On May 16, Brother Lawrence Hogue, formerly Caleb Hogue (BC ‘14) was ordained a transitional Deacon with the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit in Phoenix Arizona. Our students have been praying for Deacon Lawrence as our adopted seminarian and will continue to do so through his priestly ordination next summer. Below is a autobiographical report written by Deacon Lawrence. Congratulations and God bless!
I was raised Catholic in Loretto, Pennsylvania. There are many religious communities in the area. While I was in grade school at Saint Michael School, I was blessed to have postulants from the local province of Franciscan TORs as my teachers’ aids. These men had a big impact on my life, especially through their Nights of Worship, held at the local university. At these Nights of Worship, I encountered praise and worship for the first time. I even witnessed miracles such as physical healings. Most of all, I encountered God and his tremendous love for me.
This really gave me a solid faith and made me realize that the Eucharist is actually Jesus. But I was still living for myself and I was on and off when it came to following the Lord. Then in college, my cousins invited me to a praise and worship Bible study, which happened to be run by the same friars. There, I experienced God’s love and the fact that I belong with God. I decided to live my life for Him on the spot. At that point I still had planned on getting married. But as the year progressed, I became more open to the possibility of a priestly vocation, especially through the witness of the Franciscan Friars. I also began to desire to be consecrated totally to God.
One night, I had a prayer experience in which I believe the Lord Jesus told me that He was calling me to be a priest. This made me feel the most joyful I had ever felt. After that, my spiritual director told me I should discern whether the Lord was calling me to the diocesan or religious priesthood. When the Franciscans who had been so influential in my life moved down to Phoenix, Arizona to begin a mission to Native Americans, I figured that they were one of the communities I should discern with. I went to visit them, and again experienced one of the most joyful times of my life. I visited again and developed a love for the Natives in addition to feeling at home there. I did a few more years of school and then joined these same friars, who have been named the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit.
I have now been a part of these Franciscans for about nine years. Within that time, I have made my perpetual promises. With these promises, I gave myself totally to the Lord, by committing to live this way of life for the rest of my days. I was just ordained a transitional deacon on May 16, 2026. Now, I have the privilege of serving as a deacon and preaching at the different churches that we serve on the Reservations. I am very grateful for all who have supported my journey to the priesthood, especially by prayer, and also by contributing to my seminary tuition. I am so grateful for my vocation and, God willing, I hope to be ordained a priest next June.
Congratulations to Reverend Deacon Lawrence! Our prayers are with you!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Prayer for Vocations
God of all vocations, your call to Mary was received in the spirit of deep faith and generosity. Her “yes” gave you great joy and gave to us Jesus, your Word-made-flesh. Hear us now as we place the needs of this Church of Altoona-Johnstown under the mantle of Our Lady of the Alleghenies. As Mary cradles this household of God from its pioneer beginnings, bringing to maturity the vocations of many to priesthood and to religious life, so now we ask your blessing anew upon those who call these mountains home.
Speak your word again in our day. Send your Spirit to anoint and inspire us. Call forth from among our own number new vocations to the ordained ministry and vowed commitments of service to your people. Like Mary, may we hear and respond with readiness of heart, generosity of life, and perseverance in faith. We make this prayer through Christ Jesus our Lord, the perfect “Yes” to the Father. Amen. Our Lady of the Alleghenies, pray for us.
Written by Sister Margie McGuire, CCW, BIshop Carroll Class of 1967
PICTURE CAPTION:
Deacon Lawrence Hogue (BC ‘14) with his family (L-R): brothers Trevor (BC ‘19), Joel (BC ‘21), mother Monica (Long) Hogue (BC ‘85), father Steve Hogue (BC ‘85), brother Mitchell (BC ‘16) and his wife Shaelynn.