Religious Vocations Archives - Page 12 of 23

Passing the torch

August 23, 2019

While growing up, I was blessed to have a number of priests in my life to interact with, but I did not have many opportunities to interact with many seminarians. It wasn’t until high school that I first got to interact with a seminarian who was stationed at my parish for the summer. It was surprising to see a young man studying for the priesthood, and his example helped me realize that the priesthood is a calling that can be answered at a young age.

Immersed in the universal Church

August 21, 2019

As I sit here thinking and writing, I am looking at three awe-inspiring volcanos on a beautiful 75-degree summer day, in a place called “The Land of the Eternal Spring.” Where am I? Why am I, as an Arlington seminarian, in this picturesque locale? I am in Antigua, Guatemala, beginning my last week of a two month Spanish immersion, so I can better serve a growing population in our diocese.

Falling more deeply in love with Christ

August 12, 2019

Arlington seminarians Andrew Clark, Joe Flaherty and I traveled to Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., where we were immersed in a program oriented toward a deeper holiness for those pursuing the priesthood of Jesus Christ. With a mission of guiding seminarians into a life of interiority, IPF effectively drew us into a deeper relationship with our Divine Creator.

What has changed at Catholic seminaries?

August 1, 2019

Though fewer in number, the vast majority of our young priests are men of integrity and courage, ready to embrace the challenges ahead and the demanding vocation of spiritual fatherhood with generosity, fidelity and joy.

Seminarians called to bring God’s Word, truth and love to others

July 29, 2019

The Mass of Admission for Candidacy is held after seminarians finish their philosophical studies (after two years or four years depending on if they graduated college) and as they enter into theological studies. Candidacy is the formal recognition by the church that a seminarian has reached “a maturity, joy and serenity in your discernment that coincides with the beginning of the study of theology,” according to Fr. Michael C. Isenberg, director of the Office of Vocations.

A mother’s love

July 24, 2019

As a young man setting foot on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., for the first time in 2006, fresh out of high school, I had aspirations of one day making the journey across campus to the seminary to study for the priesthood.

In pursuit of excellence

July 24, 2019

What’s so beautiful about the straight, level throw of a frisbee, a perfectly tight spiral touchdown pass, an accurate cross on a corner kick, or a graceful bump-set-spike?

A heart burning for the priesthood

June 26, 2019

This is the first year that newly ordained priests are men I entered the seminary with six years ago. Some are my close friends—the kind you cannot help but thank God for — and all are my dear brothers in Christ.

Seminarians take a step forward with Mass of Admission for Candidacy

June 24, 2019

The Mass of Admission for Candidacy is held after the candidates finish their philosophical studies (after two years or four years depending on if they graduated college and as they enter into theological studies. It is the next stage in the progression to Holy Orders.

Oldest of nine, Christendom grad, future priest

June 4, 2019

Deacon Blank looks forward to diving into parish life with the support of his friends and family.

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