Greetings!!!

My name is Father Walter Szczesny, the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Buffalo. I want to welcome you to explore and research our Vocation website. I hope that you will find it interesting and informative.

January is a month for Vocation Awareness. I invite you to read and learn more of the Seminarians who are studying for the Diocese of Buffalo. Click on "Seminary" and then "Meet Our Seminarians." You will find a brief story on each of them. They vary in age and previous life experiences. But each has a love for God...and for God's people. Each has a desire to serve and minister to the best of their ability. Our Seminarians will be journeying to Washington this month to be part of the March for Life. The following week they will travel to 15 different parishes and preach at 55 Masses over the weekend on the need for more Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life. February will also be a busy month for them. Four Seminarians will be installed as Lector on February 3rd by Bishop Gerard Bergie of the Diocese of Saint Catharines. The Seminarians will be most present and available to assist at the Annual Diocesan Youth Convention in mid-February...look for them at the Vocation display table...and at the Annual Altar Server Awards Mass and luncheon one week later. Thank you, Seminarians, for your level of energy...and for your dedication to God. You are a blessing.

Msgr. James Wall is the Priest of the Month for January. He has a very interesting journey towards the Priesthood. You can find his story under "My Story" and then "Local Parish Priest Stories."

You may also enjoy listening to the testimonials reflected in the 2012 Vocation radio ads. They reveal the discernment journey and priestly mission of Bishop Edward Kmiec, Bishop Edward Grosz, and Msgr. David LiPuma. I invite you to listen to these ads which are found below. Your suggestions and comments are most welcome.

May God continue to bless you and guide you as you discover and live out God's plan for you.