Diocesan Priesthood

Priesthood places me in contact with the drama of human life. Sometimes the drama is a tragedy, sometimes a mystery, sometimes a comedy. It's a great privilege for me to be a part of this drama with so many people, because my own relationship with its author, God, is deepened.

The life and ministry of the diocesan priest are varied -- a lot depends on the talents and interests of the individual priest. Diocesan priests touch the peaks and valleys of human life from birth to death. We baptize, teach the young, forgive sins, prepare couples for marriage, stand up for human life in all its forms, befriend the poor, visit the sick, comfort the dying, bury the dead, preach good news, and most importantly we make Jesus present in the Eucharist and in a thousand other ways. Most of us find this life challenging, exciting, and abundant.

In the end, though, the excitement and variety of ministry are not the most important parts of priesthood. Most important to my priesthood is my attention to my own faith relationship with Christ. It is this friendship with Jesus that will sustain me in a life- long commitment to God and the Church and make me a better priest.

If you sense a call to find your abundant life in priestly service, please give a call (619) 427-0230 or call the Office for Priestly Ministry at (619) 291-7446. I'm here to help you!

You may also choose to attend the latest Vocations Explorer Day for men discerning the possibility of priesthood. You can download a PDF form to be signed by me.

Fr. John Dolan
Pastor