Pictured with Bishop James P. Powers and Vocations Director Fr. David Neuschwander, the nine young men in priestly discernment for the Diocese of Superior this academic year comprise the largest-ever group of seminarians for the diocese. (Diocese of Superior photo)
Jenny Snarski
Catholic Herald Staff
Since the Diocese of Superior’s Vocations Prayer was introduced, St. Andrew Dinners were organized and rosary campaigns were initiated, among other vocational efforts, the fruits of faith have begun to multiply throughout the 16-county diocese.
These fruits are cultivated through formation in the seminary, where nine young men – the Diocese of Superior’s largest-ever group of seminarians – are discerning their call to the priesthood.
Testimonies
“The seminary is the place where I can deeply pray about if God is calling me to be a priest in a community of brothers who are doing the same,” Jesse Larson shares in a testimony at CalledNorth.org.
Matthew Halberg states, “Seminary has been a possibility in my mind for a long time, but in the past, I wasn’t attracted to it. However, through many hours of prayers in front of the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord cultivated a desire in my heart to serve him in a radical way.
“I realized that he would only lead me to a life of fulfillment, but I had to be willing to surrender my fears and doubts. I entered the seminary because I see the beautiful, sacrificial life that a priest lives. I hope to remain attentive to the Lord’s voice while in seminary so that, whatever it is, I can say ‘yes’ to his plan for me.”
Vocations Director Fr. David Neuschwander commented, “The seminary experience is meant to form and shape the entire life of a young man, eventually helping configure them to Christ the priest and Christ the shepherd.
“Since the formation aims at integration all areas of life, it includes not only classes and prayer, but also development of what it means to be truly human and what it means to serve pastorally.”
This includes intellectual and spiritual growth as well as physical health and wellness, psychological maturity and self-awareness, interpersonal and relational skills, affective maturity and celibacy, moral character, virtue and leadership traits.
Pastoral formation includes visiting nursing homes, service to the poor, leading youth retreats, teaching OCIA, being present in Catholic schools and classrooms, hospital chaplaincy and other roles.
Fr. Neuschwander explained that together, these aspects comprise the four dimensions of seminary formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.
“Participation in the life of the Church (like attending the recent beatification of Fulton Sheen) as well as experience to experience new culture, new peoples and learn a language that can be used in future priestly ministry (like Andrew Smith’s time this summer in the Dominican Republic) are all opportunities that enhance these four dimensions aimed at forming a good, holy, relatable man for the priesthood of Jesus Christ.”
Seminarian Isaac Timmerman took part in the “Christ in the City” summer service group travelling to New Orleans, Louisiana, with two other college seminarians this summer.
Seminarian James Nauertz spent time with a homeless ministry in Gary, Indiana. Their experience was discovering Christ in each person they met and walked away having received great lessons themselves.
The Office for Vocations continues enhancing what it offers as support for young men and parents. Besides more resources and reflections offered at CalledNorth.org, “Come and See” opportunities continue to be offered.
Specific prayer intentions for vocations are mailed out via email once a month and an Adopt-a-Seminarian program is in the early stages of rollout and Parish Vocations Ministry Teams are in development.
“If you sense that Jesus is speaking to you about the priesthood, don’t be afraid to consider it.” These words of Bishop James P. Powers are an invitation to men who know Jesus’ personal presence in their lives.
“As you pray and imagine the plan that God lovingly designed for your life, the Holy Spirit enables you to hear the voice of Jesus,” the bishop reflects. The full text of his message can be found at www.callednorth.org/the-seminarians.
