Call For Service
By: Kimberly Williams
Updated: June 10, 2007
Roman Catholics around the world are celebrating a special holiday this weekend... The feast of Corpus Christi.
A mass was held Saturday morning at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, in Shreveport, followed by a monstrance procession. Dozens prayed and sang as they followed religious leaders who were holding a monstrance containing the eucharist-- which for catholics represents the body of Jesus Christ. Local priests say the procession was also a way to call attention to a growing problem within the Catholic Community.
"We need people to serve our church as priests and as brothers and sisters in our community." said Father Andre McGrath. "Its now to awaken in our young people to say this is also a very important thing that you can do and commit yourself to.
The procession ended at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in downtown Shreveport, where the eucharist will be kept on display for 24 hours.
Like many other parts of the world, the Catholic Diocese of Northwest Louisiana is facing a priest shortage. This time last year there were five men enrolled in seminary. Right now there are four men enrolled and three ordained priests will reach retirement age sometime this year.
