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Diocesan Priesthood

The lifestyle of the diocesan priest is shaped by his service to the local Church. He shares with a Bishop the role of service to the Church in a given geographical area.

He ministers by building community, by drawing people together, by challenging them to serve each other, and by urging them to address the social concerns of our times. The diocesan priest ministers by celebrating Eucharist, and by leading the community at prayer, especially in the sacramental moments of birth, reconciliation, marriage, sickness and death.

Who is the Priest?

  • He is the one through whom new members are initiated into the fullness of the life of the church.
  • He is the one who brings comfort to the widow, who visits the sick and who consels the youth with their problems.
  • He is the catalyst in the community who works together with his people to build up the family of God.
  • He is the one who blesses the bonds of marriage for those who are called to begin a new Christian family.
  • He is the one who brings God’s compassion and forgiveness of sins to the people.
  • He is the one who invites the community of believers to live as one Eucharistic people, proclaiming and living out the Word of God.
  • He is the companion of Jesus who cares for the people of God through the preaching of the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments, and the selfless service of the people

Who can become a Priest in the Diocese of Laredo?

If you are:

  • A single male
  • Over 18 years of age
  • In good standing with the Catholic Church
  • Enjoy a good reputation
  • Exhibit the necessary skills for seminary formation
  • Seriously believe that God may be calling you to a priestly vocation
  • Listen for the response to "Who do you want me to be?" "What do you want me to do?"

Interested men are encouraged to contact the Office of Vocations or his Pastor to learn more about the particular details for the discernment process for the Diocese of Laredo.

The director will be able to assist you in reviewing the particular Diocesan requirements for seminary preparation and application.The Diocese of Laredo, like most dioceses, has particular guidelines and policies in place to govern and regulate the application process. However, each individual's personal and professional background varies and is taken into account on a one-to-one basis.

Candidate Qualities

These are the qualities we are looking for in a Diocesan Priesthood candidate: 

  • A love for the Catholic faith
  • Generosity
  • A desire to help other people
  • A personal relationship with God
  • A capacity and desire to learn
  • A respect for other people
  • Openness to other cultures and ethnic groups
  • Ability to work collaboratively
  • Good social skills
  • The ability to enjoy one's own company and a variety of friendships
  • The courage to take risks
  • A healthy self-image
  • The ability to state an opinion that might differ from that of others

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Contact Information

If you have a particular question regarding the viability of your own personal application, please contact:    

Fr. Francisco M. Quiroz-Carrizales,
PhL, M.Div. / M.A. (Th), S.T.B.
Vocations Director
 
1201 Corpus Christi St.
Pastoral Center
Laredo, Texas 78043
 
(956) 727-2140
fax: (956) 764-7842