In just nine days, both Deacon Tyler Arens and Deacon Peter Ludwig will be ordained to the sacred priesthood for the Diocese of Lansing by Bishop Earl Boyea. At the same time, Saturday, June 11, their fellow seminarians, Corey Bilodeau and Seamus Kettner, will be ordained to the transitional diaconate.

Beginning today, Thursday, June 2, and concluding on Friday, June 10, you are invited to pray a novena – nine days of prayer – for these four young men in order to invoke great heavenly graces upon them as they embark upon the great supernatural adventure that is Holy Orders.

Each day, pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be each day for the following intentions:

Day 1: In thanksgiving for our Baptism and sharing in the mission of Christ.

Day 2: For the grace to discern how God is calling us to know, love and serve Him.

Day 3: For the grace to accept our calling generously.

Day 4: For those currently living a generous single life for the Lord.

Day 5: For the protection of our vocations from every diabolical attack.

Day 6: For the gift of holy marriages and families, the well-spring of vocations.

Day 7: For an abundance of ordained clergy to bring us the Sacraments.

Day 8: For the gift of religious sisters and brothers to serve the Church.

Day 9: For all in consecrated life (including third orders) who pray for us.

Let us pray:

Here us, we beseech you, Lord our God,

and pour out on these your servants the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that these men, who are to be consecrated to your service,

may be surrounded by your rich and unfailing grace.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

* Novena created by Father Gordon Reigle, Pastor of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish and Saint John Church & Student Center, East Lansing.