HOLY ORDERS
Catholics believe that the one true priest is Jesus Christ but that in His earthly life, Jesus gave a share in His priesthood to the 12 apostles. The apostles in turn ordained other men to share in the priesthood of Christ (2 Timothy 1:6), and the priesthood has thus been handed on through the authority of the Church for two millennia.
Priests have the privilege to carry on the ministry of Jesus through the sacraments and the preaching of the Gospel, they are called to strengthen the people of God so they might be the light of the world.
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and gift from God. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God’s call using the words of the prophet, “Here I am, send me” (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose His will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.
If you think God may be calling you to priesthood, contact Fr. Joe Fitzgerald (516-785-1266 or priests@stwilliam.org) or visit https://www.drvcvocations.com/
Habemus Papam!
God Bless Pope Leo XIV!
Lord, source of eternal life and truth,
give to your shepherd a spirit
of courage and right judgment, a spirit
of knowledge and love. By governing
with fidelity those entrusted to his care,
may he, as successor to the Apostle
Peter and vicar of Christ, build your
Church into a sacrament of unity, love,
and peace for all the world.