Men of the Hearts

“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. 

“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. 

“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.

Fr. Adam Nowak, a dedicated priest, opens up about his inspiring journey to the priesthood after initially resisting his calling. He shares how a vibrant youth group sparked his deep love for God, eventually leading him to recognize the joy in serving others. A transformative pilgrimage on the Camino reinforced his faith and reliance on God. With an upcoming assignment at St. Anne Parish, Fr. Adam discusses the fulfillment he finds in his vocation and the exciting challenges of ministering to a growing community.

“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. 

“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.

“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.

Fr. Brian Meldrum, a Scripture professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and former music minister, shares his transformative journey from music ministry to teaching. He discusses how community engagement enhances faith and the creative ways priests can utilize their talents in ministry. Fr. Brian highlights the importance of personal connections within parish life and reflects on the value of presence in moments of crisis. The conversation also touches on the significance of discernment in one’s vocation and the enriching discussions around scripture.

“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.

“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.