Archdiocese of Baltimore sees vocations surge with 66 seminarians

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has 66 seminarians in formation, including 14 men who entered this year. This increase has filled the archdiocese's propaedeutic houses in Baltimore and Emmitsburg to capacity.

The archdiocese plans to ordain 12 new priests, with one scheduled for January and 11 others for June. Archbishop William E. Lori attributed the growth to prayer, a vocations team, encouragement from pastors, and parents who are open to their sons entering the priesthood.

The 14 newest seminarians range in age from 17 to 36 and represent 14 different parishes. Three of these men will spend their foundational year of prayer and discernment at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Source of All Hope urban missionary program.