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.
"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
New research suggests Mars could have enough water under its surface to form a global…
The Perseid meteor shower peaks late Sunday night, and given that it will be paired…
An Italian-led team of scientists say they have confirmed evidence of a sizable cave on…
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., is now threatening to force a vote on a measure…
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took to social media to call out critics who say President…
Former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, who served with President Biden in Congress for over 20…