Praised be Jesus Christ! Welcome to Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Website for Priestly Vocations! This year, the Church celebrates with joy the year of St. Paul, the great missionary apostle to the Gentiles. Although called an apostle, Paul was not one of the twelve apostles. It was only after the resurrection that Paul met Christ Jesus. And what a meeting it was! From that encounter with the Risen Lord, Paul discovered his true vocation, received a new mission which forever changed the world.

Today, this encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus continues. In fact, it is what the Catholic Priesthood is all about, namely, making present the person of Jesus Christ for all peoples of the world to meet. Like St. Paul, those called to the Sacred Priesthood have met the Lord Jesus. And from that meeting they have found life, mission and purpose. I am proud to present these men to you on these pages, and I pray that their courage along with St. Paul’s will inspire you to say “yes” to the call of Jesus. Be not afraid to “Heed The Call”.