Diocesan Priesthood

What should I do with my life? ​The answer begins with holiness.

As Christians, we all have the same calling to be a disciple, a follower of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. When we ask the question "Lord what do you want me to do with my life?", the answer begins with holiness.

Diocesan priests are priests who are dedicated to serve the People of God in our local parishes. They are men of joy who celebrate the Sacraments for us, who shepherd us in the joys and struggles of our lives. They preach and try to live the Gospel; they try to exemplify that for us all.

Most importantly, diocesan priests are men of service after the heart of Jesus.

"Believe what you read, teach what you believe, practice what you preach." These are the words spoken to the priesthood ordination candidate. A diocesan priest must be a man in love with Jesus Christ and His Good News. He must seek to communicate that love to the people he shepherds and serves.

He also shares with his bishop the responsibility to teach and lead others in teaching the faith. A priest collaborates with many others in this role as he helps people intimately know the Gospel of Jesus and how they can live it.

Of course, like all of us, the priest is called to live out his Christian witness. He is called to give himself to Christ and His Church in celibacy (the unmarried state) so that his heart is free to love all those Jesus Christ has placed in his care.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one's friends....
We need good men, committed men, kind and compassionate men, men who are ready and willing to give their lives to make Christ present today, tomorrow and into the future.

Is this you?
Contact the Director of Vocations, Fr. Matthew McCarthy, at 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter + YouTube @vocationsto