Alter Christus, an organization founded by Diana Shertenlieb and former vocations director Father Brian Higgins, has found a visual image to emphasize the importance of supporting young men pursuing the priesthood.

Created to provide prayer support for archdiocesan seminarians, Alter Christus (“Other Christ”) has created a poster with photos and biographies of them. The poster literally puts a face on the men in the seminary and Shertenlieb hopes it will encourage parishioners to pray for them. It was done with the support of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and current vocations director, Father Luke Ballman.

“The poster became a focal point for that prayer. Every church … should have one of these posters in its narthex and school. It serves as an introduction to those men who will soon serve us as our priests,” Shertenlieb said.

Posters are up at a variety of locations including the Cathedral of Christ the King, Holy Spirit Prep School and Church, Transfiguration Church, St. Catherine of Siena School and Church, Blessed Trinity High School and the archbishop’s office.

According to the group, demand is up for the posters. If a church or individual would like to participate, they are only responsible for the printing cost of the poster.

“This is not a fundraiser,” Shertenlieb said, “It’s a service to our parishioners and a labor of love.”

The group, comprised of parishioners, is also responsible for the dinner held each year for parents of seminarians. Shertenlieb says the dinner is a way of “thanking the parents for their sacrifice in giving their sons to God so they might serve all of us.”

Currently filling its third order of printing for the posters, the group is also working on a Spanish translation.

“Throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta, each day parishioners are praying for vocations,” said Shertenlieb. “The purpose of these posters is to link them to the parishioners who are praying for them.”