I also wish to speak to families, especially the parents of young men who might be considering a call to the priesthood. There has been some discussion lately that parents are not particularly supportive of their sons who wish to follow the vocation to priesthood. Yet, through research that the Diocese of Brooklyn conducted with the help of St. John’s University, we found that the 1,400+ respondents felt that this is not particularly true, especially when parents feel their sons are freely pursuing their vocation. On the other hand, peers are not as supportive of the decision to follow a vocation as might be expected. I encourage you to speak with your parents about your investigation of a vocation. They can be of tremendous assistance and support to you if they understand your motivation.
Finally, a word about the priests who serve our diocese. I have personally been privileged to serve as an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Newark and as the Ordinary of the Diocese of Camden. When it comes to Brooklyn, I can say that there are no finer priests in my experience than those we find here in Brooklyn and Queens. They are among the most generous and effective priests that I know. This Presbyterate is open and welcoming to all who wish to join. Our Diocesan gatherings truly show a priestly fraternity which is supportive and wholesome. Hopefully, the brooklynpriests.org website will give its visitors an insight into our Diocese and the presbyterate of Brooklyn, and ultimately call more people to better serve the Lord as priests of the Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D.
Bishop of Brooklyn