Categories: World

Erie K of C prays for more priests to alleviate shortage

ERIE — Members of St. Joseph Council 7413, Knights of Columbus, are urging prayers for more priests in the Archdiocese of Detroit to alleviate a shortage of clergy in Southeast Michigan, particularly in the south-Monroe County region.

At its monthly meeting in Erie Tuesday, Grand Knight Ben Roelant led about 20 members of the council in praying for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Roelant

"We need priests," Roelant told the members. "Our priests need us now."

Currently, due to a shortage of priests, the Lumen Christi Family of Parishes has only one priest available — Rev. Donald Slaton. The family includes St. Anthony Catholic Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Temperance and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie. Father Slaton, pastor at St. Anthony, is also ministering at the other two parishes.

Roelant noted that Rev. Don LaCuesta has been ill and cannot celebrate Mass or the sacraments until he returns. Father LaCuesta has served as pastor of Mount Carmel for the past 10 years. Also, Rev. Gerard Cupple, pastor of nearby St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Ida, died last week, Roelant noted.

Subscribe Now: For all the latest local developments, breaking news and high school sports content.

Father Slaton said in a letter printed in Sunday's bulletin at St. Joseph, "I am in discussions with all of the Lumen Christi staffs, as well as the archdiocese about how to proceed. Please keep me in your prayers for wisdom and strength during this period of transition. I intend to provide for St. Joseph, St. Anthony and Our Lady of Mount Carmel as I am able and given the Grace by God. The Lord has not abandoned us! Let us not lose hope in His promise."

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Erie K of C prays for more priests to alleviate shortage

Share

Recent Posts

Florida dad arrested after toddler dies in hot car while he allegedly got hair cut, ‘went drinking’: police

close Video Florida dad arrested after toddler dies in hot car Scott Gardner, 33, is…

35 minutes ago

Suspect arrested in horrific NYC rush-hour subway stabbing that injured 2

close Video NYC subway stabbing leaves 2 injured Two men were stabbed in the abdomen…

35 minutes ago

Hiker found dead after dayslong search in notorious mountain range

close Video California missing hiker body found at base of waterfall: police Caroline Meister, 30,…

35 minutes ago

Young mother thrown from boat leaves behind grieving husband, 4 children after Alabama waters tragedy

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for June 18 Fox News Flash top headlines…

35 minutes ago

Idaho judge tells Bryan Kohberger to prepare for summer courtroom showdown after last-minute effort

close Video Judge could sanction leakers in Bryan Kohberger case with criminal charges: Lawyer Tara…

35 minutes ago

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s silence amid Tyler Perry scandal is ‘self-serving behavior’: experts

For some royal experts, the silence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is deafening. The…

43 minutes ago