The Archdiocese of Detroit invited the faithful to join in a year of prayer with the intention that more men answer the call to the priesthood.

“All men and women, families, schools, and parishes are invited to pray with deep faith and trust that the Lord will call our future priests during this year of prayer,” the archdiocese posted on Facebook this week. “Our future priests need special graces to answer the call in our current world; your role is to pray for the men God is calling to be priests after his own heart. Let us serve them as God calls them to serve us.” 

The number of priests serving the communities in the Archdiocese of Detroit has declined in recent years, so Archbishop Allen Vigneron has declared a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations. The year will begin with a Holy Hour on June 4, which is the Vigil of Pentecost, and conclude on May 28, 2023, the Solemnity of Pentecost.

Currently in Detroit, 22 men are seminarians, working toward becoming priests. Most of the men are studying at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, but several are at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. 

The Archdiocese of Detroit offers a prayer for priestly vocations on DetroitPriestlyVocations.com. It is as follows:

“Heavenly Father, Lord of the Harvest, call forth vocations to the priesthood from our archdiocese and families. Jesus, Eternal High Priest, give us men willing to sacrifice and serve. 

"Make their hearts after your own Sacred Heart. Holy Spirit, Everlasting Love between the Father and Son, strengthen, inspire, and set men on fire with divine charity. 

"Grant them the courage to say yes to their vocation. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Mother of priests, comfort and protect your sons as they discern their call. With Saint Joseph, may they know your love and companionship as they deepen their relationship with Jesus. 

"Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. St. Anne, pray for us. St. John Vianney, patron saint of priests, pray for us.”