Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Welcome! I am pleased to be given this opportunity to speak to you of ordained & professed vocations within the church of the Diocese of Albany. It was over forty years ago that I heard the gentle voice of God calling me to serve as a priest, and I strongly believe that God’s voice—gentle, loving and persistent–is still calling many of our men & women to commit their lives to ministries of service as priests, and religious sisters and brothers.

Welcome to one of the initial steps in considering God’s call for each one of us. Yes, already in baptism, we have been asked to seek holiness and to serve the needs of all. Still, God singles out particular men and women as individuals, that they might join the Lord Jesus in proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Their proclamation is made in so many & varied ways throughout the Diocese of Albany: as professed men & women serving in religious orders; as dedicated men serving as diocesan priests. In whatever case you might find yourself, please know of my care for you and your vocation within the Catholic Church.

I encourage you to spend some time exploring our website, and then to continue in your prayer. If you have strength & courage enough—and you feel the desire to consider a life of prayer & action as a diocesan priest, or religious sister or brother—please be sure to contact our Vocations Office. Don’t let God’s gentle whisper go unheard or unheeded…no, let God’s voice resound through your own!

Be assured of my prayers for you as you consider a vocation in the church. May the Lord grant you every blessing.

Faithfully yours,
Howard J. Hubbard
Bishop of Albany