A vocation is a calling from God, received at baptism, to first and foremost be holy. In the pursuit of holiness, there will be a specific way in which God will call each of us to live that out: marriage, single, priesthood or religious life.
Pope Francis provides us with a further definition of vocation: “A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a well cultivated field of mutual love that becomes mutual service, in the context of an authentic ecclesial [Church] life. No vocation is born of itself or lives for itself. A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people, in the experience of fraternal love.”
It is the mission of the Office of Priestly Vocations to help cultivate this “good soil” amongst the people of God so that our young people will be better equipped and better prepared to hear the call of the Lord in their young lives. A vocation is given the best opportunity to blossom when it is well cared for in the home. With a strong foundation established by parents in the “domestic church” of the home, the ministers of the Church are then able to nurture and strengthen the vocation of a young person.
Some of the ways the Office of Priestly Vocations attempts to facilitate this nurturing “of a vocation that flows from the heart of God,” specifically for our priesthood candidates, can be found in our many programs:
The Watchmen: Regional Discernment Groups
Regional Discernment Groups are for men ages 16-55 who want to actively discern the call of the Lord in their lives. These groups will be meeting bi-monthly for times of prayer, presentations on discernment, and fellowship with other like-minded men. These groups are facilitated by the Archdiocesan Regional Vocation Promoters. In the Archdiocese of Detroit, there are four regions each incorporating four vicariates. Each vicariate is composed of anywhere from 15-25 parishes. Attendees should feel free to attend any regional group, regardless of where they live. More information about the locations and times for each of these groups can be found on our website: www.detroitpriest.com.
Discernment Weekend/Overnight
Discernment Weekends are a unique experience for anyone feeling a call to the priesthood. Spending four days living at the seminary provides attendees with a firsthand opportunity to see what it’s like from the inside. Attending a Discernment Weekend is perfect for anyone from the Archdiocese of Detroit (high school senior to 55 years old) who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood and would like to learn more about the seminary program, classes, and the daily life of seminarians.
A large part of the Discernment Weekend focuses on the four pillars of formation (Spiritual, Human, Intellectual and Pastoral). The four presentations on each of the pillars explain how they are the foundation of the seminary formation program and will be the most informative part of the weekend. These weekends also provide attendees with more tools for proper discernment.
Discernment Overnights offer a young high school man (freshmen through junior) a unique opportunity to experience the seminary and learn about the priesthood. High school students will meet new friends and grow in their understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. There are two Overnights each academic year, and each Overnight features new content and presentations.
There’s no better way to learn about life in the seminary then to spend time with seminarians. More information and registration for both of these events can be found at: www.detroitpriest.com.
Solemn Evening Prayer and Dinner with the Archbishop
All parish priests will soon be receiving a letter of encouragement to invite men from their parish to join them for Solemn Evening Prayer and Dinner at Sacred Heart Major Seminary with Archbishop Allen Vigneron and the seminarians. This evening will be an opportunity to learn more about the seminary and interact with priests and seminarians. It will serve as an excellent introduction to the seminary and explain the basic ingredients of discernment for someone who is possibly discerning a call to the priesthood. Registration for this event is through the parish priest.
Each of these programs will only be successful if the invitation is extended to our young people for consideration. I pray that all men and women of the Archdiocese of Detroit will see themselves as a “vocation director” and help our young adults to consider their vocation, especially during National Vocations Awareness Week. I’ll let Pope Francis have the final word: “Have you sometimes heard the voice of the Lord through a desire, restlessness, inviting you to follow him more closely? Have you had any desire to be an apostle of Jesus? Ask Jesus what he wants from you and be brave!”
Fr. Tim Birney is Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
