Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life

Priesthood: The priest is an “alter Christus” which is Latin for another Christ. He is called to be a witness of Christ to the flock that has been entrusted to him as their shepherd. He is a minister of the sacraments, proclaimer of the word, teacher of the faith, and steward of the Church. The priest is meant to accompany and lead the flock entrusted to his care through this world in such a way as they are able to reach the eternal kingdom of heaven.

Religious Life: Men and women called to live the religious life as religious sisters and brothers or monks and nuns are also called to this act of accompaniment. They are called through a life dedicated to poverty, chastity and obedience to be a witness of the life of heaven living here on earth. They are to serve as a reminder and an encouragement to us to live our own lives with hearts and minds fixed on Christ. They live their lives in radical contrast to this world that is fading away.

Annual World Day of Prayer For Vocations

A World Day of Prayer for Vocations was observed on Sunday, April 25, 2021 (also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday").  The purpose of this annual event is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). Holy Trinity encourages all people to pray that young men and women will hear and respond generously to the Lord's call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes. To view resources for promoting vocations (click here) for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' webpage on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with prayers for Vocations

Bishop Francis Malone encourages all the church parishes of the Diocese of Shreveport to offer increased opportunities for the Catholic faithful to pray and adore the Blessed Sacrament. During periods of exposition and adoration, there should be prayers, songs and Sacred Scripture readings to direct the attention of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord. It is also desirable for the people to respond to the Word of God by singing and to spend some periods of time in sacred silence. Please (click here) to view the scheduled hours of adoration at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Please join us in praying for vocations to priesthood and religious life.

Priest and Nun "Standee" Photo Opportunity

To increase awareness of the importance of vocations from one's own Catholic parish, on the 2021 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Holy Trinity offered photo opportunities with life-sized cardboard cutouts of priest and nun "standees."  It proved to be a big hit with children and adults alike. Who knows... perhaps a member of our parish may someday hear and answer the call to a priestly vocation or religious life! Join us in praying for vocations to priesthood and religious life. And view our photo album below!

A Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life

Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world! We humbly beg of Thee to manifest in Thy Church the Spirit Whom Thou didst so abundantly bestow upon Thy Apostles. Call, we pray Thee, very many to Thy priesthood and to the religious life. And may zeal for Thy glory and the salvation of souls inflame those whom Thou hast chosen; may they be saints in Thy likeness, and may Thy Spirit strengthen them. O Jesus, give us priests and religious according to Thine own Heart!

O Mary, Mother of Jesus! Obtain for fervent souls the grace to hear and the courage to follow thy Divine Son in the path of religious perfection.

Queen of Apostles... pray for us.
Queen of Virgins... pray for us.


Click (here) to go to the Diocese of Shreveport Vocations Website

Diocese of Shreveport Department of Vocations

Might God be calling YOU to a vocation to priesthood or religious life? For more information and to begin your discernment process, please click (here) or click the link above to visit the Diocese of Shreveport Department of Vocations.