The process of coming to know your vocation is called discernment. It is a committed prayerful interaction with Jesus himself who invites you to, “Come, follow me.” It begins by getting to know Jesus personally; in the Bible, in prayer and in the sacraments of the Church. Jesus cannot lead us to our vocation unless we begin by ‘taking up our cross and following him.’

Consider Jesus’ action after he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The Spirit led Jesus to the desert where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. This was the place where Jesus discerned his Father’s will. In a sense, we must spend our time in the desert too before God can reveal our particular vocation. This ‘desert’ is where we turn to God in prayer, where we ‘fast’ from distractions and temptations that draw us away from God, where we encounter God in quiet moments of peace.

God will use people in your life to help you discern your vocation. You may hear a comment like, “You would make a good priest” or “Have you ever thought about being a sister?” Pay attention to what others observe about you. It could be the Holy Spirit speaking through them.

Over and over Jesus said to his followers, “Do not be afraid.” He tells you that now. Don’t be afraid to turn to him. He wants only the best for you.

Resources for Discernment

The resources below are just a few to help you in discerning God's call, and helping others discern if God might be calling them to the priesthood. For additional resources, please contact the Vocations Office.

Family & Catechetical Resources

Family & Catechetical Resources

Diocesan Prayer for Vocations

English 
Spanish 

Parish Resources

The Parish Vocation Advocates Guide 
Holy Hour for Vocations 

Recommended Reading

Highlighted items may be found online:

“Spiritual Combat” by Lorenzo Scupoli
Intro to the Devout Life, St. Francis DeSales
Fire Within, Fr. Thomas Dubay
Witness to Hope, George Weigel
The Story of a Soul, St. Therese
Confessions, St. Augustine
Pastores Dabo Vobis
Presbyterorum Ordinis
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis 
”...And You are Christ’s,” Fr. Thomas Dubay

Links

The Vatican
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Diocese of Oakland
St. Patrick Seminary & University
Roman Catholic Vocations Blog
For Your Vocation

Jesus called the apostles by name to learn from him and to carry on his ministry. He gave them extraordinary powers to baptize, to preach his gospel, to forgive sins, to feed his people with his own body and blood; to serve and not to be served. From the birth of the Catholic Church at Pentecost until today men have responded to Jesus’ call to serve as his ministers of Word and Sacrament. He will continue to do so until he returns in glory at the end of time.

Is Jesus Calling You?

Every Catholic man ought to prayerfully consider if Jesus may be calling him to the priesthood. Often those who are called say that the thought of the priesthood entered their mind and wouldn’t go away. They find that time at Mass brings deep peace and joy. Gradually they sense that Jesus may be inviting them in a very personal way to investigate the possibility of the priesthood.

What Qualities Are Needed To Be a Priest?

A priesthood candidate firstly needs to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He is a man of prayer and fidelity to the Catholic Church. He is energized by the Church’s ministry and seeks to make his particular gifts and talents available at the service of the Church. He should be disciplined and responsible, of at least average intelligence and mature.

What About Celibacy?

Jesus himself was celibate and gave himself completely to his Father’s will. Priests in the Roman Rite do not marry. They give their time, energy, love and commitment to those that they serve. Celibacy is not for everyone, but for those who are called to the priesthood it is a way to live and love in the world after the example of Jesus himself, and is not a burden

Next Steps:

If you think you may be called to the priesthood, contact Fr. Carl Arcosa, who will be happy to meet with you to discuss it.

What is a Deacon?

What is ordination?

Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop and enabled to minister in Christ’s name and that of the Church. There are three ordinations in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: deaconate, priesthood, and Episcopal. The ordination ceremony includes various rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., the prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, sign of peace.

When does the ordination actually take place?

The essential rite of the sacrament, i.e., when it takes place, is the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration. This is an ancient tradition in the Church, mentioned in the Bible.

Who can ordain priests?

Only a bishop can ordain a priest because he shares in the ministry of Jesus passed down through the apostles.

What is the meaning of the laying on of hands?

By this ritual the ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained, giving him a sacred character and setting him apart for the designated ministry.

Why does the ordinand lie prostrate during the ordination?

It symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.

What is the meaning of the newly ordained priest receiving the stole and chasuble?

These are vestments which pertain to his office and have symbolic meaning. The stole symbolizes the authority and responsibility to serve in imitation of Christ. It reflects the line from Scripture: “For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Mt 11:30). The chasuble is the principal garment of the priest celebrating the Eucharist and is the outermost vestment.

What does the anointing of the hands signify?

Anointing with oil stems from the Old Testament and indicates that someone or something is being set apart for a sacred task or duty. The anointing of the hands signifies that the hands of the newly ordained priest are being prepared for the sacred duties and vessels which will be part of the priestly ministry, for example, offering the bread and the wine, anointing the sick and blessing people. The bishop says as he anoints the hands: “The Father anointed our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve you to sanctify the Christian people and to offer sacrifice to God.”

Why does the ordaining bishop hand the ordinand a chalice and paten?

The Eucharist is at the heart of the priesthood and this ritual highlights the importance of celebrating the Eucharist in the life of the priest and its meaning, as seen in the words which are spoken by the bishop: “Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”

How does one prepare for ordination to the priesthood?

A man has to engage in a challenging program of priestly formation which lasts from five to thirteen years, depending upon his background and the seminary he attends. There are three levels of seminary: high school; college or pre-theology; and theology.

Seminaries address four types of formation: human; spiritual; academic (intellectual); and pastoral. In addition to the academic course work, seminarians participate in a full schedule of spiritual activities, e.g., daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer), and spiritual direction and retreats. At each level of seminary training, the seminarian prepares for future pastoral ministry in various settings, such as schools, religious education programs, hospitals and parishes. All of the formation takes into consideration the human person; human growth and development is fostered by community living, workshops and other programs. The formation of future priests includes practical learning, too, for example, preaching, saying Mass, and pastoral counseling.

Do priests take vows?

Priests who belong to a religious order (e.g., Benedictine, Dominicans, Franciscans, etc.) take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Diocesan priests make three promises: chaste-celibacy, respect and obedience to their bishop and his successors, and the promise to faithfully pray the Liturgy of the Hours; these promises are part of the ordination ceremony. It is also expected that diocesan priests will lead a life of simplicity consonant with the people they serve.

Taken from the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations

Who is a Deacon?

A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. There are three groups, or "orders," of ordained ministers in the Church: bishops, presbyters and deacons. Deacons are ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ, who came "to serve and not to be served." The entire Church is called by Christ to serve, and the deacon, in virtue of his sacramental ordination and through his various ministries, is to be a servant in a servant-Church.

What are these "various ministries" of the Deacon?

All ordained ministers in the Church are called to functions of Word, Sacrament, and Charity, but bishops, presbyters and deacons exercise these functions in various ways. As ministers of Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church. As ministers of Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. As ministers of Charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshaling the Church's resources to meet those needs. Deacons are also dedicated to eliminating the injustices or inequities that cause such needs. But no matter what specific functions a deacon performs, they flow from his sacramental identity. In other words, it is not only WHAT a deacon does, but WHO a deacon is, that is important.

Why do some deacons become priests?

For many years ordained ministers "ascended" from one office to another, culminating in ordination to the presbyterate, or priesthood. The Second Vatican Council (1962 – 1965), however, authorized the restoration of the diaconate as a PERMANENT order of ministry. So, while students for the priesthood are still ordained deacons prior to their ordination as priests, there are more than 13, 000 deacons in the United States alone who minister in this Order permanently. There is no difference in the sacramental sign or the functions between these so-called "transitional" and "permanent deacons."

May married men be ordained deacons?

Yes. The Second Vatican Council decreed that the diaconate, when it was restored as a permanent order in the hierarchy, could be opened to "mature married men," later clarified to mean men over the age of 35. This is in keeping with the ancient tradition of the Church, in which married men were ordained into ministry. Also in keeping with ancient practice is the expectation that while a married man may be ordained, an ordained man, if his wife should die, may not marry again without special permission.

Is a Deacon ordained for the Parish or the Diocese?

Whenever a person is ordained, he is to serve the diocesan Church. Deacons are no different in this regard: they are assigned by the bishop to ministries for which the bishop perceives a great need, and for which the deacon may have special gifts or talents. Most often, this will be within a parish setting, just as most priests serve in a parish. Once assigned to the parish, the deacon and any other clergy assigned to the parish minister under the immediate supervision of the pastor. However, this assignment may be changed at the request of the deacon or the initiative of the bishop.

Requirements for becoming a Deacon

Find out more about becoming a Deacon:

Email Rev.Mr. Tim Moore, Director of Deacon Formation or call 510-267-8348

Source: http://www.usccb.org 

What Is the Religious Life?

For hundreds of years Jesus has called people to live together, to pray together and to serve him in a unique way. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests are individuals who live out their Christian faith as members of a larger group known as a religious community. There are many different kinds of religious communities and each community lives according to a particular charism which inspires and identifies them and gives a focus to their prayer and work.

What Kinds of Religious Communities Exist?

There are many religious communities in the Church. Some religious communities serve God through meditation, prayer and solitude. These groups are known as contemplative orders or "cloistered" orders. Women who belong to this type of a religious community are called nuns and the men are called monks. Other religious communities are known as "active" or Apostolic orders/congregations. These orders and congregations are active in the world, serving others in a variety of activities/apostolates. Women who belong to this type of a religious community are called sisters and the men are called brothers unless they are ordained priests.

How Do the Religious Differ?

Each religious order or congregation has its own special charism which forms its identity and mission. The charism envisioned by the founder or foundress is the motivating spirit that is the heart of the religious order or congregation. Some orders and congregations focus on serving the poor, such as the Franciscans. Others, such as the Dominicans, are preachers and teachers. Due to the variety of charisms, each religious order or congregation has a unique identity, mission, spirituality, and set of guidelines for living.

What Are the Vows?

Those who join religious orders and congregations take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They vow to share all their goods in common, not to marry and to obey their religious Superior. Contrary to popular thought these vows are actually quite liberating. They allow the religious sister, brother or priest to remain free to love and serve God and the Church with an undivided heart by putting all of their energy into prayer and the ministry of their order or congregation.

What Is the Process for Becoming a Religious?

After acceptance an individual enters the first step, called candidacy or postulancy. This period gives the candidate/postulant a chance to get to know the community. There is no set length of time for this period. The next step is the novitiate, which lasts between 1-2 years. This period allows the novice to learn more about the charism of the community through instruction, by participating in community life and apostolic service. At the end of this period, the novice makes first/temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which are renewed on a yearly basis. During the period of temporary vows, a religious sister or brother continues their education in preparation for future ministry within their order/congregation. After having determined, over a period of at least 3 years, that the religious community is a right fit for them, a religious sister or brother becomes a full-fledged member of their community by making final/permanent vows. The entire process can take between 7-10 years.

Orders/Congregations of Religious Priests in the Diocese of Oakland

Augustinians

Fr. Tom Whelan, OSA, 415-387-3626
[email protected]
www.osa-west.org

Capuchin Franciscans

Fr. Peter Banks, OFM CAP., 805-686-4127
[email protected]
www.beafriar.com

Congregation of the Sacred Hearts

Fr. Dedi Riberu. SS.CC. 808-321-9776
[email protected]
Fr. Brian Guerrini, SS.CC. 575-495-9331
[email protected]

Conventual Franciscans

Fr. Paul Gawlowski OFM Conv, 510-671-0537
[email protected]
www.franciscanfriars.org

Dominicans

Fr. Steven Maekawa, OP, 510-658-8722
[email protected]
www.opwest.org

Franciscans

Fr. Alberto Villafan, OFM, 408-258-7057
[email protected]
www.sbfranciscans.org

Holy Cross Fathers

Fr. James Gallagher, CSC, 574-631-6385
[email protected]
www.holycrossvocations.org

Jesuits

Fr. Radmar Jao, S.J.
[email protected]
https://beajesuit.org/

Maryknoll Fathers

Br. Tim Raible, MM, 510-896-8689 or 510-552-1846
[email protected]
www.maryknoll.org

Missionaries of Faith (MF)

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Rev. Joy Kumarthusseril, MF, 510-315-7001
[email protected]

St. Philip Neri-St. Albert the Great Parish
Rev. Robert Kennady Chinnapan, MF, 510-373-5201
[email protected]

Missionaries of the Precious Blood

Fr. Ken Schnipke, CPPS, 937-228-6224 
[email protected]
www.cpps-preciousblood.org

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

www.omiusa.org

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

Fr. Martin Lukas, OSFS, 419-724-9851
[email protected]
www.oblates.us

Paulist Fathers

Fr. David Farnum, CSP, 212-757-4260 or 800-235-3456
[email protected]
www.paulist.org

Redemptorists 

Fr. Tat Hoang, CSSR, 718-321-1394
[email protected]
www.redemptorists-denver.org

Salesians of Don Bosco

Fr. Vien Minh Nguyen, SDB, (562) 925-2250 ext. 217
[email protected]
www.salesianvocation.org

Society of Mary (Marists)

Mr. John Ridout, 510-845-3326 or 866-298-3715
[email protected]
www.maristsociety.org

Augustinians

Fr. Tom Whelan, OSA, 415-387-3626
[email protected]
www.osa-west.org

Capuchin Franciscans

Fr. Peter Banks, OFM CAP., 805-686-4127
[email protected]
www.olacapuchins.org

Congregation of the Sacred Hearts

Fr. Dedi Riberu. SS.CC. 808-321-9776
[email protected]
Fr. Brian Guerrini, SS.CC. 575-495-9331
[email protected]

Conventual Franciscans

Vocation Director Fr. Paul Gawlowski, OFM CONV., 510-671-0537
[email protected]
www.franciscanfriars.org

De La Salle Christian Brothers

Br. George Van Grieken, FSG, 707-252-3861
[email protected]
www.brothersvocation.org

Dominicans

Fr. Steven Maekawa, OP, 510-658-8722
[email protected]
www.opwest.org

Franciscans

Fr. Alberto Villafan, OFM, 408-258-7057
[email protected]
www.sbfranciscans.org

Jesuits

Fr. Radmar Jao, S.J.
[email protected]
https://beajesuit.org/

Maryknoll Brothers

Br. Tim Raible, MM, 510-869-8689 or 510-552-1846
[email protected]
www.maryknoll.org

Redemptorists

Br. Larry Lujan, CSSR, 718-321-1394
[email protected]
www.redemptorists-denver.org

Society of Mary (Marist)

Mr. John Ridout, 510-486-1232 or 866-298-3715
[email protected]
www.maristsociety.org

Adrian Dominican Sisters

Sr. Mary Ellen Lecicjewski, OP
[email protected]
www.adriandominicans.org

Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed

Sister Maria Therese, O. Carm.
(518) 537-5000
www.carmelitesisters.com
[email protected]

Congregation of Mother of Carmel

Sr. Celine Pathiaparambill, CMC, 510-724-4178
[email protected]

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

Sr. Trang Truong, DC, 650-949-8890
www.daughtersofcharity.com

Discalced Carmelite Nuns

Reverend Mother Prioress
Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph of Kensington, CA
68 Rincon Road
Kensington, CA  94707-1047
All contact is done via physical mail.

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose