LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Archdiocese of Las Vegas expects to have 24 young men studying for the priesthood this year, up from just three eight years ago.
Church leaders say the growth reflects both the rapid expansion of Southern Nevada and a broader cultural shift following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Father Miguel Corral, who was among the original three seminarians, said the increase is something he could not have anticipated.
“So going from three to possibly 24 this year, my gosh. And that’s within just, you know, eight years. Obviously, you can see there has been a growth,” Corral said.
Pope Leo, pandemic cited as factors
Corral said the times themselves may be contributing to the rise in interest.
“I guess it has to do, too, with the times we’re living, and COVID happened, all that uncertainty, right? So now people are searching for something, you know, more truthful, more meaningful in life, right?” Corral said.
The election of Pope Leo, the first American pope, has also drawn attention to the priesthood. Seminarian Josue Del Toro, 21, said the vocations office has seen a direct response.
“After he was elected, they’ve been getting a whole bunch of young men to discern the priesthood,” Del Toro said. “The vocations office has been getting emails from young men that are curious, at least just open to the possibility.”
Las Vegas growth fueling need for priests
Del Toro said he felt called specifically to serve the Las Vegas community.
“I felt like God wanted me to be here in Las Vegas, especially because we’re going very, very fast. And the necessity of priests is very, very high,” Del Toro said.
The archdiocese was elevated to that status by Pope Francis in recognition of the region’s growth. Corral noted the significance of that designation.
“Just two, three years ago we were recognized by the Pope himself and made us an archdiocese just because of the growth that is happening,” Corral said.
Corral also offered a pointed response to Las Vegas’ reputation as Sin City.
“Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. So it’s the work of God, and he’s the one who’s making his church grow in Las Vegas,” Corral said.
An additional 12 men are currently discerning whether the priesthood may be their calling. The archdiocese says it expects to finalize its seminarian count for this year in the coming months.
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