Vocations Success in the Diocese of Lake Charles

Monday, 14 January 2013 15:48

In light of National Vocations Awareness Week, which began Sunday, January 13, the Diocese of Lake Charles is pleased to announce the following information on the status of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life.    During this present academic year, there are 10 men studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Lake Charles.  They are seminarians at four various seminaries, depending upon their academic level.  Three are now enrolled in theology studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, the North American College in Rome, and Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md.  Seven seminarians are studying philosophy at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana.     Furthermore, Monsignor Daniel Torres, Director of Seminarians for the Diocese, informed Bishop Glen John Provost this week that so far three more have applied for entry into the seminary for September of 2013.   And Father Nathan Long, Director of the Vianney House of Formation and Discernment, informed the Bishop that there will be 4 others in residence at Vianney House also in September of this year.    There are also 17 men preparing in a fourth year of formation for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Lake Charles.  Upon successful completion of their formation, the ordination will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16, 2014. Finally, there are quite a number of young men and women who have entered the consecrated life or preparation for that vocation in the last five years.  According to sources from our parishes and elsewhere, they have been accepted in societies and congregations including the Missionaries of Charity, the Salesian Sisters of New Jersey, the Dominican Fathers, and the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Bishop Provost wishes to thank all parishioners who participate in Forty Hours Devotion for the intention of promoting vocations within the Diocese.   The Bishop stated, “We are all encouraged by the numbers willing to make this commitment and give thanks to our Heavenly Father for continuing call workers into His vineyard.”