VOICES IN THE DESERT

The Diocese of Las Vegas consists of 39,688 square miles located within the southern portion of the state of Nevada. Within its boundaries, 30 parish communities exist within small rural towns and the large, brightly-lighted metropolitan area of Las Vegas. Not only is the Diocese one of the fastest growing areas, but is also home to one of the largest tourist destinations within the United States. The basic facts of Las Vegas are striking: city population is now over one million people; the tourist industry brings in some 35 million people a year and the people moving to the Las Vegas area number around 5,000 a month. We estimate that one third of our population is Catholic, or about 600,000 people.  The Diocese consists of 25 parishes, 2 Shrines, and 7 missions. There are 31 incardinated active diocesan priests who receive assistance from 21 other extern diocesan priests and Religious.  With these statistics, you can easily see that the need for parishes and priests in the Diocese of Las Vegas has never been greater. The need to build more parishes is crucial. Yet, in order to accomplish all of this, our Diocese lacks the priests to shepherd these growing faith communities.

The Catholic Church in Nevada is a vibrant community of faith filled people who gather often to celebrate their faith. Life within our parishes is filled with the demands of various church programs as well as priestly ministry expressed in a multitude of ways. Whether it be welcoming new parishioners; celebrating parish Masses; visiting the sick, elderly and the dying; participation in RCIA; sharing in the sacramental life of the Church, teaching adults and children; visiting the imprisoned; working with high school and college students, the priest of the Diocese of Las Vegas are dedicated men who work tirelessly in the sharing of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. As men of prayer, they listen to the voice of god and, as men of ministry, they share God's message with all. Together with their Bishop, these men become the "voices in the desert," proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to all they serve.

Who are called to join these "voices in the desert?" Men who have a deep love for the Church, a rich prayer life, are academically competent, morally sound, have good physical and psychological health, orthodox in their faith and in the practice of their faith; men who have good common sense, a love for mission and the People of God; men who are self-sacrificing and desire to offer their lives for the good of the Catholic Church in Southern Nevada.

High school students are encouraged to contact their parish priest or the Vocation Director so that they may be supported in the process of making a decision. College students and older men between 19-40 are encouraged to contact the vocation Director so that the process of discernment may be handled smoothly. College-aged and older candidates may be asked to partake in a Pre-Theology Program in order to supply necessary hours of Philosophy required before entering Theology. The Bishop, having reviewed each candidate's academic background, will determine what Seminary College and School of Theology he will send his candidates.