Catholic Diocese of Wilmington

Vocations

This year, the Office for Priestly and Religious Vocation, will be bringing back our Pass the Word Discernment Program for those young men who may be interested in learning more about diocesan priesthood.
The Vocations Office will sponsor this day of prayer and discernment on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Bear, DE.  Bishop Koenig, many of our priests and our 9 seminarians will spend the day with the invited participants sharing experiences of the missionary zeal that drives the priestly heart in the 21st century.
If you are interested in attending, contact the Vocations Office for details.
Gratefully,
Rev. Norman P. Carroll, Director of Vocations
Rev. Richard Jasper, Assistant Director
Pass the Word 2023
Tips for Priests, Parish and School Leaders
  1. Before you invite young men to attend, decide that you or someone on your staff/team/parish is going to attend. Knowing that someone they know is going is key.
  2. Invite possible participants personally. Approach them, send an email or hand them the attached flyer with a word of encouragement.
  3. Have a plan for transportation. The Vocation Office will work with Catholic high schools to work out transportation. We cannot be responsible for transportation from every parish. We will do what we can to connect participants that might be able to meet at a school or work with each other to meet up. The Vocation Office is willing to reimburse our Catholic High Schools for transportation costs but ask that you set that up with your regular vendors
  4. Be positive and encouraging.
  5. Unlike past years when we visited the seminary and focused on the seminary experience, we will focus on the priest at the center of his people and a prayer that leads to an encounter with Christ. It’s a day to get away and learn and pray about how God calls.
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 16, 2023
9:30 am Buses arrive Welcome and Distribute Name Tags St. Elizabeth Ann 
          Seton Church Bear DE
10:00 am Welcome & Opening Prayer
Very Rev. Norman Carroll, Director of Vocations
Most Rev. William Koenig, D.D., Bishop
10:10 am Welcome to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – a little history
10:30 am Mass
Most Rev. William Koenig, Main Celebrant
Rev. Richard Jasper, Homilist
11:45 pm Lunch Provided by parish
12:30 pm Presentations/Discussion/Small Groups
2:00 pm Prayer (Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 
                    & Benediction)  
Most Rev. William Koenig, Bishop
2:30 pm Closing & Dismissal
Rev. Norman Carroll

 

Learn about St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland

 

 

OFFICE OF PRIESTLY & RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

 

Take courage; Get up, Jesus is calling you! – Mark 10:49

 

A Prayer for Vocations:

Loving and Generous God,
it is You who call us by name
and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love
and Service of our Church
as we experience it today.

Give us the energy and courage
of Your Spirit
to shape its future

Grant us faith-filled leaders
who will embrace Christ’s Mission
of love and justice.

Bless the Church of Wilmington
by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends
who will serve Your people as,
Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Deacons and Lay Ministers.

Inspire us to know You better
and open our hearts
to hear Your call.

We ask this through our Lord.

+++ A Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood +++

Heavenly Father, in every age, You call men
to serve at Your altar as Your priests
and servants of Your people to witness to the Gospel

 and to be like Your Son, the Great High Priest.
Through the intercession of St. Francis de Sales,
Patron Saint of the Diocese of Wilmington,
please grant our Diocese many good and holy priests;
Help me to discern what You want for my life,
and always give me the courage to say Yes to You.
May I not lose heart in considering my own weaknesses,
but be willing to answer Your call,
so You might fulfill your designs in me
and I might accomplish Your Holy Will. Amen.
***
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, pray for us!
St. Francis de Sales, pray for us!
St. John Vianney, pray for us!
***

_______ I will give you shepherds after my own heart. – Jeremiah 3:15 _______

vocationsAre you being called to the priesthood or religious life?

Find out more about the priesthood: diocesanpriest.com

Find out more about the religious life: religiouslife.com

Let us help you to discover God’s plan for your life.

E-mail: [email protected] or Call us: (302) 573-3113 today!          

VOCATIONS OFFICE STAFF

Rev. Norman P. Carroll, Director of Seminarians and the Office of Priestly and Religious Vocations [email protected] 

Rev. Richard Jasper, Associate Director of Vocations

CONTACT INFORMATION

We are unable to consider candidates who live outside of our country.
All candidates should have residency in or some association with the Diocese of Wilmington.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (302) 573-3113

Mailing address: Office of Priestly & Religious Vocations, P.O. Box 2030, Wilmington, DE 19899-2030

Office Address: 1626 N. Union St., Wilmington, DE