"Each person must discover his or her own personal vocation and respond to it with generosity."  – Pope John Paul II

Thank you so much to all who came last Sunday, Septembert 15, 2019  to the  Blessing of the St. John Vianney House of Formation. If you weren’t able to attend here’s some pictures above. Please keep me and our three Seminarian Candidates in your prayers.
Our current Candidates are: Brandon Salas and Javier Elias from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lathrop, and Saul Perez from St. Jude’s Parish in Ceres.

In Christ,
Fr. Cesar Martinez, Director of Vocations

 

World Day of Prayer for Vocations - 2020

On Good Shepherd Sunday we were honored to have Bishop Cotta at our St. John Vianney House of Formation to celebrate Mass for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. 

Pictured from left to right below are our three Seminarian Candidates, Akbar Saul Perez, Brandon Salas, Bishop Myron J. Cotta, Fr. Cesar Martinez, and Javier Elias.

Donation to Seminarians

On Thursday May 28, 2020  Mr. Nomer Gutierrez, President of Families for Vocations and Healing Ministry, presented a very generous donation of $35,000
from their annual fundraiser dinner for our seminarians. We are very grateful to all
the members of FVHM for their continuing support and generosity to promote vocations in our diocese. This donation will help our Seminarian Education Fund. Thank you so much!

          From L to R:  Bishop Myron Cotta, Mr. Nomer Gutierrez, Fr. Cesar Martinez.

If you have ever asked yourself the question, “Is God calling me?”, then you should give it some serious thought. A vocation may be sparked by such a question and begin a period of reflection and discernment that may lead to a life of ministry in the church.

Young people often ask, “But how do I know?” and there is no easy answer! A life of ministry in the Church is not meant for everyone; however some are called to give their lives in service to others. The process of discernment begins with a simple reflection on some qualities – even if it is just budding – a vocation to ordained priesthood or religious life may be your calling.

• Sensitivity toward others – a person who stands up for others, who wants to be helpful to others.

• Attraction to organizations that help other – people suited to religious life are also drawn to groups like the Peace Corps, St. Vincent de Paul Society, working in soup kitchens, volunteering at hospitals or nursing homes, etc.

• Idealism – a young person who is idealistic, desires to make the world a better place by working for justice and peace.

• Leadership – someone who works well with others, who possesses natural leadership talents, who strives for achievement.

• Creativity – a young person who appreciates music, drama, or the other arts can make God’s work come alive for others in new ways.

• Orientation toward people – people who enjoy being around others are naturally drawn to the caring professions, such as teaching, health care, psychology and social work.

• Faith filled – a young person who has a desire for a deeper meaning in life and a deeper relationship with God.

What is in your future?  
Could God be calling you to the priesthood or consecrated life?
Do you have what it takes?