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Pope Benedict announces the Year for

Priests

Pope Benedict XVI has declared this to be the year for priests. He intends this year to encourage "spiritual perfection" in priests. The observance officially began on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, July 19, and will conclude on the feast next year. A priest has a 24/7/365 calling. During this special celebration hold our priests in your prayers, celebrate the sacraments with them, let them know that they are loved and appreciated and pray that others will answer the Lord's call.

Fr. Burke Masters tells a powerful story of his conversion and call to the priesthood. The director of the Joliet diocesan Vocation Office celebrated Masses May 24 at St. Joseph Church. Click here to listen to his homily.

Thinking about priesthood or religious life? Explore the possibilities at the diocesan Vocation Web site.

Click here for Pope Benedict's message as he launched the

celebration and for more details about the Year for Priests.