Discerning the Priesthood

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains ​that it is best to focus on one thing at a time when discerning a vocation. Not only is it most prudent to discern ​​just one vocation at a time;​ ​it is​​​ also important to take discernment ​one step at​ ​a time. When we discern with this kind of care and commitment, the path God desires for us should become clear.

Finding the right prayer habit can be difficult, and the rote prayers we were taught as children are too often not prayed from the heart. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers prayer guidance, revealing a way to pray that priests are taught in their formation years which helps make their prayers both habitual and genuine.

Most of us desire to feel God's consolation in prayer. But how do we get to that place, and what do we do once we're there? Fr Columba answers these questions and more.

Saint John Vianney College Seminary is one of the largest college seminaries in the United States, representing dioceses throughout the nation, with approximately 100 undergraduate men in formation annually.

Created by Ryan Nooraee ('21; Rockford) at the request of Father Michael Becker (Rector) during the Fall Semester of the 2020-2021 School Year, this video shows an average day in the life of a man in formation at SJV (Starring Bailey Peterson of the Diocese of Rockford!)

From prayer and study to dodgeball and skateboarding, find out what it is like to be a seminarian for a year. Meet young men from around the world, from those who are new to the seminary program, to the actual ordinations of the graduating class. Find out what is special about this generation of priests.

Christ’s invitation to priesthood is an invitation to a way of life that is athletic in its intensity and heroic in its form. Discern the call. In this short film, Father Robert Barron and the seminarians of Mundelein Seminary present the demands and the joy of the priestly vocation.

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson give their vocation stories in this clip from Ascension's best-selling study ALTARATION.

From his Arkansas upbringing, to his military experience, through his vocational ascent, Fr. Stephen Gadberry shares his trials, tragedy, and ultimate joy, answering Christ’s call to engage the culture and spread the Gospel message.

These four CFR Brothers are becoming priests this week! Brother Mark-Mary, Brother PT, Brother Francesco, and Brother Angelus can use your prayers and support as they are getting ordained to the priesthood May 26. In this video, they discuss what it means to each one of them to become a priest. The best part is that, while these friars have found a special way to serve God and others, their examples can remind us of what we're all called to do.