Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
The Vocations office exists to serve the Bishop in all matters related to vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.  Many people in our diocese are being called by God to become priests, sisters, and brothers; the Vocations Office is here to help them respond to that call. For more information, contact John Martignoni (205) 838-2184 or email vocations@bhmdiocese.org

   Greetings from Bishop Robert J. Baker!

Welcome to our Diocesan Vocation Internet page!

      To be a Disciple and Steward in the service of the Kingdom of Christ is to give oneself 100% in service of the Lord and his Church in whatever vocation of service the Lord may be calling a person to, whether as a priest, deacon, a member of the consecrated life, as a married or single person.  Through the sacrament of Baptism, and especially the sacrament of Confirmation, one is given the grace of the Holy Spirit to discern what avenue of vocation the Lord holds in store for each of us.

     The Holy Spirit always is present in our lives to help us find our way to meaning, purpose, and direction in life.  The Holy Spirit always enlightens us to the way of Jesus for us.  The Holy Spirit helps us discern the will of the Lord for us, leading us to God our Father and to everlasting life (Cf. The Questioner's Prayer, Our Sunday Visitor Press, p. 53).

     Remember the young man of Matthew's Gospel (Matt. 19:16-26), who approached Jesus with the question, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?"  The Lord welcomed his inquiry and invited him to sell all he had and follow him.  When the young man heard this, he went away sad; for he had many possessions.

     An invitation goes out to all of us to come, follow Christ, as his disciples.  We all share the common call to discipleship, which is also called "stewardship", giving of our time, talent, and treasure 100% in serving the Lord.

     What particular avenue of discipleship or stewardship we are called to depends on the direction of the Holy Spirit, and that vocation is determined through prayerful discernment with the help of the Holy Spirit.

     My vocation to the priesthood was a call that I discerned with the help of my parents, family, parish priests, and seminary teachers.  I was fortunate to have an uncle and great-uncle who were priests of the Precious Blood Missionary Society, who modeled the priesthood for me.  A young priest in my home parish in Fostoria, Ohio, Father Cleo Schmenk, helped guide me on the road to the priesthood by his encouragement and by the example of his life.

     I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida on March 21, 1970, and served gratefully in a variety of roles for twenty-nine years: as a parish parochial vicar and pastor, as a high-school religion teacher, chaplain to university students, and seminary professor.  I was appointed Bishop of Charleston, South Carolina in 1999 and Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama in 2007.  I have loved being a priest.  Not every moment has been easy.   Being a priest means sharing in the sufferings as well as the joys of Christ.  So there have been many challenging moments.  But I would not trade this vocation for any other.

     And once you have discerned your vocation in life with the help of the Holy Spirit, you will say the same.
                          

           •·          Pray daily to the Holy Spirit for guidance.

           •·          Seek out a good mentor for Spiritual Direction, as I did.

           •·          Attend daily Mass.  And read the Lives of the Saints for inspiration.

     Finally, consult this diocesan website for more information on where you might go for guidance and help as you discern God's holy will for you.  If I can be of any further help, please let me know.  I am honored to be your bishop, shepherd, and servant.  Be assured of my prayers for you daily.  Please pray for me as well.

                                                                                    Sincerely yours in Christ,

                                                                                    Most Reverend Robert J. Baker
                                                                                    Bishop of Birmingham

                           WHEN YOU HEAR GOD'S CALL                                                 

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

     Lord, there are so many things in my life that I do not understand; so many questions that I need to ask. What is Your plan for me?  What is the work You want me to do? All I really know is that You love me. Show me the road You want me to walk. If You are Calling me to the Priesthood or Religious Life, give me the strength to say "Yes", and the grace to prepare myself for the challenge of a life spent in Your service and the care of Your people.  I ask You this in Jesus' name. Amen.

                         FAQ about Vocations                                                   The Year for Priests