What the Office of Vocations Is About

The Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Hartford is committed to fostering quality, faithful, and lasting vocations to the priesthood. To this end, the men must be committed disciples of Jesus Christ willing to form their lives in His likeness. St. John Vianney says, "The priest is first of all a man of prayer." Our vocation program places priority on daily prayer. As our world becomes more materialistic and secular, the people of God need priests who by word and example display holiness which is born out of a devoted prayer life. Authentic devotion to the Blessed Mother is essential because it leads men in the path of her divine Son.

The Office of Vocations gives full loyalty to the Church, namely the Holy Father, the bishops, and in particular our own bishop. It is our pledge to adhere to all the beautiful teachings of the Church. Those who would be priests must believe in the value and gift of celibacy. We make no apologies for celibacy. It is a prophetic sign of God's Kingdom. As the Church has been plagued recently by scandal internally and persecution externally, there are many who see celibacy as the problem. It is just the opposite. Celibacy is not the problem but the solution to a life of holiness. Those who aspire to priesthood must radically conform his life to the life of Jesus Christ who did not marry but gave himself totally to his heavenly Father for the sake of the Kingdom.

The Office of Vocations believes in a formation process that develops the entire person. Potential candidates must undergo a physical and psychological examination. The primary purpose of this is to help determine the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate. It will also help to place the seminarian in the proper academic setting. It is our aim to use only those seminaries that teach the fullness of the Catholic truth and develop and challenge the seminarian spiritually, academically, personally, and pastorally.

God is calling men to the priesthood. Are you one of them? The noise and distractions of our culture can cause a spiritual deafness. The Office of Vocations would like to help you hear God's voice and discern His will for your life. If you think God is calling you the time to act is now!