Vocations and Priestly Formation > Priesthood
Programs & Events

John Paul II Weekends
As a youngster and young man, Karol Wojtyla loved the outdoors. Mountain climbing, kayaking, and camping were among some of his favorites. This didn’t change when he was ordained a priest. He had many outings that he took into the wilderness with young people. In these casual settings, he talked about faith, offered Mass, and shared his love for Christ and His Church. Our JPII Weekends will seek to do the same. Our weekends with a young priest could include any of the following: hiking, kayaking, canoeing, cross country skiing, or bicycling. These weekends will be on a personal invitation only. If you are interested in this year’s events and dates, contact Deacon Mike.


Seminary Come and See Weekends

The seminary is often times thought of as a great mystery. People have all kinds of misconceptions about what a seminary is and what seminarians are like. Come and See weekends are opportunities for guys to get the real scoop on what life is like in the seminary.  You will have an opportunity to meet seminarians and find out that they are normal guys like you. You will find a strong sense of community. You will find guys who are asking the same questions that you are. You will find that there are a great number of guys your age asking themselves what God wants.  At these weekends, you will hang out with our seminarians, you will be able to visit the campus, attend a college class or two, hear from someone in admissions, and find out valuable information about the college/seminary program. There will be time for prayer, reflection, and fun. Weekends are planned for juniors in high school on up. The only cost is for two meals that we have on the road. Transportation (car pool) will be organized by the diocese.

There is no obligation with a visit. Many of the guys who attend these weekends say how great and helpful they are. Not all the guys who visit enter the seminary. But every guy who visits comes away with a greater understanding of what seminary is.

Dates for these weekends are as follows:

     St. John Vianney Seminary                      New dates coming soon                    
                                                                     
     Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary        New dates coming soon

Contact Deacon Mike Knuth if you are interested in a visit.


Summer Vocation Camps

The Vocation Camp this year was a great success.  The dates for next year's camp are June 23-25, 2011.  Mark your calendar.  Contact Deacon Mike or Rosie at the Diocese (218-724-9111) for more information


Vocation Dinners

Every year, the Vocations Team travels around the diocese to parishes that host a vocation dinner. The evening begins with a parish wide Mass at 5:30. Following Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and parishioners are encouraged to make a holy hour and pray for vocations. While they are doing this a social and supper is served to the invited clergy and young men.. There is a short presentation made by the Vocation Team on God’s call and the possible call to priesthood. There is a time to ask any question you ever wanted to know about priesthood, seminary, etc. The evening ends with benediction, and people are on their way home by 8:00.

Upcoming Dates to be announced:
    Brainerd Deanery              
    Cloquet Deanery                   
    Duluth Deanery                      
    Hibbing/Virginia Deanery    
  
Contact your pastor or Deacon Mike Knuth if you would like to attend.