Peterborough Vocations Office
820 Frank Street K9J 4N4 Peterborough, ON, Canada

As we, the Deacon Class of 2022, write the final petition of our seminary formation, the words of the petition remind us of profound aspects of our vocation: fi...rst, that the priesthood is God's gift to each of us, and second, that we for our part commit our whole lives to Him and His Church. The 'Petition for the Sacred Order of Presbyter' uses 'receive' or 'reception' about the priesthood eight times. This is significant because too often, I tend to see the priesthood as something I have to achieve, be worthy of, or somehow earn- as though if I can be holy enough and tick off enough of the boxes, God will notice that I deserve to be a priest. The words of the petition remind me that the priesthood is God's dream for me and that for reasons that aren't clear to me, He has chosen me for this. It is truly the greatest gift one could receive this side of heaven. I can do nothing to deserve it- all I can do is receive it with great joy. The words of the petition also make it clear that to receive the gift of the priesthood concerns neither a set time, nor certain aspects of myself, but is rather a commitment of my entire self, all that I am and have, for all the days of my life (and beyond!). While this is certainly daunting, there is something truly epic about giving oneself so totally - not just to some cause, not simply to any person, but to God and His Church, for the salvation of souls. It's hard to think of anything greater! These words remind us of the gravity and the greatness of our call. Please keep us, the Deacon Class of 2022, in your prayers as we prepare to receive this gift and give ourselves in this way.

This weekend’s Gospel is the calling of the disciples to become fishers of people, not just fish. They will later become heralds of the word and proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth, ordaining priests to continue Christ’s work down through the ages. Let us pray for our priests and for more vocations to the priesthood!

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. we also pray for more vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life!

Priests minister in all sorts of conditions. From baroque cathedrals to the humblest Mass celebrated on top of a tree stump by a traveling priest and his Mass kit, the one same Mass is being celebrated by priests!

Our new website has been launched! https://ptbovocations.ca/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj5aDJOSVfk

Thank you to everyone who participated in our All Saints Day Contest on November 1st! We hope you all had fun learning about the Saints and how they lived their Vocations. There were 6 winnersl. Here are our winning entries: Angela Doris, Age 8 (St. Margaret Mary) James Doris, Age 5 (St. James the Greater) Blaise Heron, Age 5 (St. Louis IX)... Elyse McNamara, Age 8 (St. Elyse) Patrick McNamara, Age 5 (St. Patrick) 3-way tie: Ava Meehan, Grade 2 (St. Maria Goretti), Rio Meehan, Grade 3 (St. Dymphna), Pierce Meehan, Grade 5 (St. Francis of Assisi) Special thanks to Michael Dawson for donating the prizes. Each winner will receive a DQ gift card! Please join us next year at our Annual All Saints Day Party!

Our student Mass continues tomorrow! Mass is at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of St Peter in Chains. This week we will be live-streaming over on our Facebook page. See you all tomorrow!

Families - have some fun on All Saints day this year (Nov. 1) and participate in our All Saints Day Contest! 6 DQ gift cards are up for grabs! Please share!

Students: ever thought of becoming Catholic? Would you like to explore that possibility with other students? We have an awesome opportunity for you!! www.ptbovocations.ca/rcia

I have previewed the videos for this year’s Virtual Vianney Fair and they are AMAZING! Please tune in tomorrow, anytime, at www.ptbovocations.ca/vianneyfair

We hope you can be part of our Virtual Vianney Fair on August 23rd! https://www.facebook.com/events/3268949293136450/

We hope to see you at this year's Virtual Vianney Fair!

We are so excited to invite you to the Virtual Vianney Fair! Tune in online for some meaningful fun, with something Vocation-related for all ages. Visit www.ptbovocations.ca/vianneyfair at any time on Sunday, August 23 we hope to see you there! Please share and tell your friends. God bless!

Here is a letter from Bishop Miehm on the gradual re-opening of churches in the Peterborough Diocese. Our pastors, staff and volunteers are working hard to open the doors!

Check out Episode #4 of our mini series "Staying Sharp"

Happy Anniversary Bishop Daniel Miehm!!

Episode 3 of the Flying Fathers Mini Series "Staying Sharp"

A message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations! Please sign up to pray for vocations at www.ptbovocations.ca/pray

A helpful reflection on ‘Productivity and Value’ from Peterborough seminarian Austin Mokry. While we should strive to make the most of our time in self-isolation, we must remember that our God-given dignity does not depend on how productive we are! https://docs.google.com//11J_pRNEl9vNdP1I3sBswlgf-SO/edit

‘Staying Sharp’ with Fr. Matt McCarthy!