Vocations

God is Calling You

We are all called to a special vocation. Whether it be the priesthood, religious/consecrated life, marriage or chaste single life, our commitment to our vocation is the same. The vows we take in our vocation are sacred, a calling from God to how we live our lives and serve others each and every day. 

Vocations aren’t the result of planning, but an encounter with God that changes your life. // Pope Francis

marriage

chaste single life

​Please continue scrolling to learn more about religious vocations.​

 

Have you ever thought about the priesthood or religious life?

God may be calling you to serve Him in a special way. If you have ever considered religious life but don't know were to begin in your discernment, we hope that the resources on this page may assist you on your journey. You are not alone - you are in our prayers with each step you take.

Holy Orders

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati offers various resources for discernment of the priesthood and diaconate. The links below offers information on the process for becoming a priest, a discernment quiz and discernment stories, as well as additional recommended resources and FAQ.

Am I Called?

answering the call

I Will Follow (Video)

Religious & Consecrated Life

​"In every age there have been men and women who, obedient to the Father’s call and to the prompting of the Spirit, have chosen this special way of following Christ." See what resources the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and USCCB have for those considering religious life below.

Communities

Discernment

Vocation Videos

Congratulations to the newly ordained

Fr. Ben Mersch &
​Fr. Jeremy Stubbs

Fr. Jeremy Stubbs

Fr. Ben Mersch

Fr. Ben Mersch and Fr. Jeremy Stubbs were a part of the Our Lady of Light community throughout their journeys to becoming priests. Fr. Ben Mersch served his seminarian internship at St. Francis of Assisi Church in 2021, and Fr. Jeremy Stubbs served as a seminarian intern in 2017 at Incarnation Church. The two were ordained together on Saturday May 18, 2024 as priests for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Please keep these men in your prayers as they embark on their first year of the priesthood!

Fr. Ben Mersch First Assignment |  Parochial Vicar Family of Parishes Family of Parishes C2 (Holy Family Middletown, Holy Name Trenton, Our Lady of Sorrows Monroe)
Fr. Jeremy Stubbs First Assignment | Parochial Vicar S8 (Holy Cross Immaculata Cincinnati, Our Lord Christ the King  Cincinnati, St. Francis DeSales Cincinnati, St. Rose Cincinnati, St. Stephen Cincinnati)

Religious Vocations Resources

Priesthood

Fr. Dan Schmitmeyer
​(513) 263-3390
[email protected]

Religious Life

Maria Reinagel
​​(513) 263-3390
[email protected]

Prayer for Vocations

​Almighty Father, You have created us for some definite purpose. Grant us the grace to know the path You have planned for us in this life and to respond with a generous “Yes.” Make our archdiocese, parishes, homes and hearts fruitful ground for Your gift of vocations. May our young people respond to Your call with courage and zeal. Stir among our men a desire and the strength to be good and holy priests. Bless us with consecrated religious and those called to a chaste single life, permanent deacons, and faithful husbands and wives, who are a sign of Christ’s love for His Church. We commend our prayer for vocations to You, Father, through the intercession of Mary our Mother, in the Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen.