May 31, 2009

For over 10 decades, more than 2,000 men have been ordained to the Maryknoll missionary priesthood, and several hundred have taken oaths as Brothers. The areas in which we serve havebeen affected by World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts around the globe. Maryknollers have been imprisoned, tortured and even killed. But the enthusiastic and joyful dedication of Maryknollers to their apostolic calling has never diminished as they carry the Gospel to Africa, Asia and Latin America.

We live side-by-side with the poor and powerless. We work side-by-side combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and advancing peace and social justice as a living mission outreach of the American Church.

If you feel this is the kind of global spiritual journey for which God is calling you, we invite you to join us in our works of compassion around the world.

If you are young, single, Catholic man living in the United States and are considering joining us in mission as a Priest,  we can help you make the right decision. Find a quiet place, take some time alone, and ask yourself some questions:

• What do I want to do with my life?
• Do I have an understanding of our Catholic Faith?
• Do I participate actively in the Church?
• Do I have a commitment now to those who are less fortunate, and do I participate in some type of volunteer work?
• Do I have an openness to people of other cultures, to people who have other visions of the world and ways of living?
• Could I attain the skills needed to live a celibate life that will make me totally accessible to those in need?

If you think this could be your calling, consider the requirements:

• Meet the basic admission requirements
  
• Obtain an undergraduate degree that includes requirements in philosophy and theology
  
• Earn a Master of Divinity Degree through Theological Studies
  
• Take part in an Overseas Training Program for ordinarily 2 or 3 years gaining practical experience as part of the training.
  
  

Then take the time to talk this over with a friend, a family member, your parents, perhaps your parish priest. Feel free to contact us at vocation@maryknoll.org or contact a Maryknoll Mission Center.