Andrew Huck
Published: November 12, 2008

DUBUQUE – Catholic Dioceses throughout the United States have been struggling with vocations to the priesthood in recent years, but is that trend the same here in the Archdiocese of Dubuque? To find out I talked to the Director of Vocation Awareness for the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Father David Schatz.

Father Schatz believes that vocation begins at mass.

“Through the celebration of the Eucharist that moment when Christ comes to us fully present, doing that well will help us to understand how close God wants to be to us,” says Father Schatz.

Currently there are fourteen men in the Archdiocese preparing for the priesthood; these young priests will be called to serve in the coming years as older priests begin to retire in greater numbers.

“It’s an opportunity of calling to something new we see all the different ways that leadership has come forward, young people, a new generation see this, and are responding,” explains Schatz.

Priests in the Archdiocese will be assigned to various parishes after their ordination where they will share their many gifts with the faithful.

“The priesthood is a gift and it keeps giving and your gifts are called out of you,” adds Schatz.

Father Schatz is hopeful for the future of priestly vocations and the Catholic Church.

“I don’t think it’s a measurement of numbers,” says Schatz. “I witness as I go around our diocese that the Holy Spirit does not abandon people and I know that’s true in my own life.”

If you would like to learn more about vocations within the Archdiocese of Dubuque contact Father David Schatz.

Archdiocese of Dubuque – Office of Vocations
www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us
563-556-2580 ext. 281
DBQCVO@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us

Andrew Huck can be contacted at Andrew.Huck@lctv13.com