As diverse as the city they serve: Meet our #NewLAPriests
St. John's Seminary Class of 2018 |
Priesthood Ordination 2018 Pictures |
Consider Your Vocation. Consider Priesthood.
Follow Me: Journeys to Priesthood
Oct. 2013 - Produced by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Featuring LA seminarians, priests, and the Archbishop Follow us! |
Spread the word (of God).
Start the movement (of the Spirit). Visit us today at www.diocesanpriest.com May God bless you and please continue to pray for vocations, Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan Executive Director, NCDVD |
NEWS AND EVENTS
Monthly Discernment Groups: Is God Calling You?
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a]you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
From the womb God had a plan for you. He equipped you with specific gifts and strengths to impart upon his Church. He endowed you with a vocation and a mission from your earliest moments, and is only waiting for you to start the daring adventure of finding your call.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles invites you to find your calling. We invite you to dare to ask the question, “What was I made for?” And we’re here to help you persevere through the trials of discerning your future.
We invite any man in the archdiocese discerning priesthood to join us for our monthly meetings for prayer, guidance, reflection, and fellowship to discern God’s call in one’s life. The meetings have 5 locations to choose from:
Our Lady of the Angels Region: St. John Chrysostom - 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month
San Gabriel Region: Trinitarians of Mary Convent - 7:00pm every 1st Wednesday of the month
San Pedro Region: St. Gertrude Church - 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month
Santa Barbara Region: St. Mary Magdalen - 4:00pm every 4th Sunday of the month
San Fernando Region: Our Lady of Peace - 7:00pm every 2nd Friday of the month
Each group is facilitated by a priest who has been where you are. Consider attending the next discernment group night in your area. To RSVP, please email men@calledla.org.
From the womb God had a plan for you. He equipped you with specific gifts and strengths to impart upon his Church. He endowed you with a vocation and a mission from your earliest moments, and is only waiting for you to start the daring adventure of finding your call.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles invites you to find your calling. We invite you to dare to ask the question, “What was I made for?” And we’re here to help you persevere through the trials of discerning your future.
We invite any man in the archdiocese discerning priesthood to join us for our monthly meetings for prayer, guidance, reflection, and fellowship to discern God’s call in one’s life. The meetings have 5 locations to choose from:
Our Lady of the Angels Region: St. John Chrysostom - 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month
San Gabriel Region: Trinitarians of Mary Convent - 7:00pm every 1st Wednesday of the month
San Pedro Region: St. Gertrude Church - 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month
Santa Barbara Region: St. Mary Magdalen - 4:00pm every 4th Sunday of the month
San Fernando Region: Our Lady of Peace - 7:00pm every 2nd Friday of the month
Each group is facilitated by a priest who has been where you are. Consider attending the next discernment group night in your area. To RSVP, please email men@calledla.org.
The Orphans of Nicaragua: The Place Where I Found Christ
My encounter with Christ in Nicaragua was one of service and love. The kids showed me so many different facets of God that I had previously heard of, but had not experienced. I had heard that God could never be outdone in generosity. As representatives of Christ, my new friends exemplified that idea.
If I smiled at the kids for 5 seconds, they would smile for 30 seconds. If I would give them a hug, they would shower me with even more hugs. They would respond to love. I realized that this is how God is with me. Whatever I do to God, He always out does me in generosity. The whole trip, I felt that the kids gave me much more than I could give them.
One of strongest encounters I had with Christ was in an encounter with a boy in Managua. Throughout both places, there is a spectrum of disability. There are individuals who have mental disabilities where they may not be able to talk, others have impaired speech, or some individuals are just like other kids but with only minor cognitive impairments. However, here in Managua this boy was not able to talk or move. He had deformities and physical disabilities that resulted in him being permanently in bed. I felt a movement in my heart when I him. I sat down and found myself not knowing what to do. With other kids, I was running and hugging them. I would ask them questions, try to teach them english, or simply play with them. Yet I found myself uncomfortable in not being able to do anything. I would ask him a question and since he could not speak or move there was no answer.
I suddenly clearly saw Jesus in him. There he was, unable to move, vulnerable, but slowly breathing in and out. Tears started to trickle down my face. There was some form of suffering, but his love was greater. I felt myself calming my desire to want to do something, and felt peace in simply being in the moment with him. There was something so powerful in looking him in his eyes and not saying anything. In enjoying one's presence. I started to dialogue in silence with him without words. As I held his hand, I felt his soft peaceful bet. I genuinely wanted the best for him, and felt he wanted the best for me. He had his mission in this contemplative state, while I had my mission as a potential priest serving the people. I felt I needed him, and he needed me. This willing the good of the other and encounter taking place in silence was of the moments that really helped me see an intimate level of Christ.
Another powerful experience I had was having the opportunity to sing with the kids. I picked up a guitar and thought how fun it would be to play songs with the kids. We had an opportunity to partake in the holy sacrifice of the mass in what was a very memorable moment. I started to play “el Espíritu de Dios esta en este lugar,” (“the spirit of God is in this place”) and everyone started to sing. It was not typical singing along, but this loud deep singing from the heart. All of us were out of tune, but the passion that our new friends demonstrated was such a beautiful thing to experience. I thought about all the suffering in this world due to our sins. All the pain that our Lord Jesus Christ endured in his passion, but it was moments like these that allowed our Lord to take up his cross and fulfill his mission. Jesus being God, felt all the weight of the world on his shoulders. He genuinely felt like he could not continue. However, God spoke to me and showed me that at his difficult moments He looked in the future and saw his children at the orphanage singing for him. It kept him going, pushed him, and gave him the strength to continue. What precious insight. I firmly believe that the sound of his children singing their hearts were what contributed to our salvation. I feel as if God has allowed me to go to Nicaragua to see some of his most precious creations. Just as a proud dad who’s eye shine when he shows a picture of his children, God’s proud eyes shine in the ministry of Mustard Seeds and his children. Having been in Nicaragua, I can also join the children and with confidence say the spirit of God truly is in this place.
- Daniel Ojeda
If I smiled at the kids for 5 seconds, they would smile for 30 seconds. If I would give them a hug, they would shower me with even more hugs. They would respond to love. I realized that this is how God is with me. Whatever I do to God, He always out does me in generosity. The whole trip, I felt that the kids gave me much more than I could give them.
One of strongest encounters I had with Christ was in an encounter with a boy in Managua. Throughout both places, there is a spectrum of disability. There are individuals who have mental disabilities where they may not be able to talk, others have impaired speech, or some individuals are just like other kids but with only minor cognitive impairments. However, here in Managua this boy was not able to talk or move. He had deformities and physical disabilities that resulted in him being permanently in bed. I felt a movement in my heart when I him. I sat down and found myself not knowing what to do. With other kids, I was running and hugging them. I would ask them questions, try to teach them english, or simply play with them. Yet I found myself uncomfortable in not being able to do anything. I would ask him a question and since he could not speak or move there was no answer.
I suddenly clearly saw Jesus in him. There he was, unable to move, vulnerable, but slowly breathing in and out. Tears started to trickle down my face. There was some form of suffering, but his love was greater. I felt myself calming my desire to want to do something, and felt peace in simply being in the moment with him. There was something so powerful in looking him in his eyes and not saying anything. In enjoying one's presence. I started to dialogue in silence with him without words. As I held his hand, I felt his soft peaceful bet. I genuinely wanted the best for him, and felt he wanted the best for me. He had his mission in this contemplative state, while I had my mission as a potential priest serving the people. I felt I needed him, and he needed me. This willing the good of the other and encounter taking place in silence was of the moments that really helped me see an intimate level of Christ.
Another powerful experience I had was having the opportunity to sing with the kids. I picked up a guitar and thought how fun it would be to play songs with the kids. We had an opportunity to partake in the holy sacrifice of the mass in what was a very memorable moment. I started to play “el Espíritu de Dios esta en este lugar,” (“the spirit of God is in this place”) and everyone started to sing. It was not typical singing along, but this loud deep singing from the heart. All of us were out of tune, but the passion that our new friends demonstrated was such a beautiful thing to experience. I thought about all the suffering in this world due to our sins. All the pain that our Lord Jesus Christ endured in his passion, but it was moments like these that allowed our Lord to take up his cross and fulfill his mission. Jesus being God, felt all the weight of the world on his shoulders. He genuinely felt like he could not continue. However, God spoke to me and showed me that at his difficult moments He looked in the future and saw his children at the orphanage singing for him. It kept him going, pushed him, and gave him the strength to continue. What precious insight. I firmly believe that the sound of his children singing their hearts were what contributed to our salvation. I feel as if God has allowed me to go to Nicaragua to see some of his most precious creations. Just as a proud dad who’s eye shine when he shows a picture of his children, God’s proud eyes shine in the ministry of Mustard Seeds and his children. Having been in Nicaragua, I can also join the children and with confidence say the spirit of God truly is in this place.
- Daniel Ojeda
MAGNIFICAT - A Ministry to Catholic Women Prayer Meal
Saturday, October 10, 2016 @ 10AM
Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills, CA
Dr. Ross Porter
Former Presbyterian Minister Now Catholic Convert
Special message of Love and Hope for Today’s families
Noted speaker, Dr. Ross Porter, shares his path of conversion, the graces of a special needs child and building loving families. Come and be inspired by this man of faith.
Mail “Magnificat” check for $26 to Magnificat, P.O. Box 4057, West Hills, CA 91308. After September 28 $30. Questions? Teri Thompson 805-527-3745. On-line reservations www.magnificatsfv.org
Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills, CA
Dr. Ross Porter
Former Presbyterian Minister Now Catholic Convert
Special message of Love and Hope for Today’s families
Noted speaker, Dr. Ross Porter, shares his path of conversion, the graces of a special needs child and building loving families. Come and be inspired by this man of faith.
Mail “Magnificat” check for $26 to Magnificat, P.O. Box 4057, West Hills, CA 91308. After September 28 $30. Questions? Teri Thompson 805-527-3745. On-line reservations www.magnificatsfv.org
| Dr Ross Porter Flyer |
OneLifa LA Event
Our third annual OneLife LA event is Saturday, January 21, 2017. We invite you to join thousands in declaring a commitment to valuing and
protecting all human life, particularly the most vulnerable in our community.
Register for FREE today!
The event will begin with a walk up Temple Street, across Grand Avenue and down 1st Street, culminating in a family-friendly picnic with
music, entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits from community organizations.
Visit http://onelifela.org/ for more info!
Details:
On January 21, 2017, Doors open at 12pm at La Placita/Olvera St. . Event program begins at 10:30 AM with a welcome and walk through the streets of Downtown LA to Grand Park. The event will be followed by a Requiem Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral on Temple St.
protecting all human life, particularly the most vulnerable in our community.
Register for FREE today!
The event will begin with a walk up Temple Street, across Grand Avenue and down 1st Street, culminating in a family-friendly picnic with
music, entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits from community organizations.
Visit http://onelifela.org/ for more info!
Details:
On January 21, 2017, Doors open at 12pm at La Placita/Olvera St. . Event program begins at 10:30 AM with a welcome and walk through the streets of Downtown LA to Grand Park. The event will be followed by a Requiem Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral on Temple St.
First the Heart then the Work
Brian is a stand up dude, and with 14 years of professional experience he knows what he’s talking about. And to top it off he is becoming a priest. I ask him about life in the industry, how he found his calling, and how to make good work. So grab a cup of coffee, turn off your phone for 10 minutes, and read along.
Ok where do we start...How did you begin working as a music producer?
So I went to a school called Full Sail University in Orlando, graduated and moved and started working as a runner at a recording studio in L.A.. That means I picked up food, got coffee, and cleaned the floors of a really famous recording studio called Ocean Way where Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole...
read more »
Ok where do we start...How did you begin working as a music producer?
So I went to a school called Full Sail University in Orlando, graduated and moved and started working as a runner at a recording studio in L.A.. That means I picked up food, got coffee, and cleaned the floors of a really famous recording studio called Ocean Way where Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole...
read more »
"Congratulations to our Newly Ordained"
Archdiocese of Los Angeles Ordains Four New Priests
By Kurt Streeter
The four men were dressed in white and cream-colored robes. They knelt on the stone floor, ending up face down in a supplicating sign of obedience and respect. In front of thousands of onlookers, they were about to become Catholic priests.
"Lord have mercy," the crowd chanted, slowly. "Christ have mercy.... Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us...."
It was a ritualized, peak moment during Saturday's ordination — an annual event held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in which seminarians become full-fledged priests, prepared after years of study to serve parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The event was sober but celebratory, with incense and hymns hanging in the air along with blessings, tears, laughter and a homily in which Archbishop Jose Gomez exhorted the new clerics to hew closely to the virtues of mercy and humility.
When the ceremony was over, the new clerics — three in their 20s and one in his 50s — gave their first public blessings. A crowd of about 3,500 watched the event, and many then lined up to receive the special prayers in a sunny cathedral courtyard.
"Honestly, it's still settling in, it's been such a long journey," said Christopher Felix, 27, taking a break from doling out short prayers. Felix grew up in tough, gang-riddled neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley.
During part of the ceremony, his parents rose from their seats and he embraced them, clutching them tightly, tears in his eyes as he recalled all that he'd been through growing up. His mother nearly died from serious health issues, one of his friends was shot and barely survived and Felix himself was tempted by the streets before turning his life around.
"Today was such a grace-filled moment," he said. "It's going to take some time to process. But now I am just ready to go to work."
Bald and round-faced, with a wide and engaging smile, Felix soon will be serving as a priest in San Gabriel. His classmates will be spread throughout the archdiocese, the nation's largest with nearly 5 million parishioners. Andrew Chung will help lead a congregation in Pico Rivera. Juan Ochoa has been assigned to a parish in Lynwood. John Palmer, a 54-year-old who was a patent attorney before becoming a priest, will head to Lomita.
Four new priests is significant for the local church — which invests heavily in seminary educations that typically last five to seven years — but archdiocese officials are looking for more.
Even as the number of parishioners climbs, the Roman Catholic church has long struggled with a shortage of priests in the U.S., a falloff that hasn't been helped by sex abuse scandals that have rocked the church in recent years. (Cardinal Roger Mahony, whom some blame for failing to aggressively root out abuse during his tenure as L.A.'s archbishop, was on hand at Saturday's ceremony.) There are currently about 40,000 priests nationwide, according to statistics from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. In 1965, there were about 60,000.
The shortage isn't felt as acutely in Los Angeles, said Father Sam Ward, the diocese's associate director of vocations, partly because the region attracts clerics from outside areas. Still, the diocese is pushing to boost the number ordained locally each year.
Heartened by the number of men who've recently entered the diocese's St. John's Seminary — enrollment hit 92 in the fall of 2013, up from 71 in 2008, an uptick ascribed in part to the popularity of Pope Francis — officials say they expect to soon be ordaining groups of 10 to 12 priests, and possibly more, each year.
"The trend is improving, but we always need more," Ward said. "We need them. New priests give us new energy."
kurt.streeter@latimes.com
Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times
The four men were dressed in white and cream-colored robes. They knelt on the stone floor, ending up face down in a supplicating sign of obedience and respect. In front of thousands of onlookers, they were about to become Catholic priests.
"Lord have mercy," the crowd chanted, slowly. "Christ have mercy.... Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us...."
It was a ritualized, peak moment during Saturday's ordination — an annual event held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in which seminarians become full-fledged priests, prepared after years of study to serve parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The event was sober but celebratory, with incense and hymns hanging in the air along with blessings, tears, laughter and a homily in which Archbishop Jose Gomez exhorted the new clerics to hew closely to the virtues of mercy and humility.
When the ceremony was over, the new clerics — three in their 20s and one in his 50s — gave their first public blessings. A crowd of about 3,500 watched the event, and many then lined up to receive the special prayers in a sunny cathedral courtyard.
"Honestly, it's still settling in, it's been such a long journey," said Christopher Felix, 27, taking a break from doling out short prayers. Felix grew up in tough, gang-riddled neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley.
During part of the ceremony, his parents rose from their seats and he embraced them, clutching them tightly, tears in his eyes as he recalled all that he'd been through growing up. His mother nearly died from serious health issues, one of his friends was shot and barely survived and Felix himself was tempted by the streets before turning his life around.
"Today was such a grace-filled moment," he said. "It's going to take some time to process. But now I am just ready to go to work."
Bald and round-faced, with a wide and engaging smile, Felix soon will be serving as a priest in San Gabriel. His classmates will be spread throughout the archdiocese, the nation's largest with nearly 5 million parishioners. Andrew Chung will help lead a congregation in Pico Rivera. Juan Ochoa has been assigned to a parish in Lynwood. John Palmer, a 54-year-old who was a patent attorney before becoming a priest, will head to Lomita.
Four new priests is significant for the local church — which invests heavily in seminary educations that typically last five to seven years — but archdiocese officials are looking for more.
Even as the number of parishioners climbs, the Roman Catholic church has long struggled with a shortage of priests in the U.S., a falloff that hasn't been helped by sex abuse scandals that have rocked the church in recent years. (Cardinal Roger Mahony, whom some blame for failing to aggressively root out abuse during his tenure as L.A.'s archbishop, was on hand at Saturday's ceremony.) There are currently about 40,000 priests nationwide, according to statistics from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. In 1965, there were about 60,000.
The shortage isn't felt as acutely in Los Angeles, said Father Sam Ward, the diocese's associate director of vocations, partly because the region attracts clerics from outside areas. Still, the diocese is pushing to boost the number ordained locally each year.
Heartened by the number of men who've recently entered the diocese's St. John's Seminary — enrollment hit 92 in the fall of 2013, up from 71 in 2008, an uptick ascribed in part to the popularity of Pope Francis — officials say they expect to soon be ordaining groups of 10 to 12 priests, and possibly more, each year.
"The trend is improving, but we always need more," Ward said. "We need them. New priests give us new energy."
kurt.streeter@latimes.com
Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times
Message of Pope Francis
51st World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Vocations, Witness to the Truth
May 11, 2014
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
1. The Gospel says that “Jesus went about all the cities and villages... When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest’” (Mt 9:35-38). These words surprise us, because we all know that it is necessary first to plow, sow and cultivate to then, in due time, reap an abundant harvest. Jesus says instead that “the harvest is plentiful”. But who did the work to bring about these results? There is only one answer: God. Clearly the field of which Jesus is speaking is humanity, us. And the efficacious action which has borne “much fruit” is the grace of God, that is, communion with Him (cf. Jn 15:5). The prayer which Jesus asks of the Church therefore concerns the need to increase the number of those who serve his Kingdom. Saint Paul, who was one of “God’s fellow workers”, tirelessly dedicated himself to the cause of the Gospel and the Church. The Apostle, with the awareness of one who has personally experienced how mysterious God’s saving will is, and how the initiative of grace is the origin of every vocation, reminds the Christians of Corinth: “You are God’s field” (1 Cor 3:9). That is why wonder first arises in our hearts over the plentiful harvest which God alone can bestow; then gratitude for a love that always goes before us; and lastly, adoration for the work that he has accomplished, which requires our free consent in acting with him and for him.
Click here for full story >>
1. The Gospel says that “Jesus went about all the cities and villages... When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest’” (Mt 9:35-38). These words surprise us, because we all know that it is necessary first to plow, sow and cultivate to then, in due time, reap an abundant harvest. Jesus says instead that “the harvest is plentiful”. But who did the work to bring about these results? There is only one answer: God. Clearly the field of which Jesus is speaking is humanity, us. And the efficacious action which has borne “much fruit” is the grace of God, that is, communion with Him (cf. Jn 15:5). The prayer which Jesus asks of the Church therefore concerns the need to increase the number of those who serve his Kingdom. Saint Paul, who was one of “God’s fellow workers”, tirelessly dedicated himself to the cause of the Gospel and the Church. The Apostle, with the awareness of one who has personally experienced how mysterious God’s saving will is, and how the initiative of grace is the origin of every vocation, reminds the Christians of Corinth: “You are God’s field” (1 Cor 3:9). That is why wonder first arises in our hearts over the plentiful harvest which God alone can bestow; then gratitude for a love that always goes before us; and lastly, adoration for the work that he has accomplished, which requires our free consent in acting with him and for him.
Click here for full story >>
Called by Name - Archbishop José H. Gomez
Dear Friends in Christ,
Just as Jesus called his disciples by name, today we are launching a widespread campaign to gather the names of faithful young men who may have a vocation to priesthood.
We believe that our future priests will come from our own parishes and schools, but we need your help to identify them. Will you send the Vocation Office names of men who may have the qualities of a future priest? We are looking for men who are high school sophomores or older.
Click here to submit names
Any man you recommend will receive good information from the Vocation Office about discerning his vocation, as well as invitations to upcoming events.
Thank you for playing a part in helping young men discover God's call. We deeply appreciate your help, and I personally want to thank you for your participation.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. José H. Gomez
Archbishop of Los Angeles
Just as Jesus called his disciples by name, today we are launching a widespread campaign to gather the names of faithful young men who may have a vocation to priesthood.
We believe that our future priests will come from our own parishes and schools, but we need your help to identify them. Will you send the Vocation Office names of men who may have the qualities of a future priest? We are looking for men who are high school sophomores or older.
Click here to submit names
Any man you recommend will receive good information from the Vocation Office about discerning his vocation, as well as invitations to upcoming events.
Thank you for playing a part in helping young men discover God's call. We deeply appreciate your help, and I personally want to thank you for your participation.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. José H. Gomez
Archbishop of Los Angeles
Institution to the Ministry of Lector
A Seminarian's Reflection
It was quite a busy time here at the Seminary. But I guess I can’t really complain, because really it was all about celebration. At the end of October, one Friday night we welcomed in 20 of our new guys to Candidacy, which means, like I was this time last year, they officially were called by their bishops to be candidates for Holy Orders. And then Saturday morning, my classmates and I were called by our bishops to become instituted Lectors. I can’t say how joyful I was to have my parents here to celebrate with me, the ones who first shared the Word of God with me. And now God has so blessed me as to be called to share it with them somehow!
Click here for full story >>
It was quite a busy time here at the Seminary. But I guess I can’t really complain, because really it was all about celebration. At the end of October, one Friday night we welcomed in 20 of our new guys to Candidacy, which means, like I was this time last year, they officially were called by their bishops to be candidates for Holy Orders. And then Saturday morning, my classmates and I were called by our bishops to become instituted Lectors. I can’t say how joyful I was to have my parents here to celebrate with me, the ones who first shared the Word of God with me. And now God has so blessed me as to be called to share it with them somehow!
Click here for full story >>
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© 2015 The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, a corp. sole. All rights reserved.