Discernment
RAD (Radical Awareness of Discipleship) - RAD is a periodic gathering of high
school-aged men who are open to following Jesus Christ as Catholic priests. Events
are led by the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Denver and by the
Seminarians of St. John Vianney Seminary.
INSIGHT - Program for men who are serious about discerning a vocation to the
priesthood. Topics of discussion cover God's call to discipleship in the Church and
the need for our generous response; life and ministry of priesthood and encounter
with diocesan priests and seminarians.
Check out the Calendar of Events to find out when these meetings are.
Here are some passages from Sacred Scripture relating to call, vocation, choices and journey we suggest you meditate upon . . .
OLD TESTAMENT |
NEW TESTAMENT |
Deuteronomy 6:5
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Jeremiah 1:4-9
Isaiah 6:8
1 Kings 19:11-13
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Mark 12:30-31
Luke 9:57-62
Luke 10:38-42
Luke 12:22-34
Philippians 1:9-10
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Articles on the priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
As Christ Loved the Church - A pastoral letter to the people of God of northern Colorado on forming tomorrow's priests.
Priestly Vocations - Healthy families and parish communities foster vocations.
Important Church documents on the priesthood
Presbyterorum Ordinis - Vatican II decree on the ministry and life of priests.
Pastores Dabo Vobis (I will give you shepherds) - An Apostolic Exhortation by Pope John Paul II on the formation of priests in the circumstances of the present day.
Holy Father's messages on World Days of Prayer for Vocations - Annual messages by Pope John Paull II on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Vocations: Everybody's Business - Pastoral letter by Bishop Sean O'Malley of Fall River, Massachusetts. Provides a good all-around picture of the priestly vocation, the nation's vocation picture, the importance of encouraging priestly vocations and what we can do to encourage vocations.
Other Books on the priesthood, vocations, and celibacy
Gift and Mystery by Pope John Paul II
Could You Ever Become a Catholic Priest? by Christopher and Lorene Duquin
Peter on the Shore: Vocation in Scripture and in Real Life by Anthony Bannon, L.C.
Virginity: A Positive Approach to Celibacy for the Sake of the Kingdom of Heaven by Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap.
On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom compiled by Robert Van de Weyer
Elijah by Adrienne Von Speyr
Other Vocation Related Links
Diocese of Joliet Vocations Page - check out this great web site for information on vocations to the priesthood and religious life (both men and women)!
Des Moines Diocese vocations to the Catholic priesthood - Another great web site with information about the priesthood. Be sure to look at the FAQ's.
Archdiocese of Chicago's vocations to the priesthood
Our Lady of Loreto Parish's vocations page - one of Denver's own parishes has lots to offer those discerning a Church vocation, with many good vocations links as well
Catholic Net vocation information page
Institute on Religious Life
St. John Vianney Seminary's Home Page - the Archdiocese of Denver's Seminary home page
VISION Magazine - Religious Vocation Discernment Guide
Questions about our Faith? Go to Catholic Answers
Thy Will Be Done
Lord Jesus Christ, I come before You with joy and confidence knowing that You created me with a unique purpose in this world.
I come before You with humility and I beg You to help me know Your plan for my life. Give me the desire to do Your will alone - trusting You in all things.
May Your Holy Spirit help me to hear your voice in the Scriptures, and may it encourage me to follow You with the radical faith of Your first disciples.
Through every celebration of Mass may I know the power of Your love revealed in the Eucharist. Help me to adore You in Your Body and Blood and thus, becoming ever more free, I might surrender to You: my heart, my mind, my will, and my all
Give many young people the courage to lay down their lives in radical witness to your love. Give abundant numbers of priests and religious to Your Church as she seeks to build a civilization of love.
Lord Jesus, in Your mercy, hear my prayers.
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