we call the Church.

"We are the Church, all of us together who follow Jesus Christ. Each of us is called by Jesus to serve him in a special way. We are rightly very much aware today of the tremendous dignity and responsibility of every person in the Church, and indeed of every human being. But we need the ministry of priests so that we can be the integrated community the Lord calls us to be.

"The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) reminded us that priests have the chief role to play in the renewal of the Church. The more active lay people become in the church's life and work, the more the priest is needed to sustain and empower them for their service of the Lord.

"Diocesan Priesthood is all about being a community priest in one area, with the people of that area! These priests share in the bishop's ministry for the church of one diocese. Their spirituality and community life are tied to the people they serve. Through knowing their community they plant the Gospel in the local Church in a way that is contextual and meaningful....

"'Am I the Right Man for the Job?'

"The big question that faces many men who are thinking about priesthood is whether they have the right character or personality for the life - some even worry that they are not 'holy enough.'

"Don't let this scare you! All it takes is a little generosity, being a reasonably outgoing man, with a real personal desire to be prayerful. It takes someone who feels at home with his friends, has good health and moral character and a potential for some academic studies....

"'What do Diocesan Priests actually do?'

"There are many areas in which the diocesan priest may end up working, but the vast majority will be parish priests. Most people see very little of the daily work of the parish priest, and many think it is just about saying mass and celebrating the other sacraments. This is a big part of the work, but there is much more to it.

"Parish priests are called on to visit and care for the sick and elderly, to counsel people through their daily problems, to foster and engage in catechetics, adult faith education, bible study groups, faith sharing groups, sodalities and other parish activities.

"He is also involved in community development and projects, as well as ways of tackling the many social problems of our age-especially through working with the diocese and engaging himself in ecumenical efforts.

"This and so much more!!!"

from the Vocations website of
the Diocese of Johannesburg

(They also have a lovely Discernment page)