St. Andrew was the first of the Apostles to hear Jesus’ call to follow him. We invite men in our diocese who are considering a vocation to the priesthood or who would simply like some help hearing the Lord’s call for their life to an evening of prayer, conversation with the Vocations Team, and dinner. These evenings will take place on Fridays from 6-8 pm at different locations around our state and for different age groups. Please RSVP to Becky Vinson at rvinson@rcbm.org or (603) 663-0153 if you would like to attend.

High School: Age 14-18:

Feb. 16 Joseph House, Ste. Marie Parish, Manchester
April 27 Joseph House, Ste. Marie Parish, Manchester

Young Men: Age 19-24:

March 23 Joseph House, Ste. Marie Parish Manchester
June 1 St. Joseph Parish, Epping

Older Men: Age 25+:

Feb. 23 Holy Rosary Parish, Rochester
May 25 Joseph House, Ste. Marie Parish, Manchester

"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate."  [CCC 1536]

  In the sacramental rite of ordination a bishop lays his hands on the head of the new priest or deacon and confers upon him the sacramental nature, or imprint, of Holy Orders.  These men now belong to Christ in a special way to minister to mankind, heal their spiritual wounds, and restore them to God.It is through the apostles, and the bishops that succeed them, that Jesus Christ perpetuates his mission of salvation to all nations.  The bishop ordains priests and deacons to assist him in the governance and ministry of his diocese.  This happens through the "laying on of hands."

By means of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Jesus made sure that men and women throughout all time and history could have access to the other six saving sacraments so as to save their souls and restore them to communion with with God.  For without bishops and priests we would not be able to be purified of our sins through baptism, receive our Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist, or receive absolution for our sins. 

Therefore, it is so important that we encourage our sons to pursue this most holy and noble vocation.  We should pray fervently that they and many other young men will respond to God's call to preach the Gospel to all nations and save as many souls as possible.  Click here, or on the adjacent link for a complete list of many beautiful prayers for vocations.  Pick one you like and pray it every day!

We are grateful for the men who have already responded to God's call to serve the Church.  Pray for our priests and deacons often.  May God give them strength and courage to preach the Gospel with love and truth!

Please click on any of the adjacent links to learn more about the Sacrament of Holy Orders. 

To speak with someone personally about a possible vocation to the priesthood, please contact Rev. Matthew Mason, Director of Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Manchester.