Men of the Hearts

“If I had a thousand lives to live, I'd want to live every one of them as a priest.” Detroit's new Archbishop Edward Weisenburger visits the podcast studio to share his vocation story with Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee, hosts of the Men of the Hearts podcast. Recording on the historic day of Pope Leo XIV's election, Archbishop Weisenburger reflects on where he was when he heard the news, his past encounters with Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, and his anticipation of receiving the pallium in Rome. He discusses his early call to the priesthood, formative seminary years, ministry across several dioceses, and his advice to young men discerning the priesthood.(0:25) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce a very special guest for this episode, Detroit's new Archbishop Edward Weisenburger. As the episode is being recorded on the day of Pope Leo XIV's election, Archbishop Weisenburger begins by recounting where he was when he heard the joyful news of the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. (6:06) Archbishop Weisenburger looks back on some of the many ways Pope Francis made a difference in his life as a priest and bishop. He describes his ad limina visits to the Vatican as a bishop to meet with Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. He then looks ahead to his next trip to Rome this summer, when Pope Leo XIV will present him with his pallium—a blessed, thin white band of woolen fabric worn over his shoulders, a symbol of sheep being laid on the shoulders of the shepherd.(16:02) Archbishop Weisenburger expresses his gratitude for the smooth onboarding process following his arrival in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He also touches on the importance of prayer in the life of a priest. The group briefly revisits where they were when they heard the announcement of Pope Leo XIV: Fr. Drew was driving to Sacred Heart Major Seminary and trying not to crash from excitement; Fr. Craig was crowded around a bakery television with other patrons, and Archbishop Weisenburger was stopped by joyous strangers while walking through the airport. (21:38) The group segues to Archbishop Weisenburger's vocation story, which he calls “boring.” The seed was planted very, very early in his life, as he was always intrigued at Mass. He only attended Catholic school for one year, as a second-grader while his dad served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. However, the family was very involved in parish life. He remembers dressing as an altar server for the first time in third grade: “It just hit me. I felt more right in that moment than anything [else] I had done.” (28:54) Archbishop Weisenburger recalls that his life “kind of exploded” in seminary college. He was interested in tennis and racquetball, loved to read, and made friendships that still stand today. The academics were intense, which prepared him well for his subsequent theology studies at the American College of Louvain, a Roman Catholic seminary in Leuven, Belgium. At his first assignment as a priest, he remembers attending Anointing of the Sick calls late at night with his pastor. (38:59) Archbishop Weisenburger recalls visiting home midway through his studies in Belgium, a point at which he decided to go “full speed ahead” toward the priesthood. The group spends some time discussing his calls to become Bishop of Salina, Bishop of Tucson, and Archbishop of Detroit. Then, revisiting his time as a priest in Oklahoma City, Archbishop Weisenburger recalls ministering to the family of Blessed Stanley Rother.(49:38) Archbishop says he is grateful for the twists and turns of his ministry, recalling a pastor who once told him “anything that can be learned in life can be used by God.” He remembers serving alongside religious sisters from Mexico in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. (55:24) Fr. Craig asks if Archbishop Weisenburger feels the prayers of so many people in...

“This call is unique, and beautiful, and special, and adventurous, and amazing for anyone who wants to take it on.” Fr. Jaime Hinojos visits the podcast studio to share his vocation story with Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee, hosts of the Men of the Hearts podcast. He reflects on his journey from childhood in Chihuahua, Mexico, to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Detroit. The conversation touches on cross-cultural ministry, the role of mentorship, and practical advice for those exploring the priesthood.(0:26) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew welcome listeners and introduce their guest, Fr. Jaime Hinojos. They share Easter celebrations, reflect on the passing of Pope Francis, and remark on the richness of the Easter Vigil with newly baptized and confirmed members. Fr. Jaime expresses his admiration for Pope Francis and describes how the pope's pastoral love and simplicity left a deep mark on his soul.(4:25) Fr. Jaime shares the inspiration behind his own podcast, “TheoScience,” which blends his love of theology and background in engineering. He discusses how faith and reason are complementary, not opposed. He notes that his podcast is mainly in Spanish but occasionally features English content as well.(10:59) Fr. Jaime recounts how his spiritual journey began with a male prayer group in Chihuahua, Mexico. His prayer life intensified through music, Scripture, and personal reflection. He describes a mystical experience in which he heard the word sacredote, Spanish for priest, during deep prayer and saw himself vested in green — an early confirmation of his call.(20:20) Fr. Jaime's early discernment continued to develop through his participation in an all-night Eucharistic adoration group. A providential connection through a friend led him to Fr. Bob Wurm in Michigan, setting his journey to the U.S. priesthood in motion.(28:26) Fr. Jaime credits a “pioneer spirit” with his decision to pursue the priesthood in the U.S. rather than Mexico. He remembers making little headway speaking with a religious order. He emphasizes the value of perseverance in discernment and shares the advice he received from spiritual mentors who encouraged him not to leave the seminary, even during hard times, unless asked to leave.(33:48) Fr. Jaime recalls learning the importance of presence over agenda when ministering to the sick. All three priests discuss how growth comes through challenge and change, encouraging young men to remain faithful in their discernment journey through any setbacks or confusion.(48:49) Fr. Jaime emphasizes the need to foster a culture of vocations in the Hispanic community and shares how he regularly encourages young men to consider the priesthood in joyful and lighthearted ways. He then describes the warmth and vibrancy of Hispanic Catholic culture — marked by food, family, and deep reverence for blessings.(52:00) Fr. Jaime offers advice to men discerning: Pray before the Blessed Sacrament and don't carry fear about failure. He shares how a priest once told him, “You don't have to be a priest,” liberating him from anxiety and allowing him to freely embrace his calling. His parting message encourages discerners to be joyful, flexible, and faithful. He then closes the episode with a prayer.

"If it's a true call from God to become a priest, you're not gonna be able to shake it. He's gonna keep coming for you." Fr. David Kidd, Director of Diocesan Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Toledo, joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to talk about his journey to the priesthood. Looking back, he realizes God started preparing him for the priesthood when he was an altar server in childhood, but his path detoured through college, dating, and a deployment overseas before finally leading him to the doorstep of the Pontifical College Josephinum seminary in Columbus. He shares how five years studying in Rome opened his eyes to the universality and longevity of our faith and offers his advice to men discerning the call to priesthood in their own lives.(0:27) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce their guest this month, Fr. David Kidd, Director of Diocesan Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Toledo. Fr. Drew kicks off the episode by sharing that his parish recently finished The Rescue Project with the community's young adults, spending a few weeks in small groups “unpacking the Lordship of Jesus.” Fr. David then shares some recent blessings in his life. (10:52) Fr. Drew shares some recent events at his parish, including Lenten penance services, Alpha gatherings, and Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger's installation as Archbishop of Detroit. Fr. Craig hosted a discernment weekend attended by men from the Archdiocese of Detroit as well as other nearby dioceses, while also working on an art project he plans to submit to Divine Child High School's upcoming art show.(16:45) Fr. Craig asks for Fr. David's vocation story. Fr. David is the oldest of four children and grew up in Lima, Ohio. He reflects on his experience as an altar server, through which he says God began preparing him for the life of a priest. He first considered the priesthood in senior year of high school, after visiting the Pontifical College Josephinum seminary in Columbus. He became more serious about his discernment in college, shortly before being deployed to Kuwait with the National Guard. (27:49) While in Kuwait, Fr. David regularly attended Mass on base, where a chaplain sensed his possible vocation to the priesthood. While home on R&R, Fr. David finally met with the vocations director and submitted an application to seminary just two days before returning overseas. (37:56) After Fr. David received his Bachelor's in Philosophy in Columbus, his bishop invited him to further his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. He recalls getting a strong sense of the universal Church sharing classes with students from all over the world. He also remembers being in awe visiting churches older than the United States: “People have been living and dying for this faith for a long time.” (50:05) While Fr. David never seriously doubted his vocation during his five years in Rome, he did struggle being away from family without regular visits for so long. This challenge helped him develop his relationship with God, trusting in Him and in His plan—leaning on God rather than on his own abilities. He then offers his advice to men discerning the priesthood: take small steps in your discernment, like developing good prayer habits, getting a spiritual director, visiting a seminary, going on retreat, reading spiritual books, and journaling. “All those little steps along the way bring clarity.”(57:48) Fr. Craig thanks Fr. David for joining, and Fr. David closes the episode with a prayer.

“The priesthood is beautiful. Keep thinking about it. Keep praying about it. It's worth it.” Fr. Pieter vanRooyen, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Ypsilanti and an assistant professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to talk about his journey to the priesthood. Having been raised in a nominally Catholic household, it wasn't until he was in college at Michigan State University that Fr. Pieter first began thinking about the priesthood. He shares how his devout grandmother, a high school friend, and a campus Christian group influenced his growing faith and helped open his eyes to his priestly vocation.(0:27) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce their guest this month, Fr. Pieter vanRooyen, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Ypsilanti and an assistant professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He shares some recent blessings, like participating in Exodus 90 with the men of his parish. Fr. Drew shares his own experiences with Exodus 90. Our hosts and their guest then talk about Fr. Pieter's interest in motorcycles.(8:53) Fr. Craig, who serves as Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, talks about a recent dinner and evening prayer with Archbishop Vigneron, attended by more than 200 young men discerning the priesthood. Fr. Drew pauses to express gratitude for Archbishop Vigneron's years of ministry and slips in an invitation for Archbishop-designate Weisenburger to be a guest on the podcast after he's installed as Archbishop of Detroit on March 18. (10:22) Fr. Pieter begins sharing his vocation story. He grew up in a nominally Catholic household—he was baptized and received First Communion and Reconciliation, but attended Mass mostly on holidays and was not confirmed as a young teen. When he was in high school, his family moved closer to his devoutly Catholic grandmother, who taught him about the faith and arranged for him to be confirmed. (18:37) Fr. Pieter talks about breaking up with a steady girlfriend and feeling “crushed” by the loss, but ultimately asking himself whether he had “made an idol” of the relationship. He explores the difference between preparing for marriage and casually dating. Even married couples should look to God, not their spouse, as their ultimate source of satisfaction.(22:59) Fr. Pieter enrolled at Michigan State University in the fall of 2001 on a scholarship from the Air Force through ROTC. Within weeks of the semester starting, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks occurred and Fr. Pieter considered dropping out and enlisting. After some thought, he decided to stay in school. He began attending Mass periodically with a suitemate as well as a Bible study. (30:26) Fr. Pieter recalls spending spring break in Panama City, Florida to attend a Campus Crusade for Christ conference, during which students were sent out “two-by-two” to share the Gospel with beach-goers. One fruit of this trip was Fr. Pieter began praying every day: “Jesus, I give this day to you.” He also began to seek answers about his Catholic faith and returned to Reconciliation for the first time since second grade.(42:12) During the summer before his sophomore year, Fr. Pieter lived with his grandmother in Chicago. It was during this time, while at Adoration with his grandmother, that he first asked God what he should do with his life. In response, the thought unexpectedly came into his head to be a priest. Fr. Pieter shares how he initially dismissed the thought but later told his grandmother, who helped connect him with a priest to explore the vocation.(54:07) After a few years of discernment and living in accordance with Church teachings, Fr. Pieter graduated from MSU and entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary in 2004. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing six years later. The group spends some time talking about how a...

“Take the next step, whatever that might be.” Fr. Mario Amore joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to talk about his journey to the priesthood. His path was full of twists and turns, with stops in altar service and music ministry. After applying to Sacred Heart Major Seminary and subsequently delaying enrollment for two years, Fr. Mario finally took “the next step” to answer God's call. (0:26) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce their guest this month, Father Mario Amore, Director of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Detroit who also serves as a priest in solidum for the Resurget Cineribus Family of Parishes, which includes St. Aloysius, Old St. Mary's, and the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Amore reflects on his last few months, including Christmas and the annual SEEK conference. (6:55) Fr. Mario is no stranger to podcasts, having previously hosted the Archdiocese of Detroit's I AM HERE podcast in support of the National Eucharistic Revival. Our hosts join Fr. Mario in a discussion about some of the beautiful stories shared through that effort. Fr. Mario also shares his experience hosting the Certifiably Catholic podcast alongside Mary Wilkerson and Mike Chamberland, current hosts of Archbishop Vigneron's Eyes on Jesus podcast.(12:25) Fr. Drew and Fr. Craig reflect on their last few months. Fr. Drew has been “learning the lay of the land” at his assignment in Novi and recently had dinner with his brother and a longtime friend. Meanwhile, Fr. Craig has been encouraged by increasing attendance at Sacred Heart Major Seminary's recent Discernment Weekends. The group also talks about the significance of altar serving to encourage vocations to the priesthood.(20:12) Fr. Mario shares his vocation story. He attended Catholic school as a child and attended Mass every Saturday evening with his family, “doing whatever I had to do to embarrass [my parents].” Still, he remembers his maternal grandfather predicting that he would become a priest one day. He started serving the parish as an altar server before taking a detour into music ministry as a teenager. Ultimately, his interest in theology led him to explore taking classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, which he calls his “first foot in the door” of discerning the priesthood. (33:11) Fr. Mario recalls attending a discernment weekend at Sacred Heart. He was already familiar with the academic experience of the seminary, having taken classes since high school, but his discernment weekend affirmed for him that he could find joy in the brotherhood and community of Sacred Heart. After working in a parish for two more years, Fr. Mario finally decided to apply to become a seminarian—but waited and discerned another two years before officially entering the seminary.(44:53) Fr. Mario talks about his time as a seminarian at Sacred Heart, his ordination in 2015, and celebrating his first Mass at St. Pius X in Southgate on the anniversary of his baptism at the same church. He also touches on what it's like to serve both as a parish priest and Detroit as Director of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He then offers his advice to men considering the priesthood: “Take the next step, whatever that might be.” The episode concludes with a prayer and blessing.

“Recognize that the Apostles were just fishermen. They were just tax collectors. They were sinners. They were imperfect, normal dudes like you.” Fr. Pierre Konja joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about his journey to the priesthood for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Detroit. He encourages young men in discernment to “go to the Gospels” and allow themselves to “fall deeply in love with God.”(0:26) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Maybee introduce their guest this month, Father Pierre Konja, a Chaldean priest from the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Detroit. Father shares about the Eparchy, an ecclesiastical province separate from the Archdiocese of Detroit but still in communion with the Holy Father. (4:36) The group discusses vocations work as Father Konja reflects on his time serving as vocations director. He connects the role of the priesthood with fatherhood, particularly for vocations directors who are tasked with helping young men discern and preparing future priests for “the fruitfulness and the challenges and the joys of the priesthood.” Fr. Konja then segues into sharing his own story of discerning his vocation to the priesthood. (7:54) Fr. Konja's journey to the priesthood was straightforward: “I've always loved God. I always went to church, and then fell in love with God, and then I wanted to serve God.” He also shares the advice he gives to seminarians that also applies to everyone seeking their vocation in life: Go to the Eucharist, go to the Word, and go to the Gospels. Fr. Drew and Fr. Craig provide updates on their lives and ministries.(13:10) Conversation turns back to Fr. Konja's early life and vocation story. Born and raised in Detroit, he attended Catholic school and went to church regularly with his family. He felt challenged in his faith while attending University of Detroit Jesuit for high school, but continued to pray and attend daily Mass periodically. The group then talks about the strong culture of faith in the Chaldean community.(19:57) Fr. Konja recalls first considering the priesthood during his junior year of high school, inspired by his theology teacher who first introduced him to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He shares his devotion to Thérèse of Lisieux, especially her “Little Way” spirituality. He recalls going on a pilgrimage to Rome during the summer after graduating from high school, and later attended Oakland University while continuing to discern the priesthood. He ultimately applied and entered the seminary a year later.(29:34) Fr. Konja talks about the diversity of clergy in the Chaldean Church, with some who have immigrated here and others who are American-born. While some may draw distinctions between these groups, Fr. Konja says there is great unity within the clergy community. Father Craig remarks that no two days are the same as a priest, especially as a vocations director. Fr. Konja then talks about the Eastern Catholic Evangelization Center, a lay-run evangelization ministry overseen by the Eparchy.(34:30) The group discusses how Chaldean men are able to join religious orders. There is also a Chaldean women's order called Daughters of Mary Immaculate. They then discuss Marian consecration and the need for every priest to have a relationship with the Blessed Mother. Fr. Konja talks about efforts in his parish to livestream Masses and reach people through social media.(39:01) Fr. Konja talks about spending a year in an Iraqi seminary serving as assistant to the rector and reflects on some of the differences he saw between the Iraqi and American Christian communities. He gives his advice to young men trying to hear the Lord. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to visit a Chaldean church to experience a new expression of our shared faith, and then a prayer and blessing.

“Discernment will always produce a great bouquet of God's glory.” Fr. Jim Kean joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about his “cradle Catholic” childhood, serving alongside Mother Teresa, and appreciating the gifts of the priesthood. He encourages young men in discernment to “be not afraid,” because no matter their vocation, it is certain that God has something special in store for them.(0:25) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Maybee introduce their guest this month, Father Jim Kean, who currently serves at St. Joseph the Worker in Lake Orion and St. John Fisher University Chapel in Auburn Hills. Father Jim shares about his summer, including a road trip through Ohio to the National Eucharistic Congress with one of our former guests, Fr. Brian Cokonougher. (7:57) Fr. Drew says he continues to settle in at his new assignment at Holy Family in Novi, where he has already been busy blessing houses and sharing dinner with parish families. Father Craig talks about attending the recent National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in Minneapolis. (12:09) Fr. Jim talks about his early childhood in Emmett, where his family life centered around the local parish. He was an altar server for many years and also played basketball, football, and baseball. He recalls his father often responded to fights between the five siblings by taking the kids to Confession. (16:36) Fr. Jim first considered the priesthood at a high school party, when a friend asked him about the vocation. He continued on to college at St. Clair Community College, staying involved in his faith by reading about the lives of the saints, training to become a catechist, and lectoring at Mass. Still unsure of God's will for his life, Fr. Jim eventually moved to Miami, Florida to serve with a community following a contemplative approach to Mother Teresa's spirituality. (25:18) Fr. Jim continues his vocation story, sharing how he moved to Rome to serve directly alongside Mother Teresa. He reflects on how her humbling, palpable holiness helped him realize that holiness is universal. During this time, he matured in his exercise of the faith and discovered how living a Christlike example allowed him to feel “fully alive.” (34:16) Shortly after Fr. Jim returned home from Rome, his pastor invited him to a “come and see” weekend at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. (The seminary has three of these discernment weekends coming up in October, January, and March; listeners are encouraged to visit detroitpriestlyvocations.com for more information.) He officially entered seminary the next year and spent the next several years in formation and discernment, before finally being ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1997. (43:50) Fr. Jim shares what he considers to be some of the greatest gifts of the priesthood, including his congregational connection to his parishioners, standing in the person of Christ at the altar, and living in constant union with Jesus Christ. He recalls a moment one summer Sunday afternoon when he was struck by the holiness of the moment and vividly recalled feeling similarly as a child while honoring the Lord's Day with his family. (54:00) The episode concludes with Fr. Jim's advice to young men considering the priesthood. “Be not afraid. Be confident that the Lord has something special in store for you. Discernment will always produce a great bouquet of God's glory.” He then closes the episode with a prayer.

“Whatever my own plans for myself are, [they] are nothing compared to His plan for me.” Fr. Clint McDonell joins Men of Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about the people who influenced his priestly discernment, his role as Director of Undergraduate Seminarians at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and his love of teaching Latin. He closes the episode with his advice to young men considering the priesthood: Talk, pray, read, and work. (0:26) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Maybee introduce their guest this month, Fr. Clint McDonell. As a member of the Sacred Heart Major Seminary faculty, Fr. McDonell has been preparing for the upcoming academic year while also taking some time to rest. He shares about a recent trip to see friends in South Bend, Indiana, where he celebrated Mass and had lunch with Gianna Emanuela Molla, daughter of St. Gianna Beretta Molla. The conversation then turns to Fr. Clint's love of teaching Latin at Sacred Heart.(13:59) Fr. Drew provides an update on his new assignment at Holy Family Parish in Novi, where he's been struck by how deeply parishioners love the Lord and by what he calls a “good communal connection” between the multicultural congregation. Meanwhile, Fr. Craig has just returned from the annual seminarians' retreat at Manresa with Archbishop Vigneron. (19:49) Fr. Clint is asked to share his vocation story, which begins at age 10 or 11 when he first began serving as an altar boy because he “just wanted something to do during Mass.” He started to appreciate what was going on during the liturgy and had a great role model of the priesthood in his pastor, Fr. Ed Prus. He first thought about attending the seminary while in high school, but ultimately took a full scholarship to university before finally enrolling at Sacred Heart.(27:20) Fr. Clint talks about individuals who influenced his vocation to the priesthood, including his parents, his childhood pastor, a single conversation with a college roommate, and the Blessed Mother herself. He also talks about some of the hobbies he has maintained as a priest, including hiking, camping, and kayaking.(44:38) Fr. Clint shares more about his role at Sacred Heart. In addition to teaching Latin, Fr. Clint serves as director of undergraduate seminarians and is tasked with implementing the “Discipleship Phase” of the seminary's Program for Priestly Formation. He identifies and defines the four stages of the program: The propaedeutic (or preparatory) stage; the discipleship stage during which a seminarian learns what it means to follow Christ; the configuration during which he is configured to Christ the priest; and the vocational synthesis stage that puts all of this formation together as a man begins to live out his vocation as a transitional deacon before priestly ordination. Our hosts also talk about Sacred Heart's emphasis on human formation, helping men develop the virtues necessary for the rest of their development into priests.(52:43) Fr. Clint closes the episode with his fourfold advice to young men discerning a call to the priesthood: Talk to your priest, a seminarian, or anyone else who may be considering the same call; pray for the Lord to continue providing direction; read more, shutting everything else off because our noisy world makes it harder to hear the Lord; and work, get a job, and build up a solid foundation of self-accountability and discipline.

“We can bring everything to Him.” Fr. Brian Cokonougher joins Men of Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about surrendering to Jesus, discerning his vocation, and serving as a spiritual director to seminarians studying at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Though he was raised Catholic, Fr. Brian did not consider the priesthood until young adulthood, when his pastor invited him to attend a discernment weekend at the seminary.(0:44) Our hosts introduce this episode's guest, Fr. Brian Cokonougher, who shares what he's been up to this summer. He recently completed a road trip through Ohio with a fellow priest, stopping at some churches and the house used to film A Christmas Story. He also caught some of the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, saying it was “exactly what we needed” in the U.S. Church. He highlights a talk about the kerygma and shares how the surrender prayer has become central to his prayer life lately.(11:50) Fr. Brian says he once thought he would have to give up trumpet playing and other hobbies to become a priest. “But then the Lord's given me a myriad of opportunities to play for his glory—at a nursing home, or with the children's choir, or at Mass—in ways that maybe I wouldn't have as a layman. I think that's just a sign of God's generosity for us.” All three priests then discuss taking on new assignments this summer before segueing to Fr. Brian's vocation story. Though he was raised Catholic, Fr. Brian did not consider the priesthood until young adulthood, when his pastor invited him to attend a discernment weekend at the seminary.(30:10) Fr. Brian talks about receiving his letter of acceptance from Sacred Heart. He highlights what he considers to be four of the seminary's strengths: community, worship and prayer life, apostolic ministry program, and academics. He shares his assignment history over his 25 years of priestly ministry and then talks about serving as a spiritual director, helping seminarians better understand their discernment process and strengthen their prayer lives.(58:24) Fr. Brian shares his appreciation for the Ignatian Discernment of Spirits, used to distinguish between spirits of consolation and desolation in one's life. In a light-hearted moment, he recommends all men discerning the priesthood read the Lord of the Rings series for the imagery of being on an important journey, the attacks one can endure, and where to find consolation. His advice to men wondering what seminary is like: “Read ‘The Hobbit.'”(1:00:11) Fr. Brian also shares what he might ask a man who is considering the priesthood: including whether they're attending Mass each week, regularly attending Holy Hours and praying the Rosary, and who they look up to and why. Also, in this segment, Fr. Brian assures young men that they do not need to have everything together to be serious about discernment: “I would say if you don't have it all together when you enter [seminary], welcome to the club. You're 100 percent on board with everybody else. We're all growing in our prayer lives and even in how to discern.” Fr. Brian closes the episode in prayer.

“None of the experiences I've had in my lifetime can even for a second match daily Mass, where I'm holding God in my hands.” Join Fr. John Maksam as he shares his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Although Fr. John felt a call to the priesthood as a child, his journey included studying law, entering the Navy, serving as a judge, and eventually becoming a priest later in life. (00:03): Fr. Craig introduces this episode's guest, Fr. John Maksym. Fr. John shares a recent experience of administering the Anointing of the Sick and witnessing a marriage on the same day. He explains that as a priest, “you are automatically engaged and accepted at every crucial point of a human being's life.” He and Fr. Craig agree that although the life of a priest has many profound moments, it is also true that “people just want to see their priest as a real person.” Fr. John describes the construction of a new chapel at St. Mary's School in Mount Clemens.(14:55): Fr. Craig invites Fr. John to share his vocation story. Fr. John explains, “I knew I was going to be a priest when I was six years old.” However, he decided in his thirties that he “just wasn't ready” to enter the seminary. Fr. John's journey included studying law, entering the Navy, and spending numerous years serving as a judge. In 2014, he entered Pope St. John XIII National Seminary. (28:03): Fr. John shares that his decision to become a priest involved choosing not to marry a wonderful woman. He notes, “I wouldn't sentence my worst enemy to have to make the decision I made ‘cause it was very difficult. But in the end, you know, when God calls, He doesn't stop.”(31:18): Fr. John and Fr. Craig discuss the priestly call to leadership and how that call is lived out through each man's individual talents and personality. Fr. Craig asks Fr. John about his experiences in the military. Fr. John shares that although he was “incredibly fulfilled” in his career, he knew he was called to become a priest and was ordained in 2018. He describes his first parish assignment and his time studying canon law.(43:27): Fr. John offers discernment advice: “If the Lord's really calling you, you're gonna know it. And never be afraid. Just never be afraid.” He also relates, “None of the experiences I've had in my lifetime can even for a second match daily Mass, where I'm holding God in my hands. Nothing matches that.” Fr. John ends the episode with a prayer.

“Discernment is not about vocation. First, it's about relationship.” Fr. Andrew Dawson joins Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew in the Men of the Hearts studio. Raised in England by a Protestant family, Fr. Andrew's journey led him to America, the Catholic Church, and ultimately, the priesthood. (0:01): Our hosts welcome this episode's guest, Fr. Andrew Dawson. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Fr. Andrew now shepherds Prince of Peace Parish in West Bloomfield. The priests discuss aspects of English culture, Fr. Drew's upcoming parish assignment, and Fr. Craig's recent opportunity to share some of his artwork.(16:49): Fr. Andrew explains that he grew up in a Protestant family in England and lacked “real commitment to the faith” as a teenager. While attending an English college, he had the opportunity to work at Camp Santa Maria in Michigan through an exchange program. Fr. Andrew eventually came back to America to work for the camp full-time. (29:45): While working in America, Fr. Andrew went from attending Catholic Masses regularly to only attending when his job required it. One day at Mass, “I had this really powerful experience of God saying to me, ‘There you are. I've been waiting for you. Welcome back.' And I knew at that moment, looking at the priest holding up that host, that that was not what I thought it was. That in my background, in my upbringing, this host is a representation of Jesus. I knew that wasn't right…I knew there was more there.”(35:01): After a brief return to England, Fr. Andrew felt called to “mission,” went back to America, and entered RCIA. Despite some doubts, he became Catholic: “I asked myself the question, ‘Is that Jesus in the tabernacle?' I said, ‘Yes, that's enough. The rest comes later. That's enough. I can't say no to that.'”(41:37): Fr. Andrew was told, “You should be a priest,” not long after he entered the Church. He initially rejected the idea but gradually became more open to it: “I got to the point where I was so intrigued by what this would look like and what this would mean…And I realized it was taking up all of my spare time.” Fr. Andrew eventually entered the seminary and was ordained in 2017. (54:29): Fr. Andrew passes on two pieces of discernment advice. First, “Discernment is not about vocation. First, it's about relationship. Like, don't try to figure it out. Work on your relationship with God.” Second, “One way of describing faith or defining faith is our capacity to be surprised by God…Are you prepared to go with God to the extent that he wants you to go?” Fr. Andrew closes the episode in prayer.

“I think vocations really come from the Holy Eucharist.” Join Fr. Jeff Day as he shares his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Influences on Fr. Jeff's journey to the priesthood included the faith of his family, the sacrament of Confession, and the Holy Eucharist. (0:02): Fr. Craig welcomes listeners and introduces this episode's guest, Fr. Jeff Day. The priests catch up: Fr. Jeff talks about the Divine Mercy devotion, Fr. Drew relates small mishaps from the Easter Vigil, and Fr. Craig shares the blessing of seeing a seminarian ordained to the transitional diaconate.(7:06): Fr. Jeff shares his vocation story, which started with his reception of First Communion in second grade and his desire to become a priest in eighth grade. While attending the University of Michigan, he “rediscovered” his Catholic faith. During his senior year, “I really started to pray about what I was supposed to do, like what was God asking me to do?” Although Fr. Jeff initially felt unworthy, he started to discern a priestly vocation after going to Confession for the first time in years. Fr. Jeff discusses the impact that his family's practice of the faith had on his vocation.(21:26): Fr. Drew and Fr. Craig highlight the impact of Confession, God's mercy, and college life on vocations. Fr. Jeff talks about his experience as a seminarian: “There really was a lot of joy…we had a lot of fun together.” He shares that a challenge he faced prior to entering seminary was a fear of preaching. He told God, “You're going to have to take care of this somehow,” and his trust was rewarded. (34:39): Fr. Drew asks Fr. Day about the impact of the Eucharist on his vocation. Fr. Day says, “That has always been part of my identity as a Catholic.” He shares that praying in front of the Eucharist as a priest “is what sustains me in my own daily prayer life” and that “over the years in my own celebration of the Eucharist, I've been drawn to bring a lot more reverence and attentiveness to what I'm doing.” He affirms, “I think vocations really come from the Holy Eucharist.” Fr. Day discusses the experiences of becoming a pastor and participating in a priestly fraternity. (48:32): Advice to a discerning man: Fr. Jeff encourages monthly confession, frequent Mass attendance, and consistent prayer. He also advises involving the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph in discernment: Our Lady “teaches us how to say ‘yes,'” and St. Joseph “wants to help men today be men.” Fr. Jeff concludes the episode with a prayer.

“It's been a crazy, beautiful, amazing adventure, and amidst the difficulties or the uncertainties, it's always absolutely been worth it every day.” Fr. Adam Nowak joins Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to share his vocation story. Although he initially resisted his vocation, Fr. Adam eventually became certain that God was calling him to become a priest. (0:02) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew introduce this episode's guest, Fr. Adam Nowak. Fr. Adam describes his upcoming assignment at St. Anne Parish in Warren, Fr. Drew highlights his recent pastoral work, and Fr. Craig mentions a recent discernment weekend at Sacred Heart Seminary.(9:20) Vocation story: Fr. Adam grew up Catholic, but “the faith wasn't very overtly practiced” in his home. In high school, he started attending a youth group with his girlfriend and soon “fell in love with God and His Church.” Fr. Adam entered college intending to become a psychologist. He felt a call to the priesthood during his freshman year but ignored it for a time. Eventually, he realized, “When I thought about the future, and I thought about being a psychologist, I still felt empty. When I thought about the priesthood…there was nonstop excitement, there was joy, there was fulfillment.” Fr. Adam attended a discernment weekend, felt “100% sure” of his vocation, and applied to the seminary.(22:18) Just before entering seminary, Fr. Adam made a pilgrimage on the Camino. That experience taught him, “I can't do this, but God can do this in me and through me and with me…I can't be a priest except with and in and through Jesus, who gives me the strength and the grace to do so.” The priests discuss the support that Fr. Adam received from his parents, his call to the priesthood, and how he ended his relationship with the woman he was dating as he “became more confident in accepting that call.” (32:18) Fr. Adam shares that “being a priest was nothing like I had ever anticipated nor expected…Nothing can actually prepare you for entering into the messiness of the lives of people.” He explains, “The priesthood is difficult. It's joyful, it's beautiful, but it's not easy. But at the same time, God gives the grace necessary for it.” Fr. Craig affirms that “prayer is key.” Fr. Adam describes his various assignments and explains that he is currently completing two business degrees. He desires to use his administrative gifts to serve St. Anne Parish.(44:30) Fr. Adam advises men who are struggling to answer the call to the priesthood: “What's key is taking time to pray and listen, to really listen to the desires of your heart.” He suggests Ignatian discernment and shares that when he struggled with his own call, “my prayer changed from ‘Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?' to ‘Lord, give me the strength to accept what you're calling me to do with my life.'” He affirms that priesthood has “been a crazy, beautiful, amazing adventure, and amidst the difficulties or the uncertainties, it's always absolutely been worth it. Every day.” Fr. Adam closes the episode in prayer.

“Jesus is my rock. And he's the source of that joy.” Join Fr. Jim Houbeck, Associate Pastor of Resurrection Parish, as he shares his vocation story. Although he had previously dismissed the idea of becoming a priest, a clear vocational call amid a crisis led Fr. Jim to follow God into the seminary. (0:03) Fr. Craig welcomes this episode's guest, Fr. Jim Houbeck. Fr. Drew thanks listeners who have shared positive feedback about Men of the Hearts. The priests share recent blessings: Fr. Jim talks about offering the Lenten Lamentations devotion at Resurrection Parish, Fr. Drew describes his recent ministry experiences and Fr. Craig highlights the well-attended Evening Prayer and Dinner with the Archbishop event. (13:57) Fr. Jim is invited to share his vocation story. As a child, he experienced several different desires about what he wanted to do when he grew up. In high school, Fr. Jim attended a discernment weekend at Sacred Heart Seminary. However, he “felt like a fish out of water” and left the weekend early. He studied elementary education in college and eventually had “a big crisis” about his future career. He relates, “Amid that chaos, there was a voice as clear as day. And that voice said, ‘What about the priesthood?'” Fr. Jim quickly decided to withdraw from college and apply to seminary.(29:24) Fr. Craig, Fr. Drew, and Fr. Jim discuss thoughts about dating, priestly discernment, and responding to God's call. Fr. Drew advises, “If Jesus is calling and you think you have a call, then go test it,” and “If for some reason you find out that's not the call, then you can freely go into the world and begin to take up the vocation of marriage.” (38:10) One summer, Fr. Jim lived at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in North Branch. Over that summer, he grew close to a local family who became his “spiritual family.” He says, “What God showed me is that though I'm not called to be a dad or a husband, He will provide.” (42:55) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Jim what his prayer life was like when he decided to pursue the priesthood. Fr. Jim explains, “My understanding of being Catholic was I go to church on Sundays, I pray before I go to bed, I pray before meals, and that's it.” Fr. Drew says, “I don't think we're saying that you shouldn't have a life of prayer. By all means. But it's just to say that God is big enough and powerful enough that we have to be open to the reality that even if you're not quite doing all the things you ought to be doing, He can still show up and put something on your heart.” (57:50) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Jim to advise a man considering the priesthood. Fr. Jim shares the words of a monsignor who influenced his vocation: “I am a happy priest.” He affirms, “No matter what I'm enduring or going through, Jesus is my rock. And He's the source of that joy.” Fr. Jim closes the episode in prayer.

“I knew I would be happy. I knew I could find joy in giving of myself in love within the ministry. And that wouldn't be enough…that would be more than enough.” Our hosts welcome Fr. Robert Slaton to share his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Fr. Robert stopped practicing his Catholic faith as a young man, but through God's providential care, he gradually found his way back and became a priest. (0:03) Fr. Craig introduces this episode's guest, Fr. Robert Slaton. Fr. Craig, Fr. Robert, and Fr. Drew share recent blessings in their lives. Fr. Robert says, “My ministry, in the last few months, has become more and more challenging. But I think one of the things I would say is just watching consistently how God always seems to provide what you need when you need it, as long as you keep consistently coming back to him with your brokenness.” Fr. Drew shares about his experiences offering Mass for the homebound and those in nursing homes, and Fr. Craig and Fr. Robert discuss how they have experienced fraternity with their brother priests.(15:06) Fr. Robert notes that his vocational call “happened well over a 10-year period.” Raised by a Southern Baptist father and a Catholic mother, Fr. Robert went to Catholic Mass but simultaneously attended a nondenominational Christian school. The idea of the priesthood occurred to him around the age of 10 while he served as an altar boy. However, he stopped altar serving in high school and eventually ceased attending Mass. (34:19) While working as a night-shift recording engineer, Fr. Robert had a dream about dying, which led to an “existential crisis.” He began asking questions about God and morality. Through a providential encounter, Fr. Robert had opportunities to speak to a Catholic man, who pointed him to books by Fr. John Hardon, S.J. Fr. Robert returned to the practice of the faith, which he describes as a “growth process.” He quit his recording job and began working as a short-order cook.(50:52) Fr. Robert “kept studying the faith” and attended a retreat where “the idea just kind of popped in my head, could I be a priest?” He dismissed the idea due to a desire for marriage, family, and business. However, he “started getting fascinated with priests.” Fr. Robert began teaching CCD at a parish and was invited to take classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. While there, he discovered that seminarians “were real people.” (56:04) At the invitation of a seminarian, Fr. Robert attended a discernment weekend. Shortly after, he realized, “If I didn't at least give God a year to think about it and really put myself in the environment, I could very easily see that I was gonna be an old man wondering…if I never did what God wanted me to do.” He applied and was accepted to the seminary. While there, he wondered if he could be happy without a family and prayed to God, “You need to show me that this is going to be joyful.” When a deacon asked him, “Are you able to say that you want to be a celibate?” Fr. Robert said, “Yes.” He then realized, “I knew I would be happy. I knew I could find joy in giving of myself in love within the ministry. And that wouldn't be enough…that would be more than enough.” (1:04:49) Fr. Craig mentions that it is common for discerning men to wonder, “Am I gonna be happy?” but says that if they are called to the priesthood, they will “have some desire” for it. Fr. Robert affirms, “If there's a calling, it's not gonna be repugnant.” Fr. Robert gives the advice: “I think the most authentic prayer you can say when searching for your vocation is, ‘Lord, I know you want me to love. How?'” He adds, “God is not going ask you to do something that will make you perpetually miserable…there will be a deep-seated joy in doing what God is calling you to.” Fr. Robert closes the episode in prayer.

“Don't be afraid to make a mistake. And sometimes you need to make a choice without having all the data or all the evidence.” Fr. David Cybulski joins Fr. Craig on Men of the Hearts to share his vocation story. After obtaining a master's degree, working in Arizona, and unsuccessfully applying to seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix, Fr. David moved home to Detroit and entered seminary at the age of 31. (0:04) Fr. Craig welcomes listeners to this month's episode and introduces Fr. David Cybulski. The priests reminisce about their seminary days and discuss homily prep, singing at Mass, and their Christmas experiences. (12:59) Fr. David begins to share his vocation story. He explains that he was raised Catholic, attended Catholic school, and became an altar boy in fourth grade. Although a priest told Fr. David, “You're gonna be a priest one day,” he did not really consider priesthood at the time and stopped altar serving while in high school. While studying engineering at the University of Michigan, Fr. David continued to practice his faith due to the influence of his family. (28:43) After obtaining his master's degree, Fr. David moved to Arizona and worked at a company called Intel. He recalls, “I thought I had it made.” As Fr. David's church lacked other young parishioners, he joined the group College Youth for Catholic Truth and learned more about his faith. Fr. David became a weekly adorer at a new perpetual Adoration chapel after his pastor said, “If you really believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, can't you spend one hour a week with Him?”(36:39) After seeing a friend apply to seminary, Fr. David found that “I've got this tug all of a sudden that's coming back.” He heard the CEO of his company say, “Never be afraid of being wrong,” and realized, “I have to pursue this.” Fr. David applied to seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix, but the right doors did not open for him to enter. He moved back to Detroit and entered seminary at the age of 31. (52:34) Advice to a discerning man: Fr. David reiterates his former CEO's statements, “Don't be afraid to make a mistake. And sometimes you need to make a choice without having all the data or all the evidence.” He adds, “And I've always advocated for if a guy has an inkling coming outta high school, he should go right in… those years won't be wasted. They're probably the best formation you can actually have.” Fr. David closes the episode in prayer.

“I think one of the beautiful things about ministry is that God does give you these gifts, and he allows you to use them in a different way.” Join Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew as they invite Fr. Brian Meldrum to share his vocation story. Fr. Brian grew up Catholic and served as a music minister following his college graduation. After taking classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary as a lay student, he entered as a seminarian. Fr. Brian is now back at Sacred Heart once more as a Scripture professor. He and the hosts highlight how seminarians and priests can use their God-given talents and creativity. (0:04) The hosts welcome Fr. Brian Meldrum, a Sacred Heart Major Seminary Scripture professor. Fr. Brian describes teaching courses and his previous experience as a music minister. The priests discuss exercising God-given talents: “And I think one of the beautiful things about ministry is that God does give you these gifts, and he allows you to use them in a different way.” Fr. Drew shares about ministering at a hospital and saying Mass for the homebound, while Fr. Craig says that he had the opportunity to go hunting recently.(18:21) Vocation story: Fr. Brian grew up in a Catholic family and attended Catholic school for 12 years. In college, he learned more about his faith due to questions from his non-Catholic friends. Following college, Fr. Brian worked in music ministry in his home parish. His priest was supportive of his participation in the parish and suggested that he attend seminary classes: “I love that approach that it was always just an invitation because, again, people recognize things in us that we sometimes don't see in ourselves at the time.” Fr. Brian had previously considered becoming a priest but “was so quick to talk myself out of it” at that time. (26:43) Fr. Brian took classes as a lay student at Sacred Heart Major Seminary: “And that was great 'cause it got me in the building, got me interacting with guys who would become brother seminarians and brother priests.” He encourages men to enter the seminary, which “is really the place where discernment has to happen.” Fr. Brian experienced peace and fraternity while in the seminary. He highlights how God uses the gifts of each priest to build up the Body of Christ. The priests discuss theatrical productions at Sacred Heart and other ways that seminarians can be creative or engage in hobbies. (41:45) Fr. Brian was ordained in 2015 and served his first assignment at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish. Next, he earned a degree in Scripture at the request of Archbishop Vigneron and now teaches at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The priests discuss questions about the Book of Daniel and the subjects of Fr. Brian's two theses: the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah and the account of the plagues in Exodus. (53:52) Advice to a discerning man: Fr. Brian suggests reading the Scriptural account of the call of Samuel. He also recommends “to carve out time in your day for prayer, especially in front of the Blessed Sacrament,” as well as “to know that the relationship with God grows in silence.” Fr. Brian closes the episode in prayer.

“As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to do God's will.” On this episode of Men of the Hearts, Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew welcome Fr. Joe Kirkconnell, a professor and spiritual director at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Fr. Joe's journey to the priesthood included growing up in the Cayman Islands, studying theology in college, and experiencing “subtle graces” during his time in seminary. (0:03) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew introduce this episode's guest, Fr. Joseph Kirkconnell. Fr. Joe is finishing up his doctorate in catechetics while also serving as a professor and spiritual director at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The priests discuss the power of God active in the sacraments, the gift of hearing confessions, and other recent blessings.(15:01) Vocation story: Fr. Joe grew up in a Catholic family in the Cayman Islands, which are under the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Detroit. He notes, “As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to do God's will.” His mom advised him, “be open to the priesthood because if that's God's will, that's where you're gonna be happiest,” and he told the Lord “I'm open to it.” (21:50) While Fr. Joe was in high school, he began going regularly to Eucharistic Adoration. While praying in the basilica at college, Fr. Joe felt a “subtle invitation” to his vocation. At the same time, he particularly struggled with scrupulosity. After graduation, he obtained his MA in theology. In 2008, Fr. Joe attended a discernment weekend in the Archdiocese of Detroit and entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary. “I was at peace and there was this joy and knowing that He was with me and that He was guiding me. And so, again, I can't say that I had like an overpowering moment. It was just more subtle graces.” Fr. Joe describes his first assignment at St. Paul on the Lake Church as well as his experience studying at the Catholic University of America. (39:38) The priests discuss the diversity of past relationship experiences, struggles, and gifts among men who enter the seminary: “He calls different kinds of guys and He calls us all at the right time.” Fr. Craig affirms, “God's gonna use anything and God can even take your sinful past if you've had a sinful past and turn that into his glory.” He encourages men not to assume they are disqualified from the priesthood due to their struggles with sin or their age. (48:58) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Joe about the qualities he looks for in seminarians. Fr. Joe highlights, “just the honesty… the love for the Lord and the relationship with him and this desire for prayer and this, just a desire to serve.” He shares how he has experienced the gifts of fraternity and humility in his position at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. (53:05): Fr. Joe offers advice to a discerning man: “the words of Jesus: come and see…the only way to really know is to come and try it out.” He explains that whether a man is eventually ordained or not, going to the seminary “won't be wasted time.” He also emphasizes, “pray daily,” especially in Eucharistic Adoration. Fr. Joe closes the episode with a prayer.

(00:03) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew introduce Fr. Mike Cassar, the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Lansing. The three priests share memories, laugh together, and discuss recent blessings in their lives. Fr. Mike and Fr. Craig describe their experience attending a national conference for vocations directors, and Fr. Drew shares several meaningful encounters he has had in parish ministry. (17:10) Vocation story: Fr. Mike grew up in a Lutheran family. Although he always believed in God, he gradually stopped attending church due to prioritizing hockey. While in college, he experienced a sense of “restlessness” due to not practicing his faith. After transferring schools, he returned to the Lutheran church where he grew up. Through reading literature by GK Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc, he came to realize “that Catholics thought that they were different” and he was “missing something” as a Lutheran. Not long after, he became Catholic. Fr. Drew describes his own journey from Lutheran to Catholic, and Fr. Mike shares what his family members thought of his conversion. (40:37) Moving toward the priesthood: While in graduate school for philosophy, Fr. Mike began attending daily Mass with his Catholic friends and became acquainted with some priests. The idea of priesthood entered into his mind while he was unsure of his future plans. Fr. Drew points out how God's grace operated as “a gentle nudge” in Fr. Mike's life. (47:14) A priest advised Fr. Mike to “work with the poor and go to Eucharistic Adoration.” He got involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and prayed in Adoration multiple times a week. He entered seminary unsure of whether he would be ordained, but knew he would not “get any more clarity outside of seminary.” Fr. Mike shares that he did not know how to altar serve or what a novena was as a new seminarian. Fr. Drew emphasizes that “you don't have to know all this stuff before you enter the seminary.” (52:57) A confirmation: Fr. Mike felt more sure of his vocation during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land followed by a 30-day silent retreat. He realized, “I'm more content than I could ever have thought possible… This is where I want to be. This is where I want to be forever.” Fr. Craig highlights the way that God led Fr. Mike through his discernment. (54:39) Advice to a discerning man: Fr. Mike reiterates the advice to work with the poor and go to Adoration. He also highlights the importance of humility, and Fr. Drew adds that developing relationships with priests can help with discernment. The priests emphasize how we can love like God by caring for the poor and discuss how they spiritually feed their flocks as priests. Fr. Craig thanks Fr. Mike for appearing on the podcast, and Fr. Mike closes the episode in prayer.

(0:03) Fr. Craig Giera introduces Fr. Drew Mabee, his new co-host and they welcome this episode's guest, Mgsr. Charles Kozanke. The hosts and guest recap various blessings that the summer has held. Msgr. Kozanke's recent experiences included the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit's multicultural celebration of its titular feast day, as well as a trip to Poland. Fr. Drew describes the grace of serving at St. Damien of Molokai in Pontiac, a predominantly Hispanic parish. Fr. Craig shares about his recent opportunity to offer Mass for young people at Camp Sancta Maria. (18:00) Vocation story: Msgr. Kozanke grew up in an active Catholic family and started thinking about the priesthood in seventh grade, largely due to the “foundational” experience of training fellow boys as altar servers. Over time, he discerned that he should enter seminary. Halfway through his Theology studies, Msgr. Kozanke experienced doubts, feeling “50/50” about his vocation. Fr. Craig affirms that men do not need to be completely sure about the priesthood before entering seminary. (30:18) They discuss how God used the invitation to train altar servers to draw Msgr. Kozanke to the priesthood. Msgr. Kozanke is asked about his experience with discernment weekends and explains that they gave him “comfortability” with the idea of seminary. He then shares how God has used his business skills throughout his 37 years as a priest. He affirms, “At the end of the day,…your effectiveness…is really going to be based on what God does through you.” (39:10) The power of reliance on the Lord: Msgr. Kozanke describes how he went to Rome as a young priest to study for his doctorate, but greatly struggled to come up with a topic. Eventually, he surrendered the situation to the Lord: “For a full week…I did nothing from Monday through Friday but pray before the Blessed Sacrament.” At the end of the week, inspiration suddenly struck and he soon made rapid progress on his thesis. Msgr. Kozanke gives a second example of how God provided for him following a week of prayer. He emphasizes that whatever your abilities, “God sometimes may remind you that you're also limited.” Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew point out how God works with what little we have and already has a plan for us. (51:04) Msgr. Kozanke discusses his experience with various ministries, including Marriage Encounter, American Friends of the Vatican Library, and Young Catholic Professionals. He describes accepting the offer to shepherd Ste. Anne's, as well as his experience of being Episcopal Vicar of the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit. (59:08) Discernment advice: Fr. Craig emphasizes the need to be open to God's plan for one's life and priesthood. He suggests, “take a step back and sit in a chapel for five days. And ask the Lord…‘what is it that You want?'” Msgr. Kozanke encourages men who are discerning to take the “first step” of praying a weekly holy hour in Adoration. He also suggests attending discernment weekends or visiting religious orders whose charism resonates with you. (1:05:50) Fr. Craig thanks Msgr. Kozanke and Fr. Drew for joining him on the podcast. Msgr. Kozanke closes the episode in prayer.

(00:10) Fr. Craig and Fr. David open this episode with a short explanation of the reason behind the podcast name, “Men of the Hearts.” Fr. Paul Snyder is introduced as the episode guest. They discuss Fr. Paul's background in art, and recent Corpus Christi processions at their parishes. Fr. Craig shares that his family has been sick recently and the experience of suffering has deepened his preaching and blessed those in the pews. He points out that vulnerability in preaching seems to have a lot of fruit for the listeners. (19:50) Vocation Story: Fr. Paul grew up in a Catholic family. In college, he felt drawn to silence. He first thought about the priesthood at the end of college, but he didn't “know what to do with it.” He got a good job, and had a good retirement fund. He felt he had everything he needed, but he felt empty. He was drawn to go pray in his church's Eucharistic Adoration chapel, and then to attend daily Mass. The thought of the priesthood came back to him. He asked God, “What do You want me to do with my life?” He feels he disqualified himself from the priesthood because he wasn't an altar server growing up, or super involved in his faith in childhood. He kept thinking, “Wouldn't I have known this already?” (29:09) A confirming grace: At Christmas Mass, Fr. Paul heard in his heart, “What more are you waiting for?” This spurred him to talk to his parish priest, who encouraged him to attend the upcoming discernment retreat. He felt peace in his discernment and was very excited to be accepted into the seminary. He reflects, “I viewed my vocation as a riddle I needed to figure out.” He continues, “But this is a relationship with Jesus I need to full-heartedly embrace. It's not a math problem.” He says his prayer changed from, “What am I supposed to do?” to just spending time with Jesus. He reflects,“After you enter the seminary, there's still discernment. Just because you enter, doesn't mean you have it all figured out.” (39:15) Fr. Craig shares, “There's an element of giving stuff up when you become a priest but the Lord is so good and He gives it back to you one hundred fold. He uses that all, you give it to Him, and He gives it right back.” Fr. Paul shares how his love for graphic design has been put to good use as he “markets the best product in the world: Jesus.” (46:21) Advice to a discerning man: “Spend time with the Lord in Adoration. Have time for silence. That's where we can form that relationship with the Lord.” He continues, “The Lord hasn't placed a riddle in front of you that you have to figure out on your own. You don't. You're not alone. The Lord is there.” He said that talking to a priest to bounce the idea off of can be helpful. (50:27) Fr. Craig reminds us that this is Fr. David's last podcast with Men of the Hearts: Fr. David is moving to Rome summer 2023 to study dogmatic sacramental theology. Fr. David thanks Fr. Craig and the audience and asks for our prayers.

(00:03) Join Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Fr. John Dudek to this episode of "Men of the Hearts." They discuss current events, upcoming weddings, and graduations, sharing personal stories and creating a sense of community. (10:35) Short Vocation Story: Fr. John Dudek was previously married, and has two daughters. After an annulment, he entered seminary and has been assigned to Divine Child parish for two years, serving the school and the parish. He was recently asked by Archbishop Vigneron to transfer to St. Regis Parish. They discuss Fr. John's time at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Boston, a school for “late in life vocations” to the priesthood. (25:15) After 26 years as a teacher, when Fr. John entered seminary, he believed he would never be back in the school system. “Those days are behind me.” He was surprised to feel joy at being stationed at a parish with an elementary school and realized that “God uses everything.” During his time in seminary, he felt the Lord telling him when he stood at the altar, “This is your new classroom.” They discuss Camp Sancta Maria, a Catholic summer camp Fr. John attended in 8th grade and returned to this summer as the priest chaplain. (31:27) Living a time of lasts: the three priests reflect on the reality of being moved to new assignments and living in obedience to the Archbishop. They talk about living close to God's heart as they leave behind communities they've poured themselves into, projects they've started, and relationships they formed. They share stories of simple or practical mistakes they've made during sacraments or Mass. They share a conversation about community life and sharing a rectory at Divine Child. The episode ends with Fr. David Pellican sharing about what his life will look like in Rome, living arrangements, studies, and wisdom from priests friends. (56:05) A word of encouragement: “You go off to the seminary wandering if you're worthy to serve as a priest. And then you're ordained, and you realize you're an instrument God is using to help His people. It's humbling and it's beautiful.” Fr. John shares, “If you've ever thought or wondered what it would be like to be a priest, you need to reach out to Fr. Craig, the vocations director.”

(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They introduce us to today's guest Bishop Quinn. Fr. Craig describes Bishop Quinn as “the happiest man I've met in my whole life.” They discuss the importance of their diaconate ordinations. (14:35) “My ego is not my amigo. I better be ready to have it pierced.” They discuss the experience of receiving compliments as priests and how God's love for them must remind them of their identity, and not the feedback they receive from others- good or bad. (22:30) Bishop's Quinn's Vocation Story: “My first formators were my parents. We prayed the Rosary. We always went to Mass.” Bishop Quinn shares about the impact of his family and the role that his parish pastor played in identifying his vocation. Bishop Quinn's worries about money, learning Latin, and his previous commitment to go to University of Detroit were addressed in dialog with his pastor. His pastor told him, “If this (seminary) is not for you, you'll know.” Bishop Quinn shares, “The Lord never takes without giving back more.” In reflecting on ending his dating relationship with his then-girlfriend, and leaving behind his own plan for his life, Bishop Quinn reflects, “When you surrender to God, whatever you thought you were going to do… when you give it to God, God will not destroy it, God will perfect it. God will make it even more.” (36:15) Moments of crisis in the seminary: changes in the Church during seminary, and his own fears were struggles for Bishop Quinn as he was in seminary formation. “Will I even be able to run a parish? What if they don't like me? What if I'm a terrible administrator? What if I don't have the ability to work well with groups? What if my personality doesn't draw people? … listen to your ‘I' statements.” The wisdom of ‘puncture your ego' from a spiritual director helped Bishop Quinn let go of his fears and trust God. (53:05) Spiritual Direction has played a very important role in Bishop Quinn living his priesthood close to the Lord. To close, Bishop Quinn offers this advice and encouragement to discerning men, “If you find that you're going to Mass and you notice that a relationship is developing with the Lord. If you think about the priesthood… that isn't an accident. God is at work in your life.” He encourages men to pray and listen to the Lord. He says, “I needed to go to the seminary to find out. If this isn't for you, you'll find out.” Finally, “God does not bring us on this earth for mediocrity.” He encourages all listeners to be brave and trust God.

(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They introduce us to today's guest, Fr. Jeff Allan (Chaplain, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital). He shares a “recent grace” of reflecting on the saintly life of a priest friend who recently passed away. (08:50) Vocation Story — Fr. Jeff shares that he first thought of the priesthood as a child. As he grew up, he felt being a priest was “fourth on my list.” He was an altar server as a child. Following studying at Adrian College, he did an initial discernment of the priesthood, but didn't feel he should move forward in discerning. He worked in sales for several years. He began dating a young woman and enjoyed his life. At his office, he joined a prayer group, and started attending daily Mass. Some five years after his initial discernment, Fr. Jeff began discerning the priesthood again and revisited the seminary. (23:23) Two discernments and the role of peace — Fr. Jeff shares that in his second discernment, he felt a new and deep peace as he moved forward. His discernment weekend brought a greater clarity and peace to him: “Spending time in front of the tabernacle in the chapel, and feeling a sense of peace.” He shares that his days in seminary were difficult, and he struggled with studying theology, but the mentorship he received helped him journey through seminary. (31:33) Priesthood — Fr. Jeff shares that he greatly enjoys working as a hospital chaplain. “The staff are the parishioners.” He discusses how he has been stretched in this ministry, about listening to the Holy Spirit, and meeting people in crisis. (51:05) Advice for discerning well — “Don't narrow the focus! All of us have different callings within the priesthood. Our roles change, and be open to that.” Fr. Jeff offers his insights into discerning a priestly vocation and how he sees God's work in our lives. He says, “Have a consistent daily prayer life… Eucharistic Adoration, Liturgy of the Hours….” He tells us discernment is a “win-win” situation.

“Do you know His voice? If you're not praying, you're never gonna know your vocation.” Today's guest Fr. David Pellican joins his host Fr. Craig Giera in discussing Fr. David's new assignment to study sacramental theology in Rome. Together, they revisit Fr. David's vocation story, this invitation by Archbishop Vigneron to study for the sake of our future priests and the joyful adventure of freely following God's plan for your life. (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They review the last two guests and share that today's guest is Fr. David Pellican! They share updates on their lives and their excitement for Lent. (10:10) Big news + Vocation Story: Fr. David shares his vocation story, starting with his family. Praying the Rosary and talking about vocations helped him consider “what does God want for my life?” At Age 10, “be a priest” was felt in his heart. In high school, he went on a silent retreat with his dad and the thought of the priesthood came back to him. His initial reaction was to reject the idea. He felt trapped by the idea and greatly desired to be a doctor and get married. As a high schooler, praying before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament helped Fr. David start to hear the Lord's voice. They discuss the role of prayer, “Do you know His voice? If you're not praying, you're never gonna know your vocation.” (22:13) Religious order or diocesan priesthood? A wise priest helped Fr. David see that religious communities have charisms-- and Fr. David found that his heart was made for service to parishes through the diocesan priesthood. He loved the community in seminary, but found in his heart a lot of fear of public speaking. After his ordination to the transitional diaconate, “the Lord just gave the grace.” He now enjoys public speaking and loves his vocation as a priest. (28:29) New Assignment: Archbishop Vigneron has asked Fr. David to go back to school and study dogmatic sacramental theology. This means he will step out of parish life to live and study in Rome. Fr. David discusses what he's excited about and what his fears are in taking this new assignment. He shares the experience of being asked by the Archbishop to take on these new studies and the peace he felt in moving into this new season. “There's a peace in knowing… if you're doing what the Archbishop asks, you're doing what the Lord is calling you to.” (40:50) “Anything worth doing, there's going to be challenges.” Fr. David shares about facing hesitancies or fears in following God. “God's not going to call you to something you'll be miserable doing.” They discuss the stability and permanency of vocation. They also spend time addressing the fear of making ‘the wrong' decision in discerning a vocation.

“It's not time wasted. There's no loss in discernment.” Fr. Craig Giera is joined by Fr. Salvatore Palazzolo, a canon lawyer for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Together they dive into Fr. Sal's vocation story. While studying mechanical engineering, Fr. Sal went through a conversion experience after moving home with his parents. The search for Truth brought Fr. Sal into the faithful practice of his faith, daily Mass, and studying the Church. After hearing the Lord in prayer, and a car accident, Fr. Sal entered seminary. (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera welcomes us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. With the episode's guest, Fr. Salvatore Palazzolo, they discuss the mystery of Christmas. Fr. Sal explains a few of his family's traditions surrounding Christmas. (8:01) Fr. Sal shares his vocation story: he grew up in a big Italian Catholic family, and always expected he would raise a big family and have a home that was hospitable for his extended family. He went to school at Kettering University for mechanical engineering. He felt “life was good” and he was doing well financially and otherwise, but he didn't feel satisfied. So, Fr. Sal transferred to Oakland University to be closer to home. Moving home provided him the opportunity to attend Mass with his family and he sensed that his faith was the answer to why he felt empty. (21:45) “I would say my reconversion happened through the transcendental of Truth.” Fr. Sal talks about his search for the truth about the Church, God, and the Catholic faith. Encountering the Catechism and searching for understanding brought Fr. Sal to the decision to make his Catholic faith his own. “The more I learned about my faith, the more my faith grew, and the more my love for God grew.” He started reading scripture, attending a young adult group, and going to daily Mass. The Catechism played a key role in his conversion. (27:01) A sign from God: Fr. Sal shares the impactful story of how a car accident changed his perspective on his faith and his life -- and his future. After a powerful experience of a call to the priesthood in prayer, Fr. Sal contacted the Vocation Director and attended a Come and See at the seminary. After visiting the seminary, Fr. Sal entered and following his studies, he was ordained a priest. (42:45) Canon Law: Fr. Sal shares about his important role in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He shares what canon law is, what it looks like to study it, and how he helps the Church in this position. “God is fulfilling a desire I always had, but in the way He always planned for me.” Fr. Craig shares, “Sometimes people think ‘if I join the priesthood, I'll lose everything of myself.' But really, I'll become who I'm supposed to be.” The episode closes with Fr. Sal sharing some advice to men discerning the priesthood: “Giving time to discerning your vocation is pleasing to God, because it puts the focus of your life on Him and your faith is going to grow… it's not time wasted. There's no loss in discernment.”

“Marriage is good. And priesthood is good. And how do you choose between two goods? God will guide you if you faithfully seek him out.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. David Pellican's brother-in-law Mr. John Pratt to discuss discerning a vocation. John considered the priesthood from an early age, but felt the Lord draw him toward marriage. His insights into prayer, desire for true fulfillment and the surrender to God's will are inspiring. Show Notes: (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode's guest is Mr. John Pratt, brother-in-law of Fr. David Pellican. They discuss the most recent episode, and current joys. The discussion moves toward encountering beauty and how art can powerfully move us. (12:08) Mr. John Pratt shares how his siblings and parents shaped him in his youth. He points to living a liturgical life, and playing sports as impactful. John shares that he experienced scrupulosity and OCD in his early years. Throughout this time, he felt that being a priest would be the holiest decision for him. His time at the University of Notre Dame was formative. He went on to serve in a parish in Ann Arbor, Michigan following college. (23:22) Our hosts and guest discuss John's attitudes toward the priesthood throughout adolescence. “In high school and college, was the thought of priesthood there?” They discuss John's prayer life in college, and how he lived a relationship with God growing up. They discuss the importance of Adoration and spending time with Jesus. “Go find the Lord and you'll find your specific vocation.” John attended World Youth Day and felt an openness to whatever God wanted for his life. (35:55) Priesthood & the vocation to Marriage: John shares about meeting his future-wife, and the role his spiritual director played in discerning dating. They discuss what dating looked like. “Bringing it into the light, having a spiritual director, and praying about it' are three powerful ways John Pratt felt the Lord direct him toward marriage and not to the priesthood. ‘I don't ask myself, is this worth it?” (55:00) Holiness in marriage: “More than happiness and pleasure, I wanted meaning in life.” John shares how his vocation as a husband and father has purified him and made him more surrendered to God's will. “The vocation of marriage… there's meaning and fulfillment in it, even if there is the Cross.” Even now as a husband and father, he feels God continue to draw him into new holiness: “What is the more you're calling me to, God?” John closes the discussion with a reflection on the confidence he has that God made him for marriage and the power of living the call God has for him: “The Lord used the vocation of marriage to heal a lot of my anxiety. He's used my wife and my vocation as a way of healing me in a truly incredible way.”

“I thought my life was going to end when I entered seminary, but it really began once I got there.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. J.J. Mech, rector at Detroit's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Together, they discuss the role of art in our churches and encountering the Lord. Fr. J.J. shares his vocation story, his parent's reaction to him entering seminary, and how he's been fulfilled and filled with joy in his vocation as a priest. Show Notes: (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode's guest Fr. J.J. Mech is the rector of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. Fr. J.J. has a great love of art and does many types of creative expressions including sculpting and painting. He says, “I discover the Lord through art.” He discusses the power of praying with art, and how he's brought a vision for the role of art to the Cathedral. (24:34) Fr. J.J. is invited to share his vocation story. Though attracted to discerning, in college Fr. J.J. kept his discernment hidden from others, even telling people he was at the library when he went to visit the seminary. As a college student at Michigan State, he made the decision to transfer to the seminary. He tells the story of telling his parents that he would be entering seminary. His father was deeply moved and began crying. His mother said, “I knew there was a reason you lived,” referencing his very premature birth. (37:22) “We're all called. It doesn't matter who we are, we're all called.” Fr. J.J. shares a reflection on how the priesthood is filled with men of diverse backgrounds, gifts, and personalities. Early on in his discernment of the priesthood, he felt that he didn't fit the mold; Fr. J.J. felt unimportant compared to the priest in the sanctuary, “That's not me.” However, he can see now how God utilizes his gifts in the priesthood, how God calls different types of men, and that God wanted him to be a priest, just as he is. (41:18) The hosts and guests discuss the role of parental approval in the process of discerning the priesthood. “Parents always want what's best for their kids, but sometimes, parents can't see how you could be really happy or fulfilled doing it (serving as a priest). Sometimes that leads parents to be initially concerned.” They discuss how the priesthood is a sacrifice, but it's one worth making: “You're gonna make a sacrifice somewhere in life; have that sacrifice chosen with God, instead of the sacrifice just heaped upon you. Everybody has to go through some type of cross.” Fr. Giera shares, “What we really need right now, we need more priests. God needs you, and we need you.” (51:20) “If there are young men listening who are thinking about the priesthood, considering a call, what advice would you give them?” Our guest Fr. J.J. gives a powerful reflection: “Talk to a priest, to someone who can help you… Be yourself. Continually pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, and he will lay it out for you. Don't do it alone.” The episode is closed in prayer.

“It's not about what you do, it's about who you are.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Cy Whitaker, S.J. This powerful discussion covers the early seeds of a vocation in Fr. Cy's childhood, the loss of his father, joining the Jesuits at age 40, and his role as a spiritual director at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Be inspired as Fr. Cy describes the priest's identity as more important than the work he does and as he offers encouragement to all men discerning. Show Notes: (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode's guest, Fr. Cy Whitaker, S.J., and our hosts discuss what they've been up to recently. They also talk about the origin of Fr. Cy's name and family history. (9:17) Fr. Cy shares his vocation story. As a child, he only thought about being a priest or a teacher when he grew up. Many priests and teachers told him they thought that young Cy had a vocation to the priesthood. Fr. Cy shares the powerful story of how the Scapular impacted his father's life. After his father's death, which was weeks before Fr. Cy's college graduation, he became a teacher and taught for 22 years. (24:21) At age 40, Fr. Cy called the vocation director for the Jesuits. He describes how he discerned being a priest in a religious order. He explains what a novitiate is, and what discernment with the Jesuits looks like. He also details the Jesuits vows and the two types of priests within the Jesuit order. (34:44) “How did you end up at the seminary?” Fr. Cy has been a spiritual director at the seminary for 6 years. He describes what a spiritual director is and what his days look like in this role. He shares that spiritual direction is an intimate and personal space to aid seminarians in processing the transitions in seminary. It is an opportunity for seminarians to be led in prayer in their discernment. (41:05) The Sacrament of the present moment: “Be here now.” Fr. Cy shares that God reveals himself to us as “I am” and not as “I was.” That God is found in the present moment, and how this wisdom helps men encounter God. He says the framework of, “Living my life as a response of love to the Love that loved me first” has been powerful for him. He encourages seminarians and men discerning the priesthood to do the same. (49:45) Advice to men who are discerning: “Be open to the possibilities of what God wants for you.” And “What's the next right step for you?” Fr. Cy shares, “Even if you came here (seminary) and discern out, you'll be a better man for it. And if you stay, you'll have one of the most exciting jobs in the world.” Fr. Cy underlines the importance of the priestly identity: “it's not about what you do, it's about who you are.” Fr. Cy closes in a powerful prayer for the listeners, calling on the Blessed Mother as Mother of Priests.

“Find Jesus in the Eucharist. If you want to know what God wants, go to Him.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Perrin Atisha who shares his journey to ordination at age 26 for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. Through a powerful retreat in high school, time in Eucharistic Adoration, his father's approval of his vocation, and a trip to Iraq, God showed Fr. Perrin that he was called to the priesthood. Now Director of Vocations, Fr. Perrin gives valuable insight into the heart of a priest and discernment 101. “We don't need perfect men. We need men who are in love with God.” Show Notes: (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode's guest serves as the Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. He recently attended a national conference for vocation directors. Fr. David shares that he has finally finished remodeling a private chapel in the Divine Child rectory. (9:09) Fr. Perrin shares his vocation story: He has two brothers and a sister, and they were raised as devout Chaldean Catholics. At age five, Fr. Perrin started altar serving and, a year later, told his mother, “I want to do what the priest does.” But in high school, he fell into “living a double life.” He describes it as, “I wasn't truly living for the Lord.” In Mass, he marveled at the priesthood and felt a desire to pursuing a priestly vocation. But outside of Mass, he felt “distracted by the world.” (16:40) A Kairos Retreat in high school changed Fr. Perrin's relationship with God. And in the Eucharistic Adoration chapel at his high school, Fr. Perrin experienced “the presence of God” as he began to visit the chapel during his lunch period. Later at Wayne State University, a priest welcomed him to the Newman Center with such intentionality and joy, and he was drawn into college ministry even leading Bible studies. After feeling ready to enter seminary after college, he was asked to wait a year. While hurt and angry then, he looks back and says, “If I didn't have that year, I don't think I would be a priest.” (32:02) Prayer life in discernment: Fr. Perrin attended Eucharistic Adoration daily and Mass during the week. He also prayed with scripture regularly and read the lives of the saints. Fr. Perrin shares how he overcame struggles with his father's attitude towards him pursuing a priestly vocation. He felt the time he most struggled with his vocation was between the time he was accepted into seminary and the time he entered. He can see in retrospect that those doubts for himself and his vocation were not from God but from the evil one. (44:16) Adjustments in the seminary: Fr. Perrin shares how his relationship with his father and mother changed as he journeyed through seminary. His father grew in approval of his vocation and their relationship improved, and his mother grew in allowing Fr. Perrin to have independence in his discernment. “Just because there are struggles, doesn't mean God isn't calling us.” (51:42) Ordination: “I always knew I would love being a priest, but I didn't know it would be this beautiful.” He shares that the theme of his priesthood is, “God takes care of me.” He enjoys offering Mass and preaching. He talks about his discernment deciding whether to become a Chaldean or a Roman Rite priest and what went into making his decision, especially a trip to Iraq in 2017. Fr. Perrin offers some advice to men discerning, “Find Jesus in the Eucharist. If you want to know what God wants, go to Him. Be in love with the Lord.” He closes the episode in prayer. Links from this episode: Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle Vocations (mailto:vocations@chaldeanchurch.org)

“Never be afraid to accept your vocation. Because God will supply what we need.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Matthew Hood. Together they discuss Fr. Matt's journey from asking big questions about the Faith in high school to being ordained a priest. After spending eight years in seminary, Fr. Matt has served the Archdiocese of Detroit in parish and school ministry. He offers advice for men discerning: “If God has given you even the smallest desire for the priesthood, pursue it. That doesn't happen often.” Show Notes: (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This month's guest is Fr. Matthew Hood, the chaplain for Detroit Catholic Campus Ministry which serves Wayne State University and the University of Michigan – Dearborn as well as the surrounding campuses. He shares about his summer abroad in Brazil on a mission trip with FOCUS, Fellowship of Catholic University Students. (10:40) The Costco King: the hosts and Fr. Matt play a game related to opinions about Costco. Fr. Craig announces the winner of the competition will be announced at the end of the episode. (16:33) Fr. Matt's vocation story: In high school, Fr. Matt found himself asking many big questions about faith while attending St. Joseph Parish in Lake Orion. He found that the Catholic Church offered the answers to every question he proposed in a more profound manner, allowing him to trust and surrender. He began to desire not just to know God but also to develop a relationship with Him. Spending time in the local Eucharistic Adoration chapel is where he first felt a desire for the priesthood. (20:15) While before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, Fr. Matt began praying with Scripture, particularly the passage of Jesus calling the disciples on the Sea of Galilee in which he felt the Lord telling him “To follow Him, throw down my nets, put out into the deep” as a priest. But he pushed the thought to the side. (25:51) From questions to his vocation: Fr. Matt explains in more detail the journey from asking questions to considering the priesthood. In encountering Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, he felt the Lord kept placing the call to the priesthood on his heart. Fr. Matt enrolled at Central Michigan University his freshmen year and participated in Catholic Campus Ministry which helped to further confirm his vocation to the priesthood. (31:34) The process of entering seminary: joy, friendship, and fraternity played a pivotal role for Fr. Matt. He applied and was accepted to the seminary, where he found the first year challenging. He was tempted to feel “I'm not holy enough, I'm not worthy enough.” He was challenged by doubts and an experience of feeling undeserving of the priesthood. (43:25) Life as a priest: The priests talk about Fr. Matt's experience of working at Divine Child parish and school. He then describes how he lives out his priesthood walking with college students, including hosting events for exploring the Faith and deepening one's conversion. Fr. Matt recommends finding a priest as a spiritual director to help guide a man considering a vocation to the priesthood. “What might be the next step?” They discuss key advice for how to discern if God is calling a man to the priesthood. “God speaks to us in silence. If there is a small desire for priesthood, pay attention to it, have courage, don't be afraid, and seek it.” Fr. Matt closes the episode in prayer.

“Don't be afraid.” Fr. David Pellican welcomes Bishop Robert Fisher, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, to Men of the Hearts. In this episode, they discuss His Excellency's journey to the priesthood. He first considered the priesthood at age 10, but that thought was pushed away by a desire for marriage and a job in the business world. After serving at a summer camp in college, he felt his faith reawakened. Though not having full clarity, he entered seminary and took it one year at a time before being ordained in 1992. Bishop Fisher also shares about serving as Director of Priestly Vocations and how he found out Pope Francis selected him to be a bishop. Show Notes: (00:03) Fr. David welcomes us to Men of the Hearts. This episode's guest is Bishop Robert Fisher. He is the oldest of four kids originally from the west side of Detroit, about three miles down the road from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. His family offered a “supportive attitude” for discerning the priesthood even growing up with priests and religious in the family. He was an altar server, and it was around age 10 that he first considered the priesthood. But then he felt a desire for marriage and wanted to enter the business world. In college, he began to grow in his prayer life through silence in front of the Blessed Sacrament. (17:35) Bishop Fisher felt the call come back to considering the priesthood while serving at a summer camp. He prayed about it and talked with some friends, and the support helped him consider the seminary more seriously. He felt the Lord inviting him to, “Go to the seminary for a year.” He still desired to have a family and didn't have full clarity, but he took the next step to enter seminary. After a year spent in the parish as a seminarian, he said, “I just knew, I just knew” that the priesthood was his calling, and it was confirmed in his prayer life. However, he still brought to the Lord his desire for fatherhood, which He ended up satisfying through the spiritual fatherhood he experiences with parishioners. (22:23) Clarity: Fr. David comments on the graces of co-hosting this podcast and “seeing the full range of how God calls people.” Some guests have a gradual path to the priesthood, others receive a single moment of clarity. “God knows us uniquely and what suits us best.” Fr. David shares a moment of clarity for him when he realized, “God did not call me to be a seminarian but a priest” and both share the desire they felt for “flapping their wings” in preparation for serving as a priest. (28:30) Roles as a priest: Bishop Fisher served as Director of Priestly Vocations for five years. He said he missed being in the parish because he loves serving families. However, he witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit touching the hearts of men discerning the priesthood. He then shares the story of getting the call that Pope Francis selected him to be an auxiliary bishop of Detroit. “How's it been being a Bishop?” His Excellency shares that he misses parish life, knowing families and watching kids grow up. But he loves serving the Church at a higher level and seeing the Gospel unleashed throughout the archdiocese. (40:24) “What would your words be to a young man who is considering the idea of the priesthood?” Bishop Fisher says, “Be not afraid. If God wants you to do something with your life, it's going to be good. It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be good.” He compares discernment to dating, in wanting to know a lot about the vocation that you're discerning. “Bug your parish priest, ask him lots of questions, attend a Discernment Group, go to Mass regularly, and spend time with the Blessed Sacrament.” Bishop Fisher closes the episode in prayer.

"Whatever you need to hear the voice of God, if you're open to it, God's gonna talk to you." Join Fr. Craig Giera as he welcomes Fr. John Kopson, who shares his journey to the priesthood. After leaving college seminary with a desire for more certainty in his vocation, Fr. John began working at a nursing home as a Certified Nurse Assistant. After an encounter with a dying priest, Fr. John experienced the Lord give him the grace and clarity he needed to return to the seminary and ultimately, be ordained to the priesthood. This episode of Men of the Hearts closes with an encouragement for men discerning to surrender to the Lord, and He will satisfy their desires. Show Notes: (00:26) Fr. Craig welcomes us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This month's guest is Fr. John Kopson, who is pastor at St. Anne Parish in Warren. Fr. John shares about his growing devotion to the Rosary and how it's been implemented into his life, even changing how he drives. They discuss Marian devotion and the title for Mary: Our Lady, Terror of Demons. Fr. Craig shares how we can pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary for priestly vocations. Fr. John emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist and Adoration, which Fr. Craig explains is included in the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations through regular Holy Hours. (14:50) Fr. John is invited to share his vocation story. At a young age during his Confirmation interview, the priest told Fr. John that he might have a priestly vocation, which planted a seed in his heart that didn't flower until his early twenties. Reading scripture, going to Confession, and reading the Catechism began to change Fr. John's heart. A pilgrimage to Medjugorje deeply impacted his prayer life. He felt his 'head knowledge' become 'heart knowledge.' He recollects the influence of his mom doing prison ministry for 20 years, opening his heart to the power of redemption and authentic conversion. (36:10) Fr. John shares that he felt a huge desire to defend the Catholic Faith. He had clarity that he would spend his life for this purpose. He came to the point that he wanted to give his life to share the faith and share Jesus. "When you enter the seminary... you're not saying that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God's calling you to be a priest. You're simply saying that you want to discern if this is your calling or not." This advice from a priest offered Fr. John comfort and peace as he applied to seminary. (39:00) Fr. John decided to leave and "discern out" at Christmas break of his last year in college seminary. In his discernment and prayer, he felt he wanted more certitude that God was calling him to become a priest. His experience as a Certified Nurse Assistant helped him understand the shortage of priests, the need for Intercessory Prayer and the Sacraments, and that his heart was naturally compassionate toward his patients. A powerful experience with a dying priest who was on comfort care was a catalyst to moving Fr. John back into seminary. (59:40) "Whatever you need to hear the voice of God, if you're open to it, God's gonna talk to you." Fr. John shares his wisdom that God will speak to each man He calls to be a priest differently. God knows each soul, and His timing is perfect. "This life is a sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice that feels good." (1:01:57) A word to those discerning: talk to a good priest! "You don't have to figure this out on your own." Fr. John directs discerning men to Fr. Craig who is the Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit. "And pray the Rosary. Set time aside each day for prayer. And ask Jesus for the strength and desire to do His will." The two priests affirm their experience that God satisfies our desires. If we surrender to Him and His will, then we will be eternally happy. Fr. John closes out the episode in prayer.

“Can I really be happy doing this?” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Bishop Donald Hanchon, a Detroit native brimming with wisdom for vocational discernment. His Excellency shares his story of feeling called to the priesthood in grade school, attending high school seminary, and the questions and fears he faced along the way. A significant health concern in college seminary threatened his studies and brought him before Jesus in the Eucharist, a moment in which the Lord confirmed his vocation, “From your mother's womb, I have called you.” Bishop Hanchon reminds us that God's call for our life will bring us joy and satisfaction. (00:26) Fr. Craig Giera welcomes Fr. David Pellican and our audience to this episode reviewing the last one with Monsignor Tim Hogan and his experience as a Navy chaplain. This month's guest is Bishop Donald Hanchon, who is an auxiliary bishop here in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He shares a blessing about writing a talk recently for a Day of Prayer for the Family of Parishes' Central Region. Together they discuss a busy May with seniors graduating from high school, a chapel altar construction project, and artwork. (07:40) Fr. Craig shares a memory from his first year in the seminary, visiting Most Holy Redeemer parish, where the then-Monsignor Hanchon was pastor for many years. “I remember thinking, this guy is a cool guy.” His Excellency shares his passion for collecting memorabilia from his travels to the Holy Land and Mexico. Fr. Craig mentions his excitement over the upcoming Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations, which starts with a Holy Hour with the Archbishop on the Vigil of Pentecost, June 4. (11:40) “When did you start thinking about being a priest?” Bishop Hanchon shares his experience of growing up with excellent models of the priesthood; he first thought of becoming a priest in grade school at St. Mary Parish in Wayne. He was invited to take the entrance exam at the high school seminary, which he did. During one of his interviews for admission, he remembers being asked, “Why do you want to be a priest?” He recalls sharing his response and the priest adding, “and to save your soul.” (19:50) College seminary: After a severe stomach ulcer that left him hospitalized, Bishop Hanchon feared he would be deemed unfit for the priesthood. Afraid, he went before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and crying before God, he felt his vocation was confirmed from Him quoting Jeremiah 1:5: “From your mother's womb, I have called you.” (23:23) “God has a sense of humor.” Bishop Hanchon served as the Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He shares: “A real vocation is something God gives you and that you respond to. If you think you have a vocation, talk to someone who knows more about vocations than you.” His Excellency feels God wanted him to discover the importance of friendship. This moved him to establish a priestly fraternity group, which has been going strong since 1975, allowing for the priests to hold each other accountable and trust one another with their blessings and difficulties. (39:45) Common fears: “Can I really be happy doing this?” Or “Can my son really be happy doing this?” Bishop Hanchon shares about the role of desire when it comes to discerning the priesthood. “Do you think God would call you against your will? That hasn't been my experience of God…. I don't think God wants you to be a priest if you don't want to be a priest.” Fr. David reminds us that His plan for each man is one of happiness and salvation. Fr. Craig details the challenges of the priesthood but explains how the sacrifice required is worth it. (53:00) Advice for men considering the priesthood: Bishop Hanchon explains his criteria: “Is this person generous with his time and patience?” Further, he shares that a man should also be “in the habit of prayer … and be open where God is leading you.” Bishop Hanchon closes the episode with encouragement and prayer.

If you think the priesthood is boring or mundane, this episode of Men of the Hearts is for you. Monsignor Tim Hogan shares the journey the Lord has brought him from being a medic in the military, to religious life, to diocesan priesthood as a Navy chaplain, including being airdropped from a helicopter to offer Mass on nine different ships. “These people really wanted a chaplain, they wanted Mass, they wanted Confession, they wanted to talk with someone.” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they marvel at the Lord's spirit of adventure and the unknown plans God has for each man thinking about the priesthood. (00:26) This month's guest is Monsignor Tim Hogan, pastor of St. Fabian Parish. He has spent most of his priesthood as a chaplain in the Navy, along with some time in a religious order. He now serves the Archdiocese of Detroit as a parish priest. Fr. Craig shares that the Archbishop announced a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. The Year of Prayer begins with a Holy Hour on June 4, the Vigil of Pentecost. (06:50) Vocation Story: Monsignor Tim Hogan shares how he became a priest. He grew up in a large Catholic family of 11 children and was an altar server. He recalls how important Catholic devotionals and prayers were to the family, including the daily Rosary, as well as the “incredible” priests who served at St. Pius X, his home parish. After enlisting and serving in the Navy as a hospital corpsman, he had an awakening experience of feeling, “there's got to be more.” God came into Msgr. Tim's life in a powerful way through the witness of a friend's “profound” conversion experience. (14:40) Daily Mass: “Daily Mass 11:45.” Msgr. Tim entered a base chapel for Mass and felt the Lord tell him at the Consecration, “this is your home.” He started praying the Rosary again – a daily practice his family had while growing up. While praying the Rosary, he felt the Lord invite him to talk to someone about becoming a priest. After talking to one of the priests and returning to Confession, Msgr. Tim later invited him on deployments to offer Mass. (21:55) Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Msgr. Tim shares meeting one summer a priest of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The priest encouraged him to think more about the priesthood and invited him to visit a high school the order operated in Alexandria, Virginia, which led to him meeting the provincial, leaving the Navy, and joining the religious order, where he spent five years. (25:20) “Am I called to religious life or diocesan priesthood?” Msgr. Tim shares his experience of reading St. Francis de Sales' An Introduction to the Devout Life, discerning where God was calling him. While living life as a religious brother, he found that God was using his time in religious life to create a spiritual balance and pattern that led him to leave the community and later serve as a diocesan priest. (32:32) “How did you come to the diocesan priesthood? And what brought you back to the Navy?” Through meaningful conversations and chance encounters with a friend, Msgr. Tim met with the director of priestly vocations, entered seminary, and was ordained a priest. Early in his priesthood, he received a letter inviting him to become a Catholic chaplain in the military and became a Navy chaplain with the Navy Reserve. He shares his experience being re-called to active duty for Desert Storm in 1991 and remained in active duty for a two-year tour. He served again in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 and 2005, retiring in 2007. (40:05) “What is it like to be a Catholic chaplain in the Navy?” Everyday life and wartime experiences are discussed and what role a Catholic priest plays in the Navy. “The mission of the chaplains is to provide for the Catholics, to facilitate ministries for other religious denominations, and to care for all, to counsel everyone.” His time spent as a hospital corpsman came into play as he served in times of crisis, “God will use your history for His glory.” He shares the story of an Easter he spent offering a separate Mass on nine different ships. (55:32) “What would you tell a man discerning the priesthood and also considering the military?” Msgr. Tim explains that there's an option to do both, but your vocation first and foremost is to priesthood, not the Chaplain Corps. To close, he offers his advice to men who are attracted to serve God in the priesthood: “It comes down to this, are you willing to follow the Lord? He takes it from there. Wherever He wants us to serve, that's the goal.” Msgr. Tim closes out the episode in prayer.

This episode of Men of the Hearts is full of priestly fraternity, two inspiring vocation stories, and encouragement against fears of inadequacy related to the priesthood. Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Fr. David's fellow Divine Child Parish clergy, Fr. Bob McCabe and Fr. John Dudek. Each shares his own vocation story, how to overcome “analysis paralysis” and fears related to returning to school in seminary, and how gifts are never wasted in a priestly vocation. “God is calling us to expand our comfort zone.” (00:31) Fr. Craig welcomes us to this episode. He reviews the previous episode with Fr. Tim Birney and insights into how to encourage priestly vocations. Fr. Craig then welcomes our episode's guests, the clergy at Divine Child Parish in Dearborn: Fr. Bob McCabe, Fr. John Dudek and Fr. David Pellican. They discuss recent blessings including overcoming health concerns, winning a sports bet, as well as excitement for the priesthood. Fr. David shares that he is working on building an altar for the private chapel at the rectory. (04:00) Fr. Bob is invited to share his vocation story with us. Fr. Bob is 68 years old and grew up in a Catholic family. In 10th grade, he wanted to be a movie director, but by his senior year in high school, he found an interest in photography. In college, Fr. Bob encountered a group that encouraged him to begin having a daily prayer life. Through living a sacramental life, Fr. Bob's heart was opened to becoming a priest. During this time he experienced “analysis paralysis.” He spent many years considering the priesthood. One misconception he had was that he thought he needed to be 100 percent certain that he was supposed to be a priest before entering the seminary. (15:36) Do we lose our gifts when we enter the priesthood? Fr. Bob highlights how he was able to use his photography skills as a priest, which included a 5-year project capturing photos of Detroit's homeless. Taking portraits of persons facing homelessness is something that brings him fulfillment. It is an expression of how Fr. Bob sees each person as unique – and everyone has their own story. (20:10) Fr. John Dudek shares his own experience of how God brought him to the priesthood. In high school, Fr. John's discussions with his chaplain lead him to enter seminary after high school. Following his departure from seminary, Fr. John got married and had two daughters. Afterwards, he received a degree in elementary education with a specialty in cognitive impairments and worked in special education for twenty-six years. After an annulment, Fr. John saw a “flame” in his heart for the priesthood. Through serving others and encountering a deacon, Fr. John felt the Lord calling him to enter the seminary after a 30-year gap in his seminary studies. (29:55) He mentions attending Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Boston, which was founded to serve men, 35-60 years old, who are discerning the priesthood. A nine-week program at the Institute for Priestly Formation helped Fr. John in his discernment. At times, he felt daunted by entering back into the classroom for his seminary studies. But he felt supported in his classes. “If God is calling you to be a priest, we'll make it happen.” The community of support in the seminary exists to help seminarians discern God's will and work through the necessary education. (39:00) The priests discuss the experience of living in a rectory together. They have recently started watching The Chosen. Fr. Bob describes the show as “life transforming, utterly brilliant.” The Divine Child rectory has four priests and they feel they are “stepping back in time” because of the community life they share. “There is so much gained by sharing rectory life. We pray together, we eat together.” Fr. Bob shares that he feels blessed to live with his fellow priests, grow, and minister together with them. (45:45) “The Ministry of Presence” is a way of life for the priests; they desire to be available to their parishioners and students. They find delight in encountering their flock and being accessible shepherds. “It's beautiful to build relationships.” They desire to be approachable and down to earth so that their spiritual children feel they can have a friendship with their priests. Both Fr. David and Fr. John detail different roles that they have taken on at Divine Child utilizing their unique gifts and talents with the students in the classroom. And Fr. Bob, Fr. John, and Fr. David discuss what liturgies they will be responsible for during Holy Week and the Triduum. (55:12) What advice would you give to a man considering the priesthood? “Always keep your heart open. Stay true to what you're feeling, what you're thinking. Going into the priesthood is a process. If you're true to the process and if you stay focused, you're know whether or not God is calling you to be a priest” is Fr. John's advice. Fr. Bob says, “Don't think you're too old; don't be afraid. A life of service to others is so fulfilling… and it also keeps you young.” Fr. Bob encourages men, “don't fall into the trap of thinking that you're not holy enough or not smart enough, or too nervous to speak in front of people.. You're invited to participate in the priesthood of Jesus Christ… that's where the Holy Spirit comes in. God is calling us to expand our comfort zone.” Fr. Bob used to be very nervous about public speaking but has learned to experience it as a fulfilling form of service. (59:07) “If you've ever thought about becoming a priest, give Fr. Craig a call” quips Fr. John. And Fr. Bob concludes “let that discernment unfold because God has a unique and unrepeatable vocation for each and every one of us. And we do well to search that out.” The episode is closed in prayer by Fr. Bob. And Fr. Craig thanks both Fr. Bob and Fr. John for being on the podcast. Links from this episode: Fr. Bob McCabe's YouTube channel, including his project with Detroit homeless “Winters on the Street” (https://www.youtube.com/user/frbobmccabe/videos)

In this 12th episode of Men of the hearts, Fr. David and Fr. Craig welcome a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Fr. Tim Birney. Fr. Tim shares his journey to the priesthood that began with family life centered around his parish. A high school assignment was a catalyst to encountering God's call to serve God as a Catholic priest. The priests discuss an active discernment group in the archdiocese, what seminary really is, how to approach fears surrounding discernment, as well as advice to men discerning. The podcasts closes with an acronym to sumup how to encourage healthy and holy vocations. Take a listen! (0:25) Introduction: Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves and review the previous episode on a priest's experience of saying Mass. This episode's guest is introduced: Fr. Tim Birney. Fr. Tim was the director of priestly vocations at one point. Fr. Tim shares about a blessing in his life right now: his parish, St. Frances Cabrini, recently received a significant gift that allows the parish to renew their school facilities. The priests discuss humor and how their priesthoods are enriched by humor. (9:45) A Snowy Chapel. Fr. David shares about the recent building of an outdoor chapel after a snowfall. Fr. Craig shares he had his appendix removed and talks about asking for St. Rita's intercession. (17:45) A memory with a future bishop: Fr. Tim shares about his first time meeting then Fr. Earl Boyea, and how the witness of his vigor struck him. Other helpful dynamics surrounding healthy discernment are discussed. (21:40) Discernment Group: Fr. Craig shares about a Detroit based discernment group for young men considering a call to the priesthood. The group meets monthly, has fellowship, and discusses the shared experience of discerning the priesthood. (22:41) Fr. Tim Birney's vocation story: Fr. Tim shares about his upbringing and how he spent a lot of time at his local church. A school assignment about the priesthood opened his eyes to see the priesthood in a new light. Fr. Tim felt he wasn't holy enough or smart enough to be a priest. While sitting in the library at his school looking at pictures of priests, Fr. Tim felt clearly: “I should be one of them.” His first step was going on a discernment weekend at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He was terrified and didn't know what it was going to look like. (35:15) Obstacles to Discernment: Fr. Tim shares that he didn't feel “holy” or that he was very prayerful when he first started discerning. He didn't spend long hours in the chapel or read a lot about the priesthood. But he felt a call and sensed the priesthood is where God was calling him. Fr. Craig shares that each call to the priesthood is different; God calls each man differently. (44:00) What the Seminary really is: Fr. Tim reminds us that the seminary is a place to discern. “You do not have to have 100 percent certainty that you will become a priest.” The faculty and staff are there to help bring clarity to the call. The seminary helps a man better understand what God wants of him. The time spent in seminary is valuable and never wasted. You will leave a better man, either for ordination or for discernment of another vocation. (48:22) Take Your Pills: P-I-L-L. Fr. Tim explains what he sees as four important ways to promote priestly vocations: Prayer, Invite, Love your Priests, and Live Your Faith. All the faithful should pray for vocations. We should not be afraid to invite young men to consider a call to the priesthood. Supporting our parish priests helps foster healthy priests, which encourages vocations. And finally, each person living his or her faith with passion creates environments where the Holy Spirit is welcomed. (56:23) Advice to Men Discerning: 1. How is your prayer life? Seek to grow here. 2. Get involved in your parish. Volunteer to read at Mass. See what's going on in your parish and plug into the life of your parish. 3. Learn more about the priesthood. Read the lives of the saints. Let your heart be moved. (59:37) What NOT to do if you are discerning: Fr. Tim encourages men to refrain from proclaiming definite statements about one's vocation. Discernment takes time. Let the Lord confirm a vocation. (1:00:01) A charge from Fr. Tim to those discerning: “Do not be afraid.” Finances, parents' reactions, reputation, fear of failing, fear of inadequacy, and many other worries may keep a man from taking the next step in discerning a call to the priesthood. Fr. Tim encourages the audience: Be fearless. (1:06:09) Closing Remarks. The hosts invite Fr. Tim to close the podcast in prayer.

Fr. Craig and Fr. David take a deep dive into the mystery of offering Mass from a priest's perspective. They share about their own experiences with saying the Mass, both their first Masses and in recent days during sickness. Fr. Craig shares how a Gospel passage addressed his fears of the priesthood as well as stories of epic priests over the years. Together they reflect on the feeling of unworthiness when discerning the priesthood and God's ability to use our smallness to feed His people. (0:12) Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves and discuss their admiration for their last podcast guest, Fr. John Riccardo. They introduce the topic for this episode, something that is very near and dear to the heart of a priest: celebrating Mass. This is something only priests can do. It defines a priest. (1:40) Fr Craig shares about his Christmas break; he had the opportunity to slow down. He shares about his Christmas leisure. Then Fr. David shares about his Christmas; he spent the time with family. They also discuss their favorite grocery stores. (10:13) Fr. Craig defines the Mass. They discuss the Eucharist and the power of the Cross. The Cross is the first thing processed into the Mass and is always present near the altar. They discuss how to spot an accurate crucifix. Fr. Craig talks about his experience casting crucifixes. (17:14) Fr. David invites Fr. Craig to go through a quick overview of the structure of the Mass. Mass begins with a confession of our sins and our need for God. Then it's the Liturgy of the Word; we read God's Word and ask Him to let it take root in our soul. They discuss the transformative power of the Word of God how it's supposed to take root in our souls. (26:05) Preaching is one of Fr. Craig's favorite things to do. He loves to share why he believes in God, why he is happy, and what God has done for him. (29:00) “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” – St. Jerome. Fr. David suggests reading the Mass readings before you come to Mass and think about what you would preach on for that passage. (29:45) The Mass mirrors the way the Jews would worship: offering sacrifice. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the second part of the Mass. The Eucharist is the sacrifice that bridges the gap between God and man through Jesus. The priest is an active participant in this mystery. (34:00) One of Fr. Craig's fears in becoming a priest was, “Do I have enough to offer? What can I give to the Lord? And would it be good enough?” The Gospel story of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes (John 6:1-15) spoke to Fr. Craig. The story tells how a young lad brings forward his meager offering, and Jesus feeds the people. This story showed Fr. Craig that the Lord takes what little we have and magnifies it. “If we don't have any young men coming forward to be priests, the people will not be fed.” (35:35) A question that came up in discernment for Fr. David: am I worthy? The answer is “No.” But the Lord does not call the qualified. He qualifies those who are called. (36:26) A challenge: next time you're at Mass, listen to the Eucharistic prayer. Who is this directed toward? What is saying Mass like for a priest? (39:00) Fr. Craig shares stories of epic priests, referencing books such as “He Leadeth Me,” “With God in Russia,” and “Priestblock.” (41:21) Fr. Craig discusses the two most vivid moments in which he is reminded that he is a priest of Jesus Christ, the moments when he feels most deeply that God is active within him. They discuss the awesome privilege to make Jesus present the same way he was 2000 years ago, and what it feels like to be “in persona Christi (https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/holy-chrism-mass-in-persona-christi-6246)” as a priest. And the reality that the Mass connects us to the mystical body of Christ, His Church. Scott Hahn's “The Lamb's Supper” is mentioned. (55:00) “Why couldn't Jesus just stay on earth?” asks Fr. David. Jesus had to the bring the offering of Himself into the heavenly sanctuary, and the sacrifice isn't complete until it's given over to God. Fr. Craig shares that we complete Jesus' sacrifice by partaking of the Eucharist, eating His body and drinking His blood. (58:14) Fr. Craig shares his wisdom for men who feel called to the priesthood. Time spent at Mass and Eucharistic Adoration is the best way to spend your time. Downloading a Bible app is also a great idea. (1:02:33) Fr. Craig closes the episode in prayer. He prays in gratitude for the gift of the Mass and the Eucharist, the image of Love. He prays for those called to the priesthood to be open to this great mystery in the discernment of their vocation.

(0:55) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican introduce guest Fr. John Riccardo, the executive director of Acts XXIX, to share his vocation story and the many twists and turns he experienced along his path to the priesthood. Fr. John shares about a homily from a brother priest on a difficult moral issue which deeply affected him. (8:00) Fr. John discusses with Fr. Craig and Fr. David the inherent desire for greatness and pursuing a life of meaning by rising up to the challenge. They discuss how, ultimately, the call to greatness is the call to love God and your neighbor. (12:00) Fr. John takes listeners through his vocation story, reflecting on hearing the Lord clearly speak to him to call him to the priesthood, from where he began his journey at Sacred Heart Major Seminary which solidified his call to his vocation. (20:00) In reflecting on their various struggles encountered during their journeys in the priesthood, Fr. John discusses with Fr. Craig and Fr. David the ways in which grace has upheld them, and God has provided everything they needed even in the most difficult moments. (30:00) Fr. John observes how many of the qualities needed to be a good husband and a good father in a marriage are equally needed and used in the priesthood, and how the level at which you are able to give of yourself and share these gifts is only amplified through a vocation to the priesthood. (39:00) Fr. John reflects on his time at Sacred Heart, living and studying theology in Rome, the struggles he experienced being away from home, and the transformative experience he had with the Lord while there, deepening in his faith. (44:00) Fr. John, Fr. Craig, and Fr. David talk about the importance of discernment for any man who thinks he may be called to the priesthood. They illustrate examples of how, through giving God an opportunity to help with discernment, you reach a place of peace. (48:10) Fr. John shares how his father inspired him by offering his blessing on pursuing his vocational call. He mentions that this blessing gave him permission to discern the Lord's plan for his life. (55:05) Fr. John offers his perspective on preaching as an act of listening to what God wants to say and encourages listeners to not be afraid to risk everything for Him. (58:08) Fr. John leads closing prayer with Fr. Craig and Fr. David.

(0:45) Fr. Craig introduces the latest guest, Bishop Gerard Battersby, alongside his co-host Fr. David. Auxiliary Bishop Battersby shares a blessing with a recent Families of Parishes Commissioning Ceremony while Fr. David talks about his new appointment as the note-taker for the Presbyteral Council. (8:45) Fr. David talks about how he remembers in seminary when Fr. Battersby received the call to become a bishop and the motto he chose for his episcopacy. Bishop Battersby shares that his motto “In Sinu Patris” (That we live in the bosom of the Father and the Father's embrace) comes from the Gospel of St. John and the writings of Blessed Columba Marmion. (10:15) Fr. David shares that during his priestly ordination he gave out cards with an image of El Greco's depiction of the Trinity and how it relates to Bishop Battersby's episcopal motto. And Fr. Craig explains that he quoted Psalm 31 on his ordination card. (11:55) Bishop Battersby shares his vocation story including the fact that his uncle was a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit and how his passing deeply affected him. He reflects that while studying abroad in Ireland at the age of 19, he had an illumination at a youth hostel in Scotland that he was going to be a priest. However, despite how clear the call was at the time, he struggled with it for the next 14 years. (15:30) Bishop Battersby explains how he drew closer to the Lord in prayer, particularly during Mass, and learning about Him, he began to fall more deeply in love with Him. The idea of priesthood kept returning despite his best efforts to pursue other things and cast it from his heart. He even bargained with God telling Him he would do anything so long as he could get married and have a family. (17:16) His Excellency recounts that one day before class at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, he visited the chapel and was in anguish over the fact he knew the Lord wanted him to be a priest and that he didn't want it. He remembers later telling God that he loved Him but couldn't be a priest, and the Lord responding to him literary, “You don't have to.” Shocked and delighted, Bishop Battersby exclaims the beauty of hearing the Lord's voice and the love contained in Him. (20:00) Bishop Battersby explains the change that occurred in him and the freedom he experienced after hearing God's voice whether in fact he was called to be a priest or not. Acknowledging that his call to the priesthood may sound like an anti-vocation story, he emphasizes that the Lord desires us to be free to love Him and say yes to following His will for our lives. (25:30) Fr. Craig responds to Bishop Battersby that his story is not unique amongst men discerning a call to the priesthood. He describes that God calls us to our vocation out of love because He is love, which Bishop Battersby quips is not just a slogan. Fr. Craig then asks His Excellency follow-up questions based on his story. Bishop Battersby recounts that after returning from Ireland, he contacted the seminary and met with Fr. Don Archambault, the pre-formation director, at the time on several occasions to explore the idea of becoming a priest. (28:50) Bishop Battersby mentions that one day Fr. Archambault sent him to meet with a parish priest to learn more about the priesthood. However, that meeting with that priest only confirmed, at the time, that he didn't want to live an unhappy life. He continues that despite a successful career and a nice house and cars, he wasn't happy. Bishop Battersby emphasizes that we want love and to be fulfilled in love, which answers our deepest needs. (32:15) Fr. Craig asks follow-up questions on the rest of his vocation story, and His Excellency returns to his experience of hearing the Lord's voice in the chapel at the seminary. He describes that within six weeks, he applied to the seminary, and later received confirmations during his time there that the Lord was calling him to the priesthood. Fr. Craig talks about a confirmation he experienced on his diaconate retreat that God was in fact calling him to the priesthood. (37:20) Bishop Battersby discusses how he confused his desire with God's will and the seminary helped him to separate the two, focusing on the Lord's desire for him. Fr. David explains that when he entered seminary, he wasn't ready to become a priest but after much discernment and prayer he received confirmation of that call. He asks Bishop Battersby about his experience in seminary, which he describes as a joy since it deepened his relationship with God. And he describes two success stories later as a formatter at the seminary of men who both discerned well, either becoming priests or not. (40:21) Fr. Craig recounts the difficulty experienced by men who put off discerning their vocation until later in life but affirms that God can still work in those situations. However, he argues that men should act on discernment and if you feel a call, attend the Discernment Group, Discernment Weekend, talk to your pastor, and talk to him. Fr. David mentions that the principle formator is the Holy Spirit and distinguishes between the formator in seminary and a spiritual director. Bishop Battersby affirms that and defines the role of the formator in relation to the Church and the individual man. (45:40) Fr. Craig asks Bishop Battersby about his assignments following ordination, which included several parochial assignments in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Afterwards, His Excellency recounts his transition to the seminary as the Director of Pastoral Formation, which Fr. Pullis, a former guest on the Podcast, occupies now and then as the Director of Graduate Theology. Then, Bishop Battersby recounts going to Rome for further studies where he also studied Blessed Columba Marmion. (49:18) Bishop Battersby discusses his next role as Vice Rector working with the seminarians and the priests in charge of formation. He recounts next when he received the call from the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, appointing him as an auxiliary bishop of Detroit. Fr. Craig asks him about the process of preparing for his episcopal ordination. (53:20) Bishop Battersby recounts the struggle of keeping his appointment a secret for eight days. He emphasizes that remaining faithful to the Lord for His graces provides when he feels he isn't qualified and weak. Fr. Craig asks His Excellency to discuss his duties as an auxiliary bishop, which he describes chiefly is to assist the archbishop in the pastoral care of the Archdiocese. (57:20) As the regional moderator of the South Region, Bishop Battersby explains his day-to-day life, assisting parishes with Confirmations, all-school Masses, and other pastoral needs. He also offers some advice to young men to fall in love with Jesus in order to experience true freedom as the sons of God. (1:04:05) Bishop Battersby concludes with the Hail Mary, and Fr. Craig thanks him and Fr. David.

Fr. David takes the lead as he and Fr. Craig discuss the Ignatian spiritual exercises and their experience on the 30-day silent retreat that all seminarians attend. Show notes: (0:30) Fr. David takes the lead for this episode as him and Fr. Craig talk about the discernment of spirits with St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. David also shares updates from the past month, including that samples are back at Costco! (3:35) Fr. David talks about experiencing Divine Child Homecoming for the first time with a parade, football game, and the decoration of his dad's truck. (6:15) Fr. Craig shares his joy of hosting the first Discernment Weekend at the seminary since the pandemic and the six men who attended. He explains the purpose of the event and details the schedule, which was recently updated. Fr. Craig highlights that there's another Discernment Weekend coming up at the beginning of December. (11:30) Fr. David transitions to discernment in the work of St. Ignatius, particularly his Spiritual Exercises. He also shares the fact that a parishioner at Divine Child painted (wrote) and presented him an icon of the holy saint, which sits on his desk. Fr. Craig mentions the importance of prayer in his past work creating art while he discerned the priesthood. (15:00) Fr. Craig explains who St. Ignatius is and how his life as a warrior and military man and love for reading tales of knights in shining armor was suddenly upended by a serious injury. While in his bed recovering, the only books available were those on the lives of the saints. And he shares that while reading these books, St. Ignatius, slowly but surely, became a warrior for Christ in his own conversion. (20:57) Fr. David introduces Fr. Timothy Gallagher's Discernment of Spirits and its connection to Ignatian Spirituality while talking about the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Both Fr. Craig and Fr. David explain how part of their seminarian formation included a 30-day silent retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises. They also delve deeper into the format of them and their experience on the retreat. (31:50) Fr. David introduces the Suscipe (from the Latin word “receive or accept”) prayer, which St. Ignatius recommended at the end of the retreat. Fr. Craig shares how the Lord spoke to him through the retreat, particularly the grace of belonging to a band of brothers, the winning team for saving souls as faithful priests. Fr. David, on the other hand, talks about how the Lord spoke to him through a meditation on particular judgment and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (39:15) Fr. David talks about a few principles from the Spiritual Exercises about discerning or looking within at the heart: the thoughts, feelings, and desires. He focuses on consolation and desolation, according to the Rules of St. Ignatius. Both Fr. Craig and Fr. David explore moments of consolation and how they overcame times of desolation in their own lives. (50:20) Fr. David offers some tips from St. Ignatius for those who find themselves in moments of desolation. He emphasizes that times of desolation are a reminder that the graces of consolation are God's grace, not something we can earn. (55:20) Fr. David concludes with a prayer by St. Ignatius for desolation, and Fr. Craig thanks him for leading the discernment of spirits and talking about St. Ignatius.

Fr. Zach and Fr. Drew Mabee, brothers in the priesthood and brothers biologically, discuss their conversions to Catholicism, their journeys to the priesthood, and how they grow in faith and fraternity together. Show notes: (0:33) Fr. Craig introduces this month's guests, Fr. Drew and Fr. Zach Mabee, who are brothers not only through their vocation, but are siblings. Fr. Zach is a priest in the Diocese of Lansing, and Fr. Drew serves in the Archdiocese of Detroit. (1:40) Fr. Zach shares that he is teaching at Sacred Heart Major Seminary this year and updates that he is completing his doctorate in philosophy this year as well. Fr. Drew shares an anecdote about growing up with Fr. Zach as his taller older brother. (6:17) Fr. Drew shares updates and blessings in his life, including his assignments at St. John Fisher and St. Damien of Molokai parishes. He talks about the grace of being stretched outside his comfort zone as a priest. (9:42) Fr. David gives his own updates, including the students returning to Divine Child for school and celebrating his birthday. Fr. Craig reflects on his summer and attending the Summer Seminar with Archbishop Vigneron. (14:08) Fr. Zach begins telling his vocation story, sharing how he converted to Catholicism and the models of the priesthood and campus ministry groups he encountered throughout his education that led him to discern his vocation. (30:11) Fr. Drew reflects on his thoughts and feelings when Fr. Zach shared his intentions of becoming Catholic and becoming a priest. He then shares his own experience being drawn to the Catholic faith and, eventually, the priesthood. (1:00:32) Fr. Craig asks about Fr. Drew and Fr. Zach's lives together as brothers and as brother priests, and how they share their experiences of priesthood and ministry with one another. They reflect, too, on the beauty of having been brought to the Lord through other people and how different each man's experience can be when discerning a priestly vocation. (1:07:00) The priests discuss where they find fraternity and fellowship in their lives these days and how those friendships help them grow as people and as priests. Fr. Zach and Fr. Drew then give advice to young men discerning the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of prayer, attending Mass, and sincerity in conversation with God. (1:15:35) They close in prayer.

Fr. Steve Pullis joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to discuss his vocation story, his assignments as a priest, and his new role as the Director of Pastoral Formation at Sacred Heart. Show notes: (1:40) Fr. David and Fr. Craig catch up and introduce this episode's guest, Fr. Steve Pullis, Director of Pastoral Formation for the seminary. Fr. Steve shares some highlights of his month, reflecting on time he was able to spend up north with some priest friends. Fr. David also gives the monthly Costco update. (8:47) Fr. Steve shares his vocation story. He talks about growing up in a big Catholic family with nine siblings, attending a local Catholic college, and how transformative his time in silent prayer was as a young adult. (13:28) Fr. Steve also talks about some things people can do if they've never been to Adoration before, like praying the rosary and the meditative ritual it provides. He mentions, too, the importance of the other people in his life, especially during college, who were full of love of the Lord. (20:25) Reflecting on studies in theology and philosophy, Fr. Steve considers the impact they had on his vocation journey. He shares a transformative thought he felt enter his mind right before taking the LSAT, and the peace that flooded his heart when he said yes to the seminary. (29:41) Fr. Craig asks what Fr. Steve's life was like when he was applying to the seminary, and Fr. Steve shares what it was like telling his friends about his discernment. He also talks about sharing the news with his family. (35:52) Fr. Steve talks about discussions about vocations or the priesthood in his family growing up, mentioning his oldest brother who entered religious life when Fr. Steve was very young. He also talks about coming face to face with his old sins through the lens of his vocation. (42:01) Hearkening back to Fr. Steve's Open Door Policy days, Fr. Craig and Fr. David ask Fr. Steve some ‘rapid fire questions' about his favorite church in Detroit, his favorite Detroit musician, his favorite Marian devotion, and more. (51:10) Fr. Steve talks about all his assignments as a priest in parishes, in diocesan leadership, and now at the seminary. (1:06:41) Fr. Steve offers advice to young men who may be discerning the priesthood, encouraging them to make time to hear God speaking and talking about the joy that comes from following Jesus. They close with the Memorare.

Fr. Bryan Kassa, Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to discuss his vocation story and the importance of fully surrendering to the will of God. Show notes: (0:59) Fr. Craig introduces this episode's guest, Fr. Bryan Kassa, Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. Fr. Bryan shares some highlights from his past few months, including receiving seminary applications, a new pastor arriving at his parish, and the Eparchy holding its first discernment weekend. (5:35) Fr. David and Fr. Craig share highlights of the month as well, and Fr. David gives the monthly Costco update! Fr. David also shares an update on the young adult carpentry night his parish hosted last week, and Fr. Craig mentions that his summer has been full of Thanksgiving Masses for the recently ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Detroit. (13:23) Fr. Bryan shares his vocation story, mentioning a girlfriend he had who'd challenged him to really take his faith more seriously. He talks, too, about running into an old friend who'd recently joined the seminary and the seed that encounter planted in his mind, and the silence he experienced that helped his thoughts of the priesthood come into focus. (23:01) Fr. Bryan discusses some of the fears the Chaldean community associates with a priestly vocation as a result of the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. He talks about how he explained his decision to become a priest to his parents and the importance of fully surrendering to the will of God. (30:08) Fr. Bryan talks about cultivating a relationship with the Blessed Mother and encourages everyone to have a devotion to her. Fr. David emphasizes this as well, mentioning the impact she can have specifically on men discerning the priesthood. (33:40) Fr. Bryan revisits what his life was like before entering the seminary and the ways he learned to hear the voice of God through the scriptures and Catholic authors. He talks about the hunger he had for Jesus, and the way a secondary vocation will develop when you really solidify your primary one. He also shares some of the resources that helped him discern his vocation (linked below). (43:14) Reflecting on his first few years in seminary, Fr. Bryan discusses some of the classes he took, the need to humble himself and ask for help when needed, and, especially, the fraternity that develops among colleagues. (47:47) Fr. Bryan talks about the Chaldean rite, what an “eparchy” is, and how the different rites of Catholicism relate to one another. He mentions some of the differences of the Chaldean Mass and how the Chaldean bishop, Bishop Francis, and Archbishop Vigneron relate to one another. (56:33) Fr. Bryan shares about where the Chaldean Chancery is located, how men who are interested in discerning can contact the Vocations Director, and how the eparchy is structured in Michigan and beyond. (1:00:33) Fr. Bryan offers parting advice to men who are discerning, encouraging them toward fortitude and spiritual courage. He then closes in prayer. Links from this episode: Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle (http://chaldean.org/) FORMED (https://formed.org/) Augustine Institute (https://www.augustineinstitute.org/) Be a Man - Fr. Larry Richards (https://www.ignatius.com/promotions/be-a-man-book/) Consoling the Heart of Jesus - Fr. Michael Gaitley (https://www.ignatius.com/Consoling-the-Heart-of-Jesus-P298.aspx) 33 Days to Merciful Love - Fr. Michael Gaitley (https://www.ignatius.com/33-Days-to-Merciful-Love-P2411.aspx) Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle Vocations (vocations@chaldeanchurch.org)

Fr. Charlie Fox joins Men of the Hearts to talk about his own vocation story, as well as formation, what it really is, and why it's so important. Show notes: (0:42) Fr. Craig introduces this month's guest, Fr. Charlie Fox, who's about to move into a new position at Sacred Heart as the Vice Rector. (3:39) Fr. Fox shares some of the blessings he's experienced over the past month, including his preaching bootcamp, which helps seminarians become more skilled and comfortable with public speaking. Fr. David updates from his last month as well; his parish has just celebrated their Confirmations and First Communions. (8:38) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Fox about any special gifts or talents he has, and Fr. Fox shares about his love of writing and his experiences writing for the greater Catholic community, as well as some of his exploits in writing as a seminarian at Sacred Heart. (14:40) Fr. Fox shares his vocation story. He talks of growing up in an Irish Catholic family in Detroit and Redford and the gentle encouragement he always had from his parents to consider the priesthood. He also stresses the significance the Eucharist and the Mass had in his discernment. (23:42) Fr. Fox explains what he was thinking, hearing, and feeling when discerning his vocation and when he has very specifically heard the Lord speaking to him and quelling his doubts. Fr. Fox and Fr. Craig reflect on the importance of commitment and closeness with the Lord throughout the discernment process. (30:51) Fr. Craig asks if Fr. Fox was looking for any signs before he entered the seminary, and Fr. Fox says no, but that he was looking for inner clarity and certainty and he discusses the moral certitude often discussed when talking about vocations. (35:26) Fr. Fox talks about his life at the seminary, the fraternity and education at Sacred Heart, and the formation experiences he had during that time. Fr. Craig shares memories of sitting in the refectory with older seminarians and getting to know them as role models. Fr. Fox adds that the like-minded community found in the seminary is a great reinforcement to one's vocation. (41:59) Fr. Fox defines formation as development as a man of God first and a priest according to the priesthood of Jesus second. He mentions the role of formation in developing habits in prayer and smoothing out our rough edges. He also discusses the four pillars of formation: spiritual, intellectual, apostolic, and human. (48:36) Fr. Craig asks what formators and admissions boards are looking for in a seminarian, and Fr. Fox responds that men should be able to live in the program with peace and joy and can engage in the communal and academic life of the seminary. He remarks that the most important thing is that a man has confidence that God is calling him to the priesthood. (51:33) Fr. David talks about Formation Saturday, a program Fr. Fox put on that featured talks on a pillar of formation from a different priest each week. (56:52) Fr. Fox offers advice to men who are discerning the priesthood: don't be afraid to take the next step. He encourages men to think not in terms of choosing between A and B, but of what the deeper choice of Jesus is in one's life. He then closes in prayer.

Archbishop Vigneron joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to talk about his own vocation story and give advice to those discerning. Show notes: (0:03) Fr. Craig welcomes everybody back to the podcast and introduces this episode's very special guest, Archbishop Vigneron! The three reflect on how their celebrations of the Triduum were this year. They particularly discuss the Chrism Mass this year and how grace-filled it was to be able to celebrate together, in contrast to last year's celebration. (4:51) In the monthly Costco update, Fr. David shares that while he was able to get household essentials, he couldn't get any new snacks for the house because he was called away to do an emergency anointing, and Fr. Craig shares experiences of being called for anointings as well. Archbishop reflects on leading the Anointing of the Sick on pilgrimages in Lourdes. (13:42) Archbishop Vigneron tells his vocation story. He talks about his upbringing in Anchorville attending Immaculate Conception, and his attraction to the things of Christ from even the third grade. (17:04) Archbishop reflects on the most challenging time in his vocation journey in 1968, when all the unrest in the nation was causing many of his brothers to leave the seminary — and causing him to reflect on his calling as well. (24:09) Fr. David reflects on Archbishop's earlier comment on how he understood the priesthood at each point of his life, and Fr. Craig asks Archbishop what signs he received on his vocation journey. Archbishop talks about the “a-ha moments” he experienced throughout his life. (30:57) Fr. Craig asks what prayer life should look like for a man discerning the priesthood, and Archbishop emphasizes the importance of periods of quiet and presence in front of the Blessed Sacrament. (35:26) Archbishop then gives advice of things to avoid when discerning. He gives the examples of bargaining with God, asking the big question right at the beginning, and overlooking attraction to the priesthood. (41:25) Archbishop shares some of what he remembers from his ordination and first year as a priest, and what it was like when he received the news of being elevated to a bishop. (48:00) Fr. David gives an overview of the Call to Orders and Scrutiny process that seminarians go through when moving into the transitional diaconate and priesthood, and Fr. Craig shares what he remembers from his scrutinies. (57:04) Archbishop offers some final thoughts on discerning the priesthood and closes in a blessing.

Fr. Craig and Fr. David discuss signs from God, how we can prepare for them, and what signs might indicate a calling to the priesthood. *Show notes: * (0:59) Fr. Craig and Fr. David share updates from the past month. Fr. David mentions the snow chapel Divine Child built and the outdoor Mass they held, and Fr. Craig shares that the Vocations Office has started making sweatshirts, mugs, water bottles, and other merchandise. Fr. Craig also talks about the idea he's had to use his artwork as a visual way to explain what vocations are. Fr. David also gives us a monthly Costco update! (8:14) Fr. Craig introduces this episode's topic: the signs we receive from God. He reflects on the goodness of a push in the right direction from God, but also the risk we run of almost testing him. Fr. David talks about the stories of Zachariah and Mary, the basis of the incredulity each one felt when visited by the angel, and, as a result, the different outcomes of their responses. (11:42) Fr. Craig reflects on Mary's fiat as a vocation and considers artistic depictions of the Annunciation in which she is always reading scripture, preparing herself for whatever is to come. He and Fr. David both share experiences of times in their lives when they'd been asking for signs, maybe even testing the Lord a little. (16:10) The two reflect on the need to, like Mary, be prepared when you receive a sign, because the sign is just a guide or instruction, not a full description of what's supposed to happen. Fr. Craig discusses the need for relationship in following the signs that God has set. (19:42) Fr. David talks about his life before applying to the seminary. He mentions his family praying the rosary together, jobs he worked in high school, and his relationship with the Bible helping him to hear God's voice. He also mentions choosing St. Matthew as his confirmation saint for Matthew's immediate response to Jesus's call. (22:30) Fr. Craig reflects on the small signs we tend to miss, and how common this is when men are considering priesthood. A notable sign that Fr. Craig and Fr. David mention is the frequency of others telling them they'd make a good priest. They share some of their reactions when people would say this. (29:28) Fr. David and Fr. Craig shares that individuals who want to support the mission of vocations can do so by telling men they'd make good priests, and that this action can help people share in the graces of those priests. They relate this to St. Therese of Lisieux, who never traveled but is the patron of missionaries because of her intercessory prayer. They swap stories of others who are praying for them and discuss the power of prayer not only for priests, but for vocations. (33:11) The two consider more signs that drew them to the priesthood, and Fr. Craig reflects on being attracted to the Church and being interested in being in and around her. They look at this especially through the lens of being altar servers. (37:10) Fr. Craig shares a story of a grand, miraculous sign the Lord showed him that led him to eventually apply to Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He affirms, too, that God can work in big ways, but he usually moves in the everyday. (42:42) Fr. David shares the sign God gave him in the form of complete peace that helped him fully realize that he wanted to be a diocesan priest rather than a religious order priest. The two discuss the joy of seeing priests as real people, and the grace that comes from being in the seminary with a hundred other men with the same interest. (46:38) Both Fr. Craig and Fr. David affirm that the seminary is still time for more discernment and no one has to have the whole plan figured out in order to take the next step, but that everyone they know who attended the seminary — whether they became priests or not — remembers the formation fondly. They reflect on the great faculty and formatters at Sacred Heart, and that the Church is discerning your vocation as well. *Links from this episode: * Divine Child snow chapel (https://detroitcatholic.com/news/daniel-meloy/chapel-of-divine-chill-divine-child-takes-advantage-of-snow-for-special-ice-mass) Support Vocations with the Luminous Mysteries (https://detroitpriestlyvocations.com/pray-luminous-mysteries/) CARA reports (https://cara.georgetown.edu/publication/the-cara-report/) Sacred Heart Major Seminary (https://www.shms.edu/)

In this first episode of Men of the Hearts, hosts Fr. Craig Giera, Director of Priestly Vocations, and Fr. David Pellican, Associate Pastor at Divine Child Parish, introduce themselves, their vocation stories, and what to expect in the future of the podcast. Show notes: (0:05) Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves, their lives as priests so far, and talk a little bit about their life as housemates in the same rectory as well. (3:31) Fr. David shares a little bit more about his background, his family, and what it was like growing up with seven sisters. Fr. Craig talks about his school years, as well, and how his journey to the priesthood differed from Fr. David's. (7:39) Fr. Craig introduces the inspriation for the podcast, as well as the Office of Priestly Vocations' new visual identity. He and Fr. David then discuss the relationship between the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus and how they work together to inspire priestly vocations in young men. (16:12) Fr. David shares his vocation story, discussing when he first felt called and how that evolved over time into God's invitation to "try it out". (23:40) Fr. Craig reflects on his vocation story as well, sharing how God spoke to him through beauty and art, and the importance of silence in hearing his voice. (29:35) Fr. David and Fr. Craig discuss God's infinite love as a gift, not something that we can merit or earn, and that God can take any individual and create great things, as long as we are open to him. (34:16) Fr. Craig and Fr. David reflect on the adventure that is a life of following God, and Fr. Craig gives an overview of what to expect from Men of the Hearts moving forward.