Letter from Bishop Kevin Britt

May 21, 2003

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Bishops' Committee on Vocations, I am pleased to present you with information about the men who are scheduled to be ordained in 2003. This press packet, entitled "Ordination Class of 2003", offers a glimpse into the lives of the men who have responded favorably to God's call to serve the Church as priests.

In his most recent encyclical, our Holy Father states, "It is in the Eucharist that prayer for vocations is most closely united to the prayer of Christ the eternal high priest… To sow and to bring to fruition in a young man's heart the seed of a priestly calling." (Ecclesia de Eucharistia #31)

We are grateful to the Diocese of Charleston for allowing us to utilize the logo that has been so much a part of their vocation efforts. This logo helps to reflect the message that each priestly vocation is an extraordinary gift of God's love.

Many of the men scheduled to be ordained this year indicated that they have felt their priestly vocation supported by family, friends, parishioners, priests, and religious. You will find within this packet information concerning the men ordained in 2003. The packet includes:

• A study by Dr. Dean Hoge of the Class of 2003
  
• A press release by Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, RSM
  
• A sheet of photographs of six members of the Class of 2003
  
• Names and numbers of men cited in the press release
  
• FAQ's (Frequently asked questions about priesthood)