Manly Catholic: Igniting Men to Light the World on Fire

Ep 184 - Saying Yes: A Raw Vocation Story Every Catholic Man Needs to Hear

Jan 7, 2026

Logan McGahan, a transitional deacon in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, shares a deeply personal journey of faith and discernment. He candidly discusses his early childhood call to the priesthood and the struggles he faced with addiction and denial. A pivotal moment of prayer led him to wholeheartedly say yes to God, bringing him a profound peace. They explore the realities of seminary life, the meaning of the transitional diaconate, and the true cost of obedience in service to the Church. This frank discussion urges men to listen and respond to God's call.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Immersion Trumps Brief Placements

The Diaconal Synthesis places transitional deacons fully in parish life for six months to train them practically.
Immersion helps them shadow priests, preach, and hunger more deeply for the priesthood by tasting parish ministry.

ANECDOTE

Childhood Call, Years Of Running

Logan McGahan felt a priestly call at age five during the Eucharistic elevation and told his parents he wanted to be a priest.
He later ran from the call through teens, drugs, and plans for a trade before finally saying yes in prayer at age 21.

ANECDOTE

Retreats Reignite Vocation

Logan worked youth retreats and gave a raw talk on reconciliation that deeply affected attendees and himself.
That ministry experience, including powerful witness moments in adoration, reignited and clarified his vocational call.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

What happens when a man finally stops running from God?

In this episode of The Manly Catholic, we sit down with Father Dominic and newly ordained transitional deacon Logan McGahan to discuss something the Church desperately needs more of: real vocations, real obedience, and real surrender to Jesus Christ.

This is not a polished or sanitized vocation story. It is raw. It is honest. And it will confront you.

Deacon Logan shares his journey from a childhood call to the priesthood, through denial, drugs, alcohol, fear, and distraction, all the way to a decisive moment of prayer where God demanded an answer. Not a vague “maybe someday.” A yes or a no.

You will hear what happens when a man stops negotiating with God and finally submits. Peace follows. Not comfort. Not ease. Peace.

We also unpack what the transitional diaconate actually is, why priestly formation matters, and how the Church is intentionally forming men who love Jesus, love the sacraments, and are willing to give their lives for souls. This conversation pulls back the curtain on seminary life, discernment, spiritual fatherhood, and the cost of obedience.

This episode challenges Catholic men directly. God is still calling. The problem is not a lack of vocations. The problem is men refusing to listen, refusing to sacrifice, and refusing to trust that God’s plan is better than their own.

If you are a father, this episode matters. If you are raising sons, this episode matters. If you are a man who knows God has been calling you to more and you have been running, this episode is for you.

God does not call perfect men. He calls willing men.

Push play. Listen closely. And ask yourself the hard question:

What is God asking of you that you are still refusing to give?

3 Powerful Quotes from the Episode

“When I finally said yes, immense peace rushed over me. I knew this was what God wanted.”
“God kept calling, and I kept running.”
“The people don’t want you. They want to see Jesus.”

Key Takeaway for Men

Stop running. Get silent. Go before Jesus in prayer or adoration this week and ask Him plainly what He wants from your life. Then obey. Peace does not come from control. It comes from surrender.