St. Timothy's and St. Rita Churches

The Diocese of Providence is home to 401 priests, 104 deacons, 477 religious sisters and 83 brothers.

A Diocesan priest is called to serve the people of God. He fulfills the mission of the Church through liturgical and sacramental celebrations, teaching and preaching the Gospel, and upholding the faith of the Church.

The Diocese of Providence comprises the entire state of Rhode Island. Diocesan priests serve the 142 parishes and numerous missions, hospitals, schools and social agencies. Approximately 300 priests, as well as religious men and women meet the spiritual needs of the people with regard to worship, education and community life.

A priest takes on the rolls of shepherd, administrator, counselor, teacher and collaborator. The most vital role of the priesthood is spiritual and sacramental leadership. In his ministry, a priest promotes the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of the people.

 

Vocations Office Contact Information

Vocations Director: Fr. Carl B. Fisette, 401.331.1316 or email cfisette@catholicpriest.com. Learn more - visit the Vocations Office website at wwwcatholicpriest.com. To visit Our Lady of Providence Seminary, click this link. Read the Vocations Newsletter, here.

Spiritual Director: Fr. Michael J. Najim, email mnajim@catholicpriest.com. Read Fr. Najim\'s blog spot by clicking here: http://liveholiness.com/.

 

From Pope Benedict XVI "If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation. And so, today, with great strength and great conviction, on the basis of long personal experience of life, I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life. Amen."

 

Qualities Desired in a Candidate For Priesthood
He is:

1. One who considers a personal relationship with God as an important part of life.
2. One who has an ability and willingness to talk about his faith life.
3. One who has a desire to serve others and make a difference in people\'s lives.
4. One who is willing to sacrifice personal or material gain for the service of the Gospel and the Church.
5. One who is recognized as being approachable.
6. One who enjoys life, people, and has a sense of humor.
7. One who has the ability to lead and work with people of all ages.
8. One who recognizes the importance of the Church.
9. One who forms and maintains healthy relationships with both men and women.
10. One who feels good about himself, has average to above average intelligence, and has good physical, mental and emotional health.

If you know a man with these qualities, he may be called to the priesthood…and you may be the one to help him see it! Encourage vocations. Don’t be afraid to invite him to think about it.

 

Prayer for Priestly Vocations God our Father, we beg you to stir into flame the call to the priesthood which you have placed in the hearts of many men in the Diocese of Providence. With expectant faith we pray for a new springtime of priestly vocations. Raise up for us priests according to the Heart of Christ, your Son.

We ask your blessing upon each of our diocesan seminarians. Grant them the grace of perseverance and a deep desire to follow Christ with an undivided heart.

Bless our Bishop and priests. May they continue to be faithful stewards of your holy mysteries, and through their example may many men be inspired to follow you as priests.

We entrust this prayer to Mary, the Mother of Priests. May she obtain for us priests after the Heart of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pray one Hail Mary for an increase in vocations.

 

A Prayer for Vocations, from Pope John Paul II
"Lord Jesus, once You called the first disciples in order to make them fishers of men. Continue to let resound today Your sweet invitation: “Come and Follow Me.”

Grant to young men and women the grace of responding promptly to Your voice. Sustain our bishops, priests, and consecrated souls in their apostolic work. Give perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are fulfilling the ideal of a life of total consecration to Your service.

Enkindle in our communities a missionary zeal. Send, Lord, workers into Your fields and do not let mankind be lost because of a lack of pastors, missionaries, and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel.

Mary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say “Yes” to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the divine design of salvation. Amen."