Yes, God is raising up faithful servants of the Gospel right here in our parish of St. Joseph’s in Downers Grove. You may already be aware of our “own” seminarian who continues his studies for the priesthood in our diocese, Joseph LeMay. Completing his undergrad studies, he continues academic and spiritual formation this Fall at Mundelein Seminary.
I am also pleased to share here more good news for our parish. Mr. Robert Visher has been approved and welcomed for admission to the Diocese of Joliet Diaconate Formation Program. This is to prepare for service to our parish as a permanent deacon. Congratulations to Rob and his wife Julie. We’re grateful for the response of all aspirants, especially from our parish. We’ll continue to pray for you and your families.
Gracious and loving God, help the men and women of our parish to hear the call to serve in the Diocese of Joliet.
Our needs are great and our people thirst for your presence.
Open the hearts of many. Raise up faithful servants of the Gospel—dedicated holy priests, deacons,
brothers and sisters, who will spend themselves for your people and their needs.
Bless all of our married couples with a rich faith and children that desire to serve you.
Bless those who are serving now with courage and perseverance.
Grant that many will be inspired by their example and faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end. nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alome.
Prayer of Thomas Merton