Episodes
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“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.
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“Whatever my own plans for myself are, [they] are nothing compared to His plan for me.” Fr. Clint McDonell joins Men of the 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.
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“We can bring everything to Him.” Fr. Brian Cokonougher joins Men of the 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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“I'm more content than I could ever have thought possible.” Fr. Mike Cassar joins Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee on this month’s episode of Men of the Hearts. Fr. Mike, now the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Lansing, grew up in a Lutheran family. Through gentle movements of grace, Fr. Mike was led to become Catholic, enter the seminary, and be ordained a priest.
(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.
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“I did nothing from Monday through Friday but pray before the Blessed Sacrament.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee welcome Mgsr. Charles Kozanke, the rector of Ste. Anne de Detroit and the Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Msgr. Kozanke has seen the Lord use his gifts and talents throughout his priesthood, and describes how amazing things can happen through 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.
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“I viewed my vocation as a riddle I needed to figure out. But this is a relationship with Jesus I need to full-heartedly embrace.” Fr. Paul Snyder joins Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they dive into Fr. Paul’s vocation. For a number of reasons, Fr. Paul had ruled out the priesthood and when he felt the call at the end of college, he didn’t think it was real. After good priestly advice, prayer in Adoration, and regular daily Mass, Fr. Paul entered seminary and has put his love for marketing to use in ways he never expected.
(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 in summer 2023 to study dogmatic sacramental theology. Fr. David thanks Fr. Craig and the audience and asks for our prayers.
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“I’ve never heard of anyone regretting exploring a call to the priesthood.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican invite Fr. John Dudek to the Men of the Hearts podcast. Their upbeat conversation is a taste of the community life they share as priests serving together. They tackle dealing with transition, returning to places of grace, making mistakes as priests, and living in obedience to the Archbishop. “You’ll never be miserable if you’re doing what God created you to do.”
(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.”
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“The Lord never takes without giving back more.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican invite Detroit-native The Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Bishop Emeritus of Winona-Rochester, to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This former bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester grew up at Our Lady of Good Counsel on Detroit’s east side. He shares about his discernment into seminary, facing changes in the Church, the role spiritual direction has played in faithfully listening to the Lord, and he marvels at God’s faithfulness. Get to know this inspiring guest who Fr. Craig describes as, “the happiest man I’ve met in my whole life.”
(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.
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“Discernment is a win-win situation!” Fr. Jeff Allan brings his insights and wisdom to today’s episode of Men of the Hearts. Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican invite Fr. Jeff to share his vocation story, and how God moved the priesthood from “fourth to first” on his list of dreams for his future. Fr. Jeff explains his two chapters of discerning the priesthood, and now how his ministry as a hospital chaplain has opened his heart to the Holy Spirit’s activity through him.
(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.
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“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.
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“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.”
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