Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska
Every person has a vocation in life, a special calling to serve God, through a very specific charism. Some are called to their place in the Body of Christ as a single, chaste person. Others, God invites to service within a spousal relationship: the Sacrament of Marriage. And some feel the call to the Priesthood or Religious life (Sisters, Brothers, Monks, Nuns, etc.).Today there is a vital need for Priests and Religious in our parishes and communities throughout the country and in many parts of the world. Here in the Diocese of Fairbanks, we very much feel this need. Only five of our 46 parishes have the benefit of a full-time, assigned Priest as pastor. The rest of these parishes are served by a Priest, Religious Brother or Sister, or trained lay personnel which they must share with one or more parishes in other villages. Some of our missionary churches go for weeks without a visit by a priest, and therefore, without the holy sacrifice of the Mass or other Sacraments.Please consider whether you may be a person God is calling to service through Priesthood or Religious life.
Most of us who have wondered if a vocation to the priesthood or religius life is for us ask the question, "how will I know this is where God is calling me?" It starts with openness and a willingness to enter into conversation with God and the people around you. Click here to learn more about discernment and vocations to the priesthood and religious life!