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In addition to the priesthood of all believers, Christ called some to a special priesthood of service to all believers. The Church ordains men to the ministry of Deacon and Priest through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

“The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Catholic Church. Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders – as a deacon, priest, or bishop – are consecrated in Christ’s name to ‘feed the church by the word and grace of God.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Are you interested in a vocation to the priesthood to serve in the Diocese of Lansing? Learn more about this life and calling through the diocesan Vocations Office.

“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus,” says Saint John Vianney. “Without the priest the Passion and death of our Lord would be of no avail [to us]. It is the priest who continues the work of redemption here on earth….What use would be a house filled with gold, were there no one to open its door? The priest holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord, the administrator of his goods….The priest is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for you.”

Priests wear black to symbolize death, for this glorious and essential task is not an easy one. Vocations are the fruit of many labors, especially fervent prayer.

WATCH: “These are the men you want on your side”. That’s how Diocese of Lansing seminarian, Joseph Kelly, views his fellow students for the sacred priesthood at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Minnesota. Joseph hails from the parish of Saint John the Baptist in Ypsilanti. Watch this talk as he reflects upon his first year at seminary and what drew him to the priesthood.

Vocations for Holy Orders and Consecrated Life
Is God calling You?

There are many ways God calls each of us. If you feel called to the Priesthood, Diaconate or Consecrated Life please contact the Vocations Office in the Diocese of Lansing. May God bless you in your discernment.

Priestly Vocations

Diaconate Vocations

Consecrated Vocations

Religious Life

Consecrated Virginity

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Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

Reading 1 Ephesians 2:19-22

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 117:1bc, 2

R. (Mark 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Praise the LORD, all you nations;
glorify him, all you peoples!
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
For steadfast is his kindness for us,
and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

Alleluia John 20:29

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 20:24-29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

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Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Author: USCCB

Posted: July 3, 2025, 8:30 am

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

Holy Orders

Vocations for Holy Orders and Consecrated Life
Is God calling You?

Priestly Vocations

Diaconate Vocations

Consecrated Vocations

Daily Readings

Reading 1 Ephesians 2:19-22

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 117:1bc, 2

Alleluia John 20:29

Gospel John 20:24-29

Vocations for Holy Orders and Consecrated LifeIs God calling You?

Priestly Vocations

Diaconate Vocations

Consecrated Vocations

Reading 1 Ephesians 2:19-22

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 117:1bc, 2

Alleluia John 20:29

Gospel John 20:24-29

Vocations for Holy Orders and Consecrated Life
Is God calling You?