Bishop Barres

My Dear Friends in Christ,

As the new Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, I welcome you to this renewed website for the Vocations Office.  The reason this website exists is to provide you with an inside view to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  The stories and insights of Priests and seminarians, as well as their parents, are provided as resources to help guide your discernment of a call to the Priesthood.

St. John Marie Vianney said that the Priesthood is “the love of the heart of Jesus.”  In proclaiming this ‘Year for Priests,’ Pope Benedict XVI’s certain hope is that, through the intercession of the Cure of Ars, the love of Christ will grow abundantly in hearts of Priests throughout the world.  I am confident that Christ’s love made visible in the heroic witness of our Priests in the Diocese of Allentown will inspire you who read this message to respond generously to God’s call to the Priesthood.

Take a look around this site.  Use the information to help your prayer and discernment.  Ask the Blessed Mother to help you open your heart completely to God.  Allow the Holy Spirit to move in you. If it seems that God may be calling you to be a Priest, do not be afraid. Contact our office of Vocations. We are here to walk with you on the road of discernment. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Bishop John O. Barres, D.D.
Bishop of Allentown, Pennsylvania

Bishop John O. Barres, D.D.

Click on a quote below for a video message:

“My own opening up to the priesthood…”

“What should I do with my life?”

“The connection between the Mass & the Priesthood”

“I am ready to go the extra-mile…”