PLEASE, DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS. YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
KEEP T HE FAITH ALIV E
‘I HAD NO FEAR OF DEDICATING MY LIFE IN SERVICE.’ It was learning about the lives of the saints that first attracted me to the priesthood. Their stories of heroic virtue and trust in the Father’s will demonstrated how to respond to God’s call to serve him. I joined the Knights of Columbus when I was 18. The example of my father, grandfather and the Knights at my home council had inspired me to live for something and someone other than myself. Strengthening my understanding of God’s call, they showed me that serving a parish community, the whole Church and Jesus Christ is a life of true joy and deep meaning. When I heard God’s call to enter the seminary at the end of high school, I knew how to respond. I had no fear of dedicating my life in service to others. Knights should know that their steady example inspires vocations to the priesthood and the religious life at a time when our culture does not encourage young people to pursue lives of service to the Church.
Photo by Chris Bohnhoff
DANIEL J. SEDLACEK Diocese of La Crosse, Wis.