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Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations

Our Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations started with a Holy Hour led by Archbishop Vigneron on June 4, 2022, the Vigil of Pentecost – the day when priestly ordinations typically take place in the Archdiocese of Detroit. It will conclude with the Solemnity of Pentecost on May 28, 2023.

Echoing our prayer for a New Pentecost in 2014, Archbishop Vigneron is now inviting the faithful of the Archdiocese to join in prayer for an increase in priestly vocations. We know God never ceases to call men to the priesthood, so we pray that all who are called will respond to Christ’s generous offer to become holy priests.  

For the past number of years, we have experienced a decline in the number of priests serving our parishes and communities. More priests are retiring than there are men being ordained to the priesthood. Unless something changes, in less than a decade we will have approximately fewer than half the number of priests serving our parishes and schools. That means there will be significantly fewer priests celebrating Masses, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, and serving in all the other ways priests bring Jesus into our families and communities.

This Year of Prayer is one of our responses; it is a way for us to understand and embrace our need to be united in prayer and work towards a culture that fosters and celebrates vocations to the priesthood. 

Confident that God hears us and knows what we need, we dedicate this year to prayer and ask Him to call forth a new generation of holy priests for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Fr. Craig Giera
Director of Priestly Vocations

God has not stopped calling men to serve as his shepherds; he continues to issue his call, but too many young men are struggling to hear and respond to this call. It is our duty to help them hear God’s voice and respond to his invitation with joy.

Archbishop Vigneron

A Message from Archbishop Vigneron on the Conclusion of the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations

"Be assured of the truth that God hears our prayers! While it may take time to see the fruit, we know that even now, God is calling laborers for the harvest and opening their ears and hearts to hear Him."

Read the Message

Forming Men of the Hearts: A Pastoral Note on a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations

This pastoral note explains why we are embarking on a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations: reflecting on the ministerial priesthood and its importance to the life of the Church, looking at our current situation in the Archdiocese in reference to priestly vocations, and offering to all the faithful a word of encouragement as we take up this most crucial task.

Read the pastoral note

A Message from Archbishop Vigneron During the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations (Priesthood Sunday)

"Earlier this year, at the Vigil of Pentecost, we solemnly inaugurated a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations in the Archdiocese of Detroit. At that time, I also shared with you a new pastoral note explaining the pressing need that we in the archdiocese have for an increase in priestly vocations.

In recognition of Priesthood Sunday in the U.S. Church, September 25, I would like to expand upon that pastoral note by reflecting on a few themes for our prayers this year."

Read the Message

A Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations

Resources

There are many ways to participate in the Year of Prayer. Below are resources for men discerning, priests, parishes, families, and schools to join in prayer and work towards a culture that encourages young men to answer God’s call to the priesthood. More resources will be available and shared throughout the year.

A Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations (VIDEO)
Año de Oración por las Vocaciones Sacerdotales (VIDEO)
Support Priestly Vocations with Prayer
A Message for National Vocations Week

Men Discerning

Priests

Parishes

Families

Schools