“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
Every Christian has a vocation: a call from God to holiness and to a particular way of life. Some are called to marriage and family life, some to the single life, and some to give their lives entirely to God as priests or consecrated religious. The Catholic Diocese of Bomadi needs priests and religious to serve its growing parishes across the waterways of the Niger Delta.
The diocesan priesthood
A diocesan priest serves the people of the Diocese in its parishes, schools, chaplaincies and offices, in obedience to the Bishop.
Who can apply: Catholic young men who have received Baptism and Confirmation, live a committed Christian life, have completed secondary school with good results, and are in good health.
The path to ordination usually includes:
- Discernment: talking with your parish priest and the Diocese’s vocations team, attending vocation programmes, and praying about the call.
- Application and interview: with recommendations from your parish priest.
- Spiritual year (propaedeutic stage): a year of prayer and formation.
- Philosophy: about three years of study at a major seminary.
- Pastoral year: practical experience in a parish.
- Theology: about four years of study, during which candidates are ordained deacons.
- Ordination to the priesthood by the Bishop.
Religious life
Men and women religious live the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in a community, each congregation with its own charism of prayer and service. Many congregations of sisters and religious priests serve in this Diocese. See The Religious for the communities present here, and contact a congregation directly to begin discerning.
Take the first step
- Pray and ask God what He wants for your life.
- Speak to your parish priest. He knows you and can guide you. Find your parish.
- Contact the Diocese through the Chancery to be put in touch with the vocations team.
Pray for vocations
Lord of the harvest, bless the Diocese of Bomadi with holy priests and religious. Give courage to the young people you are calling, and support all who serve you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.