Next steps In Discernment
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The Office of Vocations runs a number of discernment programs and provides numerous opportunities that might be of interest to those considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
For young men and women, the annual Quo Vadis camp. A Quo Vadis experience for the young men and women in the Archdiocese will provide them with an opportunity to question where they are going and instruct them on how to listen to God's call. Quo Vadis will help our youth know what it means to discern their vocation! It is an annual event held in July for men and women, ages 14 – 17. In addition, for young men, Operation Andrew Dinners during the school year provide an occasion to meet others discerning the priesthood and to learn more about the application process and seminary life. For young women, the Miriam Dinners provide an opportunity to pray and meet consecrated women and hear their vocation stories. Miriam Dinners are a great way to come together with other young women, ages 16 - 35, who are discerning God's call. These events require no obligation, but are an excellent opportunity to take a serious look at what possibilities consecrated life may hold for you. High School age men are also invited to come and learn about seminary at Vianney Visits. The Vianney Visit is for high school sophomores through college age men (ages 16 - 24), to take the opportunity to take a closer look and experience college seminary. Attend Mass, prayer and spiritual conferences with SJV priests and hear testimonies from seminarians. If you are interested in registering for the Vianney Visit, contact SJV at (651) 962-6825 or sjv@stthomas.edu For all men, ages 16 to 50, The Fall and Spring Andrew Dinners are hosted by Archbishop Hebda and/or Bishop Williams and /or Bishop Izen. These dinners are an opportunity to hear vocation testimonies from priests and come together with others who are interested in learning more about the priesthood. The Archbishop's Discernment Retreat for Men is for men without a college degree. This retreat, for High School Juniors to age 24, led by the Archbishop and the Director of Vocations, is a wonderful opportunity to gain clarity in your discernment. The Discernment Day Retreat is for men who have a college degree, and are discerning priesthood. This retreat is led by Auxiliary Bishop Williams and the Vocation Director. At all of these events, you will meet other men who desire to follow Christ and to know his will for their lives. |
If these or any of our events are of interest to you, please contact the Vocations Director, Father David Blume, by email or at (651) 962-6890. Then, the two of you can further discuss your discernment process and decide if it is appropriate to apply for seminary formation. The application process includes a paper application which includes biographical information as well as a number of essays and short answers. The seminary application process also includes interviews with priests, references from others who know you, your educational history and transcripts, a background check, and a psychological evaluation (which is arranged and paid for by the Office of Vocations). It is a lengthy, but also fruitful, process for those who are considering the call to the priesthood.
Again, if you have any questions or concerns about any of the events, your discernment, or the application process, please contact Father Blume or the Vocations Office at any point in your discernment process: |