At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and illness.
(Matthew 9:36-10:1)

Holy Orders is the sacrament by which grace and spiritual power are conferred by Christ on those whom He calls to be Shepherds of His people as bishops, priests, and deacons.

Our Lady of Wisdom Church is blessed to have eight seminarians currently in formation for the holy priesthood: Andre Metrejean, Jesse Davis, Alexander Albert, Quinn Hebert, Brent Smith, Andrew Schumacher, Kyle White, and Blake Dubroc. To learn more about the seminarians from the Diocese of Lafayette, click here.

Prayers for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life:

Father in Heaven, you sent us your only Son to redeem us and to build your kingdom on earth. Please give us the wisdom and strength we need to follow His call. Grant to the faithful a spirit of generosity, that Church vocations may flourish. Bless our priests with holiness and courage, that they may lead your people to Christ. Help all sisters and brothers to fulfill their sacred promises and so be effective signs of your kingdom. Lord, invite more men and women to your service. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

or

O God, Who wish all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of Your truth: send, we beg You, laborers into Your harvest, and grant them grace to speak Your word with all boldness; so that Your word may spread and be glorified, and all nations may know You, the only God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

or

Lord Jesus, we ask you to send more servants to your people. Choose from our parishes, from our homes, from our schools and colleges, an abundant harvest of apostles for your Kingdom: priests, sisters, brothers, deacons and lay ministers. We pray that those you call may never lose awareness of the dignity and need of their vocation. O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, teach to all those the Master calls to say a joyful “yes” as you did at the Annunciation. Amen.

or

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Savior of the world. Please manifest in Your Church the Spirit whom You also abundantly bestowed on Your apostles. Call very many to Your priesthood and Your religious life. May zeal for Your glory and for the salvation of the world inflame those You have chosen. May they be saints in Your likeness. May Your Holy Spirit strengthen them. May they be priests and religious according to Your own heart! Amen.

or

Jesus, high priest and Redeemer, we beg you to call young men and women to your service as priests and religious. May they be inspired by the lives of dedicated priests, brothers and sisters. Give to parents the grace of generosity and trust toward you and their children so that their sons and daughters may be helped to choose their vocations in life with wisdom and freedom. Amen.

or

O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocations wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God’s holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God’s holy service. Amen.