Fall 2014

Re-building a culture of vocations with our youth, will find its’ greatest success if it is a comprehensive program that occurs throughout the entirety of their education and religious formation. Imagine if each Catholic school, each Religious Education program, and each youth ministry, devoted time every year on the specific topics of vocation, discernment, and how these relate to holiness? Now imagine if that ‘specific focus’ was accomplished with a program of lesson plans that were inter-related from year to year. And then imagine, if that program of vocation lesson plans was 100% online and provided to every parish and school in the Archdiocese of Detroit, free of charge! Well, imagination is now a reality. The Office of Priestly Vocations has purchased and provided to all parishes/schools this excellent new resource for the on-going education of what it means to have a vocation, why discernment is important and necessary, and how all of this will help a young man or woman to live a holy life. This program is a curriculum supplement and has been developed by Vianney Vocations, a catholic company that provides resources and materials for diocesan and religious order vocation directors. Some highlights of the vocation lessons curriculum:

For students in grades K-12 and youth ministry Works on Smart boards Ongoing updates and improvements Family Feature can be e-mailed to parents Lessons contain videos, original stories and inspiring

excerpts Why is this important? It’s not just the number of priests and consecrated religious that are in decline. “Healthy vocations to marriage are also in crisis, thus we need to be more deliberate in teaching students about the beauty of each vocation, and how to listen for God’s will.” – Vianney Vocations. If we are able to combine these vocation lessons with the positive and active example from the ‘domestic church’ of the family, God’s grace will have fertile ground in which to be cultivated for our youth. We have the ability to re-build a culture of vocations with our youth, and I pray that all pastors, principals, Religious Education Directors, youth ministers and most especially parents, will

fulfill their role as ‘vocation director’ and utilize these vocation lesson plans.

Introducing New Vocation Lessons

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As most of you are well aware, Vocation Awareness Week is scheduled for November 2 – 9, 2014. If it seems like this date is earlier than in the past, you are correct. The U.S. Bishops Conference agreed to change the date of this week, so as to avoid the often unpredictable cold weather related issues of January. Vocation Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for your parish, school, Religious Education program, youth or young adult ministry, to highlight the essential ingredients that are required to live a happy and holy life: vocation, discernment and prayer. Since we are all ‘vocation directors’ for the youth of our Church, it is imperative that we take the time to re-introduce to them, over and over again, what it means to be called by the Lord to live a holy life, through our vocation, which is best determined by prayer and discernment.

To assist the parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Office of Priestly Vocations will make available materials for download on their website: www.detroitpriest.com, that can be used to promote vocations at the local level. In addition to this information, all parishes will be mailed a ‘Resource for Priests’, which will

include: homily ideas, prayers of the faithful, items for the bulletin, and other vocation resources. Some additional ideas to help your parish or school to make this National Vocation Awareness Week a vibrant and informative celebration: Preach, Preach, Preach, Preach,

Preach about vocation...share your story!

Highlight a different Priest or Religious saint each day of the week.

Conclude your last Sunday Mass on either Nov. 2 or 9 with Eucharistic adoration, inviting each of your parish groups, commissions, councils, clubs, organizations to sponsor an hour.

Have your (or a neighboring) Priest, Sister or Brother visit the classrooms of your children for a Q & A on vocations, discernment or prayer.

Place testimonials, vocation prayers, or profiles in your bulletin.

Have the kids of your parish participate in a vocation prayer card or essay contest.

Highlight the Office of Priestly Vocations website: www.detroitpriest.com; Facebook page: Office of Priestly Vocations, and Twitter: @DetroitPriest.

Host a movie night, featuring a vocation related movie (Going My Way, Bells of St. Mary, Romero, John Paul II, Mother Theresa, St. Therese, Ben Hur, A Man for All Seasons, The Scarlet and the Black, For Greater Glory, etc.)

Be Aware!

“Behind and before every vocation to the priesthood or to the consecrated life there is always the strong and intense prayer of someone: a grandmother, a grandfather, a mother, a father, a community...Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only through prayer can they persevere

and bear fruit.” – His Holiness, Pope Francis

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On June 20, Sacred Heart Seminary was visited by 100 altar boys from across the Archdiocese of Detroit, for the 2nd annual Seminary Day for Altar Boys, a day of formation and fraternity with seminarians and priests. During the day-long event, the altar boys had the opportunity to pray, recreate, eat, and interact with the seminarians and priests. The highlight of the day was the first item on the schedule, celebration of Mass with Archbishop Vigneron. The altar boys were blessed to have the opportunity to pray with their Archbishop and to hear his own vocation story, which for him, began at the Seminary High School. After Mass, the Archbishop blessed and distributed special ’Christ bracelets’ for each of the young men as a reminder of their visit to the seminary and in gratitude for their service at the Altar of the Lord. For the presentations, the altar boys were placed into small groups of 15, and rotated around to different seminarians or priests for short talks on the topics of: discernment, seminary life, priesthood, and prayer. All the presentations afforded time for questions, and the altar boys had plenty of them to be asked. The day also included a tasty hamburger/hot dog lunch and time for recreation. Everything was concluded with some dessert, which was a full ice cream bar, with plenty of toppings for everyone. As the ice cream was consumed, everyone viewed the inspirational vocation video: Fisher of Men. When it was time to end the day- long event, all in attendance were challenged and encouraged to pray each day for God’s guidance in discerning their vocation. What better place to put this advice into practice then while serving the holy Mass! The next Seminary Day for Altar Boys is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2015. Please encourage the altar boys (8th grade – H.S. senior) from your parish or household to join us!

Seminary welcomes 100!

Dcn. Brian Meldrum and Fr. Paul Snyder

at recreation with one of the altar boys

Archbishop Vigneron poses with seminarians, priests & altar boys following the celebration of mass

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Where do the seminarians from the Archdiocese of Detroit call home? How many do we have? How many are new? What seminary do they attend? How many parishes have more than one seminarian? Search no further, all your answers are here!

2014-15 Detroit Seminarians 11 New Seminarians

2 College I 1 College II 7 Pre-Theology 1 Theology I

30 Returning Seminarians 10 College 20 Theology

41 Total Detroit Seminarians

34 Parishes are represented by the Seminarians: 13 - Northeast Region (Blue Water, North Macomb, Central Macomb & SERF vicariates) 12 - South Region (Northwest Wayne, West Wayne, Downriver & Monroe vicariates) 6 - Northwest Region (Thumb, Lakes, Pontiac Area & South Oakland vicariates) 3 - Central Region (Renaissance, Trinity, Southwest & Genesis vicariates)

6 Parishes have more than one Seminarian: 3 - St. Joseph, Lake Orion 2 - National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak 2 - Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth 2 - Assumption Grotto, Detroit 2 - St. Cyprian, Riverview 2 - Ss. Cyril & Methodius, Sterling Heights

4 Seminaries are attended by our Seminarians: 37 - Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit 2 - St. John XXIII Seminary, Boston 2 - Pontifical North American College, Rome 1 - Sts. Cyril & Methodius, Orchard Lake

Ordination projections (based on present numbers): 2015 - 5 (Theology IV) 2016 - 6 (Theology III) 2017 - 7 (Theology II) 2018 - 3 (Theology I) 2019 - 7 (Pre-Theology II & Philosophy II) 2020 - 9 (Pre-Theology I & Philosophy I)

Statistically Speaking

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The Office of Priestly Vocations welcomes Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, Fr. John Kopson and Fr. Jeff Allan as our newly appointed Regional Vocation Promoters. They will join Fr. Paul Snyder as a part of this important vocation team. We are looking forward to working with these fine priests in our efforts to promote the priesthood. The position of Regional Vocation Promoter was established in 2012 by Archbishop Vigneron as a more effective way to promote vocations to the priesthood throughout the four Regions that compromise the Archdiocese of Detroit. Each of the priests who have been assigned to this position are full-time parish priests who assist the Office of Priestly Vocations with promotion of the many vocation programs offered throughout the year, and are also available for vocation talks at parishes/schools.

The Regional Vocation Promoters are:

Central Region Fr. Patrick Gonyeau Associate Pastor of National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak

South Region Fr. John Kopson Associate Pastor of Divine Child, Dearborn

Northeast Region Fr. Jeff Allan Associate Pastor of Holy Trinity, Port Huron

Northwest Region Fr. Paul Snyder Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington Hills

New Regional Vocation Promoters

Fr. Patrick Gonyeau Fr. Paul Snyder Fr. Jeff Allan Fr. John Kopson

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Our New Detroit Seminarians

Name: Richard Asher Home Parish: St. Michael The Archangel, Livonia Age: 55 Hobbies/Interests: Spiritual reading, writing, working out, biking, racquetball, jogging, swimming Prior Occupation: Writer, Publicist, Event Manager for General Motors Corporation Favorite Saint: Saint Monica

Vocation Story: I was first called to the priesthood as a 2nd grade student, attending many retreats where I preferred to spend time in prayer over participating in leisure activities. At the age of 13, however, I discovered girls and decided that celibacy and the priesthood weren't for me. Unfortunately, I also became spiritually poor, stopped attending church and distanced myself from God for the next 40 years. After my mother passed into eternal life in 2012, I felt the need to return to a loving relationship with the Lord and continue my discernment. I accomplished this through prayer, study, consultation with priests and immersing myself into my parish as a daily mass attendee, lector, Eucharistic minister, usher and volunteer at many church functions. All of this led me closer to Christ and gave me an increasing passion to become a priest. I feel blessed that the Lord never gave up on me and I look forward to helping others receive the same love, blessings, grace and mercy that he bestowed upon me either as a priest, if it is God's will that I become ordained, or as a lay person focused on intently living my life for the Lord and the salvation of others all the remaining days of my mortal life. Name: Philip Brimer Home Parish: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Beverly Hills Age:22 Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Writing, playing Chess, and watching movies Prior Occupation: Student at Albion College

Favorite Saint: If he's canonized soon Archbishop Romero Vocation Story: I was at college studying political science and was working on becoming a lawyer and some sort of politician, in the classical sense. However, once I saw the vapidness of the profession of politics and most, not all lawyers today, I knew that wasn't what I was being called to do. After prayer to our Holy Mother and reminiscing about former mentors and priests I knew, I believed that's what I was called to do. Above all, I had the experience and example of my grandfather before me who, without doubt, is one of the greater influences on why I originally thought I was being called to the priesthood. After further prayer and contemplation, I believed that's what I was called to do.

Name: Jesse Campbell Home Parish: St. Augustine/St. Monica, Detroit Age: 32 Hobbies/Interests: Travel/People Prior Occupation: Carpenter Favorite Saint: Teresa of Avila/Little Flower/Teresa of Calcutta/John of the Cross/Solanus Casey/Benedict Joseph Labre

Vocation Story: Something like Augustine. If that sounds arrogant then I misspoke. Maybe Augustine minus the genius. If that is possible. My vocation story is not very direct. If there was a machine where we could enter one end and come out the other as a fully ordained priest, then I missed the entrance. There was never a moment where the sky opened up and God spoke directly either, orally or with words, I mean. He certainly spoke [speaks] through others though. In His wisdom, God had enough foresight to put a lot of Monicas in my life who were and are continually committed to my daily conversion. I have been called a late vocation. Not because I was called until later in life – it just took longer for me to be receptive and lean into a calling that was really there all along. Quietly. God’s universal whisper for complete self-giving. It’s there for everyone, I think.

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Name: John Carlin Home Parish: The National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak Age: 25 Hobbies/Interests: Martial arts, running, music (piano, violin, guitar), making movies Prior Occupation: Karate instructor, receptionist Favorite Saint: The Little

Flower - Saint Therese of Lisieux Vocation Story: My first thought of becoming a priest was in Mr. Vincent's 7th grade homeroom class at Shrine. It was then, sort of an epiphany moment, that I first considered that God, in His plan, made me with other people, whose salvation I could affect and could, likewise, affect mine. I had always had a strong foundation in faith from my parents teaching and example, and I felt God in me, and that I knew Him, at least a little. So, I had then a strong desire to bring other people to this relationship/foundation that I had, and knew no better way than the priesthood and the Eucharist. I held onto this dream through high school and college, getting involved, especially in the Prolife movement, trying to put my talents to use in doing the most good that I could with my life. Eventually, I came to a point where I wondered if I couldn't do more good outside of the priesthood, but, as is the nature of discernment, God has a specific plan for each of us. It is not a matter of figuring out or deducing your vocation but in listening for His dreams for you and in giving Him your own. I have spent this past year getting involved with everything at Shrine and have really gotten to know my home parish. I feel now, stronger than ever, that God is calling me to be a priest. Name: Timothy DuBois Home Parish: St Kateri Tekakwitha, Dearborn Age: 24 Hobbies/Interests: Backpacking, music, athletics, video games Prior Occupation: Cost Accountant Favorite Saint: St. Augustine

Vocation Story: Although I was raised Catholic I never seriously considered the priesthood until my junior year of college when my father was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease (ALS). Confronted with this awful illness, I started honestly searching for the answers to the "big" questions in life. Namely, "Why am I here?" and "What is the purpose of life?" I searched in many places but found that the only truly satisfying answers came from Jesus Christ. Quite simply, we are here because we have a Father in heaven who loves us beyond our imagining, and the purpose of life is to give us an opportunity to return the love which we have been shown. When I came to understand what this meant the priesthood seemed like a tremendous way in which I could return the love which God has shown to me. I got in touch with my pastor Fr. Terrance Kerner, who pointed me in the right direction, completed the application, and received word that I was accepted and would begin my studies and formation this September. Name: Colin Fricke Home Parish: Assumption Grotto, Detroit Age: 27 Hobbies/Interests: Sports, woodworking, Natural Law, Trinity Prior Occupation: Middle School Math Teacher Favorite Saint: St. Patrick, St. Catherine of Siena Vocation

Story: God’s invitation started as a whisper in childhood. I wanted to eat the Eucharist forever! Many people said that the priesthood might be okay for you, I guess (not very convinced of its life giving nature). Eventually, someone who was convinced (could see this by his life) went out of his way to write a letter to me and I became even more serious in making myself a total gift. As a math teacher, I realized I wanted to give something more than math to my students. They showed me in a very real way that you can love someone for who they are (I think I reciprocated this). This is rare today as many do not see the giftedness of the other in a substantial way, but rather use the other for their own end (which they perceive as good). “God created man in His own

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image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Gen 1:27).” The term them is conditioned by male and female, and also God’s own Image. So together, male and female are in the Image of God! We can discover the giftedness in the other person by seeing the attractiveness in them and reciprocating with our own gifts in a mutually free communion. God gives many gifts including teaching, knowledge, humor, and all sorts of arts (sunsets, portraits, cute cartoons), to name a few. The world portrays these relationships as an exclusive idolatry if closely examined. Not so freeing. I realized that the priesthood does not hinder relationships, but rather allows God’s infinite freedom into them (a childlike relationship with all). Finally, I realized to be free you had to love Jesus unto folly. The cross is a mystery that we enter into (priest especially). This is not human wisdom, but Divine. When you enter into the mystery you are free from fear, popularity, unforgiveness, etc. This takes prayer wherein God shapes your desires and redeems them for the good.

Name: Andrew Mabee Home Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth Age: 27 Hobbies/Interests: Running, good coffee, CrossFit, spending time with family & friends, playing guitar, cycling, and being outdoors! Prior Occupation: Marketing Associate for Superior Text LLC

Favorite Saints: St. Maximilian Kolbe & St. Damien of Molokai Vocation Story: Jesus broke into my life in college and began to draw me to Himself. During my late college years, I was invited by some extraordinary men from a Christian lay missionary brotherhood to consider if the Lord was inviting me to intentionally live single for Him, so as to be free to serve Him with my whole life. During this time, Jesus began drawing me home to His Bride and I entered the Catholic Church at the 2012 Easter Vigil (after roughly 4

blessed years as an active protestant). During the process of RCIA, I began to encounter the Fatherhood of God in such a profound way. As He met me with His infinite love and abundant mercy, I felt a great freedom to offer everything to Him. Throughout this encounter, I had begun to feel a great draw to the priesthood, and after 2 years of continued prayer and discernment (as a Catholic), I finally applied and entered seminary in the fall of 2014. Jesus Christ is alive, and he wants all of us!

Name: Daniel Magareno Home Parish: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Detroit Age: 18 Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, music, traveling, and community service Prior Occupation: High School Student Favorite Saint: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Padre Pio, St. Dominic Savio Vocation Story: As a child I didn't go to church that much. In 2005 my uncle passed away that happened to live with me. This was painful especially to me since he was also my Godfather for baptism. His death made my family, and I closer to God. In April of 2006 I started serving as an altar server, which is when my family also started serving in church. In 2009 I started getting more involved in church besides altar serving by helping in catechism, food pantry at my parish, and other community services. In 2013 during my junior year of high school I came to the decision of becoming a priest after discerning about a year. In the fall of 2013 I attended a discernment weekend, where I received my application to the seminary, and thanks be to God I was accepted.

Our New Detroit Seminarians

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Name: John Maksym Home Parish: Saint Ambrose, Grosse Pte. Park Age: 53 Hobbies/Interests: Golf, skiing, and spending time with my beagle "Sparky" when I am in Michigan. Prior Occupation: Retired Judge and senior Naval Officer. Favorite Saint: Saint John

Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, England. A man of incredible courage - the only English peer or lord spiritual to defend the Papacy against the usurpation of Henry VIII over the Church at the cost of his head. Vocation Story: I have had a serious call to priesthood since 7th grade at Saint Germaine in Saint Clair Shores. The pastor, a great priest, Fr. Lasalle Lenk, just walked up to me, put his hand on my shoulder while I was praying in the chapel and said "I think you are going to become a priest John." That short interplay had a lifetime impact on me. I became distracted by high school, college, law school, some wonderful dating relationships with exceptional women and a successful legal career in Michigan and in the Navy, but Christ never stopped calling me. I always knew what I was supposed to do but it took me a while to offer an unconditional "yes" and concede that I just wasn't in charge. Now, as a Theology student at Pope Saint John XXIII Seminary in Boston. I am studying/praying/forming with some incredible second career professionals, close to my age. I am incredibly grateful to Archbishop Vigneron for giving me this opportunity to study for the priesthood for my home archdiocese after living around our country and overseas for so many years. Name: Thomas Merlo Home Parish: St. Mary's of the Hills, Rochester Hills Age:18 Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with friends and sports Prior Occupation: Student Favorite Saint: St. Michael the Archangel Vocation Story: I first felt the call to the priesthood when I

was in sixth grade. Unfortunately I put that thought to the back of my mind. I went through middle school and most of high school unsatisfied. But this thought of the priesthood came up more and more. Still ignoring this call I had plans of going to college and play football. On spring break I read the "Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel, it is about how people need to love God to the fullest. So one night I was sitting on the couch saying to God "I feel like I have given you everything but yet I feel this hunger," and God wrote on my heart saying, "No you haven't," and right there and then I felt a call to go to the seminary. By the grace of God I withdrew from the college I was going to, and applied to Sacred Heart Major Seminary. I could not be more happy being here! Name: Jacob Shultz Home parish St. Rita, Holly Age: 20 Hobbies/Interests: History, sports Prior Occupation: Student Favorite Saint: St. Rita Vocation Story: It starts in January 2013 when I heard about the Camino trip Fr. Tim Birney was organizing. During the Camino I was able to get closer to God through prayer. About five months later I decided to go on a discernment weekend where I picked up an application for seminary.

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Office of Priestly Vocations 2701 Chicago Blvd. Detroit, MI, 48206

313-868-7040 Visit the website: DetroitPriest.com

Fr. Tim Birney, Director: birney.tim@aod.org

Brett Mangold, Program Coordinator Mangold.brett@aod.org

Nancy Dietrich, Administrative Assistant: dietrich.nancy@aod.org

Matthew Hood, VOCARE Editor: hood.matthew@aod.org

7th Annual Vocation Convocation

On Saturday Sept. 13, over fifty men and women from thirty different AOD parishes, gathered at Sacred Heart Major Seminary to learn how they can become a more active 'vocation presence’ in their parish, by forming or joining a Vocation Committee. The 7th Annual Vocation Convocation was specifically devoted to working towards the goal of having an active vocation committee in each of our parishes in the Archdiocese. Some of the participants were completely new to vocation ministry, while others were looking to enhance their present work. All in attendance were focused on how to assist the Office of Priestly Vocations and women Religious Vocation Directors to accomplish their mission of promoting what it means to have a vocation, especially if it be to the priesthood or consecrated religious life. For over two hours, the attendees were presented with information about the various programs offered by the Office of

Priestly Vocations and Women Religious, a comprehensive Vocation Committee packet, and time for discussion about all the above. This meeting will help the Vocation Office to accomplish its' goal of having an active vocation committee in every parish. The more people who are talking about ‘vocation' the more people who

are promoting the AOD vocation programs, the more people who are praying for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life, will naturally lead to more people exploring a possible religious vocation...and that is always a good thing. For more information about the programs offered by the Office of Priestly Vocations and Women Religious, to view Vocation Committee information or to download a calendar of events, please visit our website: www.detroitpriest.com

Calendar of Events

Event Date Location Audience

High School

Discernment Overnight

Oct. 10 –11 SHMS Freshman-Junior

High School Men

Priesthood Sunday

Oct. 26 All US Dioceses All Catholic

Faithful

Discernment

Weekend Oct. 30 - Nov. 2 SHMS

H.S. Senior - 55

years of age

National

Vocation

Awareness Week

Nov. 2 –9 All US Dioceses All Catholic

Faithful

Archbishop/

Guest Dinner Dec. 4 SHMS

AOD priests and guests, men 16

years of age

and older Interested in the

priesthood

Participants gather at Sacred Heart Seminary