A few weeks ago, we had five of our diocesan priests on the “sidelines.” Bishop Bradley was even telling the priests that we don’t have enough substitutes to go around. We were saddened to hear that two of these priests were Fr. Farrell and Fr. Consani from St. Monica. As of the time I write this, Fr. Farrell is now in hospice care. Fr. Farrell has been a long-time pastor of St. Monica’s and a great supporter of our Catholic Schools in Kalamazoo. I ask that you keep all these priests in your prayers, especially keep Fr. Farrell, as he prepares for his passing into eternal life. My column this week is going to be a mini reminder that it’s up to all of us to pray for vocations to the priesthood! I know that I’m certainly not getting any younger and thankfully my health issues are manageable at this point in life. In fact, this is my 29th year of ordination. Some of you may still remember me as a “new” priest! Yes, we do have more men in the seminary to study for the Diocese this year. That is indeed something that gives us hope and is a great help to us as we scramble sometimes to cover our parishes. However, only one is up as a candidate for ordination to the priesthood this Spring. I think everyone can do the math and see that we need to intensify our prayers! Everyone needs to do their part in encouraging vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Can we count on your help and prayers? Thanks for reading! Fr. Mark