Men of the Hearts

“Find Jesus in the Eucharist. If you want to know what God wants, go to Him.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Perrin Atisha who shares his journey to ordination at age 26 for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. Through a powerful retreat in high school, time in Eucharistic Adoration, his father’s approval of his vocation, and a trip to Iraq, God showed Fr. Perrin that he was called to the priesthood. Now Director of Vocations, Fr. Perrin gives valuable insight into the heart of a priest and discernment 101. “We don’t need perfect men. We need men who are in love with God.” (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode’s guest serves as the Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. He recently attended a national conference for vocation directors. Fr. David shares that he has finally finished remodeling a private chapel in the Divine Child rectory. (9:09) Fr. Perrin shares his vocation story: He has two brothers and a sister, and they were raised as devout Chaldean Catholics. At age five, Fr. Perrin started altar serving and, a year later, told his mother, “I want to do what the priest does.” But in high school, he fell into “living a double life.” He describes it as, “I wasn’t truly living for the Lord.” In Mass, he marveled at the priesthood and felt a desire to pursuing a priestly vocation. But outside of Mass, he felt “distracted by the world.” (16:40) A Kairos Retreat in high school changed Fr. Perrin’s relationship with God. And in the Eucharistic Adoration chapel at his high school, Fr. Perrin experienced “the presence of God” as he began to visit the chapel during his lunch period. Later at Wayne State University, a priest welcomed him to the Newman Center with such intentionality and joy, and he was drawn into college ministry even leading Bible studies. After feeling ready to enter seminary after college, he was asked to wait a year. While hurt and angry then, he looks back and says, “If I didn’t have that year, I don’t think I would be a priest.” (32:02) Prayer life in discernment: Fr. Perrin attended Eucharistic Adoration daily and Mass during the week. He also prayed with scripture regularly and read the lives of the saints. Fr. Perrin shares how he overcame struggles with his father’s attitude towards him pursuing a priestly vocation. He felt the time he most struggled with his vocation was between the time he was accepted into seminary and the time he entered. He can see in retrospect that those doubts for himself and his vocation were not from God but from the evil one. (44:16) Adjustments in the seminary: Fr. Perrin shares how his relationship with his father and mother changed as he journeyed through seminary. His father grew in approval of his vocation and their relationship improved, and his mother grew in allowing Fr. Perrin to have independence in his discernment. “Just because there are struggles, doesn’t mean God isn’t calling us.” (51:42) Ordination: “I always knew I would love being a priest, but I didn’t know it would be this beautiful.” He shares that the theme of his priesthood is, “God takes care of me.” He enjoys offering Mass and preaching. He talks about his discernment deciding whether to become a Chaldean or a Roman Rite priest and what went into making his decision, especially a trip to Iraq in 2017. Fr. Perrin offers some advice to men discerning, “Find Jesus in the Eucharist. If you want to know what God wants, go to Him. Be in love with the Lord.” He closes the episode in prayer. Links from this episode:Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle Vocations

“Never be afraid to accept your vocation. Because God will supply what we need.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Matthew Hood. Together they discuss Fr. Matt’s journey from asking big questions about the Faith in high school to being ordained a priest. After spending eight years in seminary, Fr. Matt has served the Archdiocese of Detroit in parish and school ministry. He offers advice for men discerning: “If God has given you even the smallest desire for the priesthood, pursue it. That doesn't happen often.” (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This month’s guest is Fr. Matthew Hood, the chaplain for Detroit Catholic Campus Ministry which serves Wayne State University and the University of Michigan – Dearborn as well as the surrounding campuses. He shares about his summer abroad in Brazil on a mission trip with FOCUS, Fellowship of Catholic University Students.(10:40) The Costco King: the hosts and Fr. Matt play a game related to opinions about Costco. Fr. Craig announces the winner of the competition will be announced at the end of the episode. (16:33) Fr. Matt’s vocation story: In high school, Fr. Matt found himself asking many big questions about faith while attending St. Joseph Parish in Lake Orion. He found that the Catholic Church offered the answers to every question he proposed in a more profound manner, allowing him to trust and surrender. He began to desire not just to know God but also to develop a relationship with Him. Spending time in the local Eucharistic Adoration chapel is where he first felt a desire for the priesthood. (20:15) While before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, Fr. Matt began praying with Scripture, particularly the passage of Jesus calling the disciples on the Sea of Galilee in which he felt the Lord telling him “To follow Him, throw down my nets, put out into the deep” as a priest. But he pushed the thought to the side. (25:51) From questions to his vocation: Fr. Matt explains in more detail the journey from asking questions to considering the priesthood. In encountering Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, he felt the Lord kept placing the call to the priesthood on his heart. Fr. Matt enrolled at Central Michigan University his freshmen year and participated in Catholic Campus Ministry which helped to further confirm his vocation to the priesthood. (31:34) The process of entering seminary: joy, friendship, and fraternity played a pivotal role for Fr. Matt. He applied and was accepted to the seminary, where he found the first year challenging. He was tempted to feel “I’m not holy enough, I’m not worthy enough.” He was challenged by doubts and an experience of feeling undeserving of the priesthood. (43:25) Life as a priest: The priests talk about Fr. Matt’s experience of working at Divine Child parish and school. He then describes how he lives out his priesthood walking with college students, including hosting events for exploring the Faith and deepening one’s conversion. Fr. Matt recommends finding a priest as a spiritual director to help guide a man considering a vocation to the priesthood. “What might be the next step?” They discuss key advice for how to discern if God is calling a man to the priesthood. “God speaks to us in silence. If there is a small desire for priesthood, pay attention to it, have courage, don’t be afraid, and seek it.” Fr. Matt closes the episode in prayer.

“Don’t be afraid.” Fr. David Pellican welcomes Bishop Robert Fisher, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, to Men of the Hearts. In this episode, they discuss His Excellency’s journey to the priesthood. He first considered the priesthood at age 10, but that thought was pushed away by a desire for marriage and a job in the business world. After serving at a summer camp in college, he felt his faith reawakened. Though not having full clarity, he entered seminary and took it one year at a time before being ordained in 1992. Bishop Fisher also shares about serving as Director of Priestly Vocations and how he found out Pope Francis selected him to be a bishop. (00:03) Fr. David welcomes us to Men of the Hearts. This episode’s guest is Bishop Robert Fisher. He is the oldest of four kids originally from the west side of Detroit, about three miles down the road from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. His family offered a “supportive attitude” for discerning the priesthood even growing up with priests and religious in the family. He was an altar server, and it was around age 10 that he first considered the priesthood. But then he felt a desire for marriage and wanted to enter the business world. In college, he began to grow in his prayer life through silence in front of the Blessed Sacrament. (17:35) Bishop Fisher felt the call come back to considering the priesthood while serving at a summer camp. He prayed about it and talked with some friends, and the support helped him consider the seminary more seriously. He felt the Lord inviting him to, “Go to the seminary for a year.” He still desired to have a family and didn’t have full clarity, but he took the next step to enter seminary. After a year spent in the parish as a seminarian, he said, “I just knew, I just knew” that the priesthood was his calling, and it was confirmed in his prayer life. However, he still brought to the Lord his desire for fatherhood, which He ended up satisfying through the spiritual fatherhood he experiences with parishioners. (22:23) Clarity: Fr. David comments on the graces of co-hosting this podcast and “seeing the full range of how God calls people.” Some guests have a gradual path to the priesthood, others receive a single moment of clarity. “God knows us uniquely and what suits us best.” Fr. David shares a moment of clarity for him when he realized, “God did not call me to be a seminarian but a priest” and both share the desire they felt for “flapping their wings” in preparation for serving as a priest. (28:30) Roles as a priest: Bishop Fisher served as Director of Priestly Vocations for five years. He said he missed being in the parish because he loves serving families. However, he witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit touching the hearts of men discerning the priesthood. He then shares the story of getting the call that Pope Francis selected him to be an auxiliary bishop of Detroit. “How’s it been being a Bishop?” His Excellency shares that he misses parish life, knowing families and watching kids grow up. But he loves serving the Church at a higher level and seeing the Gospel unleashed throughout the archdiocese. (40:24) “What would your words be to a young man who is considering the idea of the priesthood?” Bishop Fisher says, “Be not afraid. If God wants you to do something with your life, it’s going to be good. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be good.” He compares discernment to dating, in wanting to know a lot about the vocation that you’re discerning. “Bug your parish priest, ask him lots of questions, attend a Discernment Group, go to Mass regularly, and spend time with the Blessed Sacrament.” Bishop Fisher closes the episode in prayer.

"Whatever you need to hear the voice of God, if you're open to it, God's gonna talk to you." Join Fr. Craig Giera as he welcomes Fr. John Kopson, who shares his journey to the priesthood. After leaving college seminary with a desire for more certainty in his vocation, Fr. John began working at a nursing home as a Certified Nurse Assistant. After an encounter with a dying priest, Fr. John experienced the Lord give him the grace and clarity he needed to return to the seminary and ultimately, be ordained to the priesthood. This episode of Men of the Hearts closes with an encouragement for men discerning to surrender to the Lord, and He will satisfy their desires. (00:26) Fr. Craig welcomes us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This month's guest is Fr. John Kopson, who is pastor at St. Anne Parish in Warren. Fr. John shares about his growing devotion to the Rosary and how it's been implemented into his life, even changing how he drives. They discuss Marian devotion and the title for Mary: Our Lady, Terror of Demons. Fr. Craig shares how we can pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary for priestly vocations. Fr. John emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist and Adoration, which Fr. Craig explains is included in the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations through regular Holy Hours. (14:50) Fr. John is invited to share his vocation story. At a young age during his Confirmation interview, the priest told Fr. John that he might have a priestly vocation, which planted a seed in his heart that didn't flower until his early twenties. Reading scripture, going to Confession, and reading the Catechism began to change Fr. John's heart. A pilgrimage to Medjugorje deeply impacted his prayer life. He felt his 'head knowledge' become 'heart knowledge.' He recollects the influence of his mom doing prison ministry for 20 years, opening his heart to the power of redemption and authentic conversion. (36:10) Fr. John shares that he felt a huge desire to defend the Catholic Faith. He had clarity that he would spend his life for this purpose. He came to the point that he wanted to give his life to share the faith and share Jesus. "When you enter the seminary... you're not saying that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God's calling you to be a priest. You're simply saying that you want to discern if this is your calling or not." This advice from a priest offered Fr. John comfort and peace as he applied to seminary. (39:00) Fr. John decided to leave and "discern out" at Christmas break of his last year in college seminary. In his discernment and prayer, he felt he wanted more certitude that God was calling him to become a priest. His experience as a Certified Nurse Assistant helped him understand the shortage of priests, the need for Intercessory Prayer and the Sacraments, and that his heart was naturally compassionate toward his patients. A powerful experience with a dying priest who was on comfort care was a catalyst to moving Fr. John back into seminary. (59:40) "Whatever you need to hear the voice of God, if you're open to it, God's gonna talk to you." Fr. John shares his wisdom that God will speak to each man He calls to be a priest differently. God knows each soul, and His timing is perfect. "This life is a sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice that feels good." (1:01:57) A word to those discerning: talk to a good priest! "You don't have to figure this out on your own." Fr. John directs discerning men to Fr. Craig who is the Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit. "And pray the Rosary. Set time aside each day for prayer. And ask Jesus for the strength and desire to do His will." The two priests affirm their experience that God satisfies our desires. If we surrender to Him and His will, then we will be eternally happy. Fr. John closes out the episode in prayer.

“Can I really be happy doing this?” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Bishop Donald Hanchon, a Detroit native brimming with wisdom for vocational discernment. His Excellency shares his story of feeling called to the priesthood in grade school, attending high school seminary, and the questions and fears he faced along the way. A significant health concern in college seminary threatened his studies and brought him before Jesus in the Eucharist, a moment in which the Lord confirmed his vocation, “From your mother’s womb, I have called you.” Bishop Hanchon reminds us that God’s call for our life will bring us joy and satisfaction. (00:26) Fr. Craig Giera welcomes Fr. David Pellican and our audience to this episode reviewing the last one with Monsignor Tim Hogan and his experience as a Navy chaplain. This month’s guest is Bishop Donald Hanchon, who is an auxiliary bishop here in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He shares a blessing about writing a talk recently for a Day of Prayer for the Family of Parishes’ Central Region. Together they discuss a busy May with seniors graduating from high school, a chapel altar construction project, and artwork. (07:40) Fr. Craig shares a memory from his first year in the seminary, visiting Most Holy Redeemer parish, where the then-Monsignor Hanchon was pastor for many years. “I remember thinking, this guy is a cool guy.” His Excellency shares his passion for collecting memorabilia from his travels to the Holy Land and Mexico. Fr. Craig mentions his excitement over the upcoming Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations, which starts with a Holy Hour with the Archbishop on the Vigil of Pentecost, June 4. (11:40) “When did you start thinking about being a priest?” Bishop Hanchon shares his experience of growing up with excellent models of the priesthood; he first thought of becoming a priest in grade school at St. Mary Parish in Wayne. He was invited to take the entrance exam at the high school seminary, which he did. During one of his interviews for admission, he remembers being asked, “Why do you want to be a priest?” He recalls sharing his response and the priest adding, “and to save your soul.” (19:50) College seminary: After a severe stomach ulcer that left him hospitalized, Bishop Hanchon feared he would be deemed unfit for the priesthood. Afraid, he went before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and crying before God, he felt his vocation was confirmed from Him quoting Jeremiah 1:5: “From your mother’s womb, I have called you.” (23:23) “God has a sense of humor.” Bishop Hanchon served as the Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He shares: “A real vocation is something God gives you and that you respond to. If you think you have a vocation, talk to someone who knows more about vocations than you.” His Excellency feels God wanted him to discover the importance of friendship. This moved him to establish a priestly fraternity group, which has been going strong since 1975, allowing for the priests to hold each other accountable and trust one another with their blessings and difficulties. (39:45) Common fears: “Can I really be happy doing this?” Or “Can my son really be happy doing this?” Bishop Hanchon shares about the role of desire when it comes to discerning the priesthood. “Do you think God would call you against your will? That hasn’t been my experience of God…. I don’t think God wants you to be a priest if you don’t want to be a priest.” Fr. David reminds us that His plan for each man is one of happiness and salvation. Fr. Craig details the challenges of the priesthood but explains how the sacrifice required is worth it. (53:00) Advice for men considering the priesthood: Bishop Hanchon explains his criteria: “Is this person generous with his time and patience?” Further, he shares that a man should also be “in the habit of prayer … and be open where God is leading you.” Bishop Hanchon closes the episode with encouragement and prayer.

If you think the priesthood is boring or mundane, this episode of Men of the Hearts is for you. Monsignor Tim Hogan shares the journey the Lord has brought him from being a medic in the military, to religious life, to diocesan priesthood as a Navy chaplain, including being airdropped from a helicopter to offer Mass on nine different ships. “These people really wanted a chaplain, they wanted Mass, they wanted Confession, they wanted to talk with someone.” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they marvel at the Lord’s spirit of adventure and the unknown plans God has for each man thinking about the priesthood.(00:26) This month’s guest is Monsignor Tim Hogan, pastor of St. Fabian Parish. He has spent most of his priesthood as a chaplain in the Navy, along with some time in a religious order. He now serves the Archdiocese of Detroit as a parish priest. Fr. Craig shares that the Archbishop announced a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. The Year of Prayer begins with a Holy Hour on June 4, the Vigil of Pentecost. (06:50) Vocation Story: Monsignor Tim Hogan shares how he became a priest. He grew up in a large Catholic family of 11 children and was an altar server. He recalls how important Catholic devotionals and prayers were to the family, including the daily Rosary, as well as the “incredible” priests who served at St. Pius X, his home parish. After enlisting and serving in the Navy as a hospital corpsman, he had an awakening experience of feeling, “there’s got to be more.” God came into Msgr. Tim’s life in a powerful way through the witness of a friend’s “profound” conversion experience. (14:40) Daily Mass: “Daily Mass 11:45.” Msgr. Tim entered a base chapel for Mass and felt the Lord tell him at the Consecration, “this is your home.” He started praying the Rosary again – a daily practice his family had while growing up. While praying the Rosary, he felt the Lord invite him to talk to someone about becoming a priest. After talking to one of the priests and returning to Confession, Msgr. Tim later invited him on deployments to offer Mass. (21:55) Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Msgr. Tim shares meeting one summer a priest of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The priest encouraged him to think more about the priesthood and invited him to visit a high school the order operated in Alexandria, Virginia, which led to him meeting the provincial, leaving the Navy, and joining the religious order, where he spent five years. (25:20) “Am I called to religious life or diocesan priesthood?” Msgr. Tim shares his experience of reading St. Francis de Sales’ An Introduction to the Devout Life, discerning where God was calling him. While living life as a religious brother, he found that God was using his time in religious life to create a spiritual balance and pattern that led him to leave the community and later serve as a diocesan priest. (32:32) “How did you come to the diocesan priesthood? And what brought you back to the Navy?” Through meaningful conversations and chance encounters with a friend, Msgr. Tim met with the director of priestly vocations, entered seminary, and was ordained a priest. Early in his priesthood, he received a letter inviting him to become a Catholic chaplain in the military and became a Navy chaplain with the Navy Reserve. He shares his experience being re-called to active duty for Desert Storm in 1991 and remained in active duty for a two-year tour. He served again in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 and 2005, retiring in 2007. (40:05) “What is it like to be a Catholic chaplain in the Navy?” Everyday life and wartime experiences are discussed and what role a Catholic priest plays in the Navy. “The mission of the chaplains is to provide for the Catholics, to facilitate ministries for other religious denominations, and to care for all, to counsel everyone.” His time spent as a hospital corpsman came into play as he served in times of crisis, “God will use your history for His glory.” He shares the story of an Easter he spent offering a separate Mass on nine different ships. (55:32) “What would you tell a man discerning the priesthood and also considering the military?” Msgr. Tim explains that there’s an option to do both, but your vocation first and foremost is to priesthood, not the Chaplain Corps. To close, he offers his advice to men who are attracted to serve God in the priesthood: “It comes down to this, are you willing to follow the Lord? He takes it from there. Wherever He wants us to serve, that’s the goal.” Msgr. Tim closes out the episode in prayer.

This episode of Men of the Hearts is full of priestly fraternity, two inspiring vocation stories, and encouragement against fears of inadequacy related to the priesthood. Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Fr. David’s fellow Divine Child Parish clergy, Fr. Bob McCabe and Fr. John Dudek. Each shares his own vocation story, how to overcome “analysis paralysis” and fears related to returning to school in seminary, and how gifts are never wasted in a priestly vocation. “God is calling us to expand our comfort zone.”(00:31) Fr. Craig welcomes us to this episode. He reviews the previous episode with Fr. Tim Birney and insights into how to encourage priestly vocations. Fr. Craig then welcomes our episode’s guests, the clergy at Divine Child Parish in Dearborn: Fr. Bob McCabe, Fr. John Dudek and Fr. David Pellican. They discuss recent blessings including overcoming health concerns, winning a sports bet, as well as excitement for the priesthood. Fr. David shares that he is working on building an altar for the private chapel at the rectory.(04:00) Fr. Bob is invited to share his vocation story with us. Fr. Bob is 68 years old and grew up in a Catholic family. In 10th grade, he wanted to be a movie director, but by his senior year in high school, he found an interest in photography. In college, Fr. Bob encountered a group that encouraged him to begin having a daily prayer life. Through living a sacramental life, Fr. Bob’s heart was opened to becoming a priest. During this time he experienced “analysis paralysis.” He spent many years considering the priesthood. One misconception he had was that he thought he needed to be 100 percent certain that he was supposed to be a priest before entering the seminary.(15:36) Do we lose our gifts when we enter the priesthood? Fr. Bob highlights how he was able to use his photography skills as a priest, which included a 5-year project capturing photos of Detroit’s homeless. Taking portraits of persons facing homelessness is something that brings him fulfillment. It is an expression of how Fr. Bob sees each person as unique – and everyone has their own story.(20:10) Fr. John Dudek shares his own experience of how God brought him to the priesthood. In high school, Fr. John’s discussions with his chaplain lead him to enter seminary after high school. Following his departure from seminary, Fr. John got married and had two daughters. Afterwards, he received a degree in elementary education with a specialty in cognitive impairments and worked in special education for twenty-six years. After an annulment, Fr. John saw a “flame” in his heart for the priesthood. Through serving others and encountering a deacon, Fr. John felt the Lord calling him to enter the seminary after a 30-year gap in his seminary studies.(29:55) He mentions attending Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Boston, which was founded to serve men, 35-60 years old, who are discerning the priesthood. A nine-week program at the Institute for Priestly Formation helped Fr. John in his discernment. At times, he felt daunted by entering back into the classroom for his seminary studies. But he felt supported in his classes. “If God is calling you to be a priest, we’ll make it happen.” The community of support in the seminary exists to help seminarians discern God’s will and work through the necessary education.(39:00) The priests discuss the experience of living in a rectory together. They have recently started watching The Chosen. Fr. Bob describes the show as “life transforming, utterly brilliant.” The Divine Child rectory has four priests and they feel they are “stepping back in time” because of the community life they share. “There is so much gained by sharing rectory life. We pray together, we eat together.” Fr. Bob shares that he feels blessed to live with his fellow priests, grow, and minister together with them.(45:45) “The Ministry of Presence” is a way of life for the priests; they desire to be available to their parishioners and students. They find delight in encountering their flock and being accessible shepherds. “It’s beautiful to build relationships.” They desire to be approachable and down to earth so that their spiritual children feel they can have a friendship with their priests. Both Fr. David and Fr. John detail different roles that they have taken on at Divine Child utilizing their unique gifts and talents with the students in the classroom. And Fr. Bob, Fr. John, and Fr. David discuss what liturgies they will be responsible for during Holy Week and the Triduum.(55:12) What advice would you give to a man considering the priesthood? “Always keep your heart open. Stay true to what you’re feeling, what you’re thinking. Going into the priesthood is a process. If you’re true to the process and if you stay focused, you’re know whether or not God is calling you to be a priest” is Fr. John’s advice. Fr. Bob says, “Don’t think you’re too old; don’t be afraid. A life of service to others is so fulfilling… and it also keeps you young.” Fr. Bob encourages men, “don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you’re not holy enough or not smart enough, or too nervous to speak in front of people.. You’re invited to participate in the priesthood of Jesus Christ… that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. God is calling us to expand our comfort zone.” Fr. Bob used to be very nervous about public speaking but has learned to experience it as a fulfilling form of service.(59:07) “If you’ve ever thought about becoming a priest, give Fr. Craig a call” quips Fr. John. And Fr. Bob concludes “let that discernment unfold because God has a unique and unrepeatable vocation for each and every one of us. And we do well to search that out.” The episode is closed in prayer by Fr. Bob. And Fr. Craig thanks both Fr. Bob and Fr. John for being on the podcast.Links from this episode:Fr. Bob McCabe’s YouTube channel, including his project with Detroit homeless “Winters on the Street”

In this 12th episode of Men of the hearts, Fr. David and Fr. Craig welcome a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Fr. Tim Birney. Fr. Tim shares his journey to the priesthood that began with family life centered around his parish. A high school assignment was a catalyst to encountering God’s call to serve God as a Catholic priest. The priests discuss an active discernment group in the archdiocese, what seminary really is, how to approach fears surrounding discernment, as well as advice to men discerning. The podcast closes with an acronym to sum up how to encourage healthy and holy vocations. Take a listen! (0:25) Introduction: Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves and review the previous episode on a priest’s experience of saying Mass. This episode’s guest is introduced: Fr. Tim Birney. Fr. Tim was the director of priestly vocations at one point. Fr. Tim shares about a blessing in his life right now: his parish, St. Frances Cabrini, recently received a significant gift that allows the parish to renew their school facilities. The priests discuss humor and how their priesthoods are enriched by humor.(9:45) A Snowy Chapel. Fr. David shares about the recent building of an outdoor chapel after a snowfall. Fr. Craig shares he had his appendix removed and talks about asking for St. Rita’s intercession.(17:45) A memory with a future bishop: Fr. Tim shares about his first time meeting then Fr. Earl Boyea, and how the witness of his vigor struck him. Other helpful dynamics surrounding healthy discernment are discussed.(21:40) Discernment Group: Fr. Craig shares about a Detroit based discernment group for young men considering a call to the priesthood. The group meets monthly, has fellowship, and discusses the shared experience of discerning the priesthood.(22:41) Fr. Tim Birney’s vocation story: Fr. Tim shares about his upbringing and how he spent a lot of time at his local church. A school assignment about the priesthood opened his eyes to see the priesthood in a new light. Fr. Tim felt he wasn’t holy enough or smart enough to be a priest. While sitting in the library at his school looking at pictures of priests, Fr. Tim felt clearly: “I should be one of them.” His first step was going on a discernment weekend at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He was terrified and didn’t know what it was going to look like.(35:15) Obstacles to Discernment: Fr. Tim shares that he didn’t feel “holy” or that he was very prayerful when he first started discerning. He didn’t spend long hours in the chapel or read a lot about the priesthood. But he felt a call and sensed the priesthood is where God was calling him. Fr. Craig shares that each call to the priesthood is different; God calls each man differently.(44:00) What the Seminary really is: Fr. Tim reminds us that the seminary is a place to discern. “You do not have to have 100 percent certainty that you will become a priest.” The faculty and staff are there to help bring clarity to the call. The seminary helps a man better understand what God wants of him. The time spent in seminary is valuable and never wasted. You will leave a better man, either for ordination or for discernment of another vocation.(48:22) Take Your Pills: P-I-L-L. Fr. Tim explains what he sees as four important ways to promote priestly vocations: Prayer, Invite, Love your Priests, and Live Your Faith. All the faithful should pray for vocations. We should not be afraid to invite young men to consider a call to the priesthood. Supporting our parish priests helps foster healthy priests, which encourages vocations. And finally, each person living his or her faith with passion creates environments where the Holy Spirit is welcomed.(56:23) Advice to Men Discerning: 1. How is your prayer life? Seek to grow here. 2. Get involved in your parish. Volunteer to read at Mass. See what’s going on in your parish and plug into the life of your parish. 3. Learn more about the priesthood. Read the lives of the saints. Let your heart be moved.(59:37) What NOT to do if you are discerning: Fr. Tim encourages men to refrain from proclaiming definite statements about one’s vocation. Discernment takes time. Let the Lord confirm a vocation.(1:00:01) A charge from Fr. Tim to those discerning: “Do not be afraid.” Finances, parents’ reactions, reputation, fear of failing, fear of inadequacy, and many other worries may keep a man from taking the next step in discerning a call to the priesthood. Fr. Tim encourages the audience: Be fearless.(1:06:09) Closing Remarks. The hosts invite Fr. Tim to close the podcast in prayer.

Fr. Craig and Fr. David take a deep dive into the mystery of offering Mass from a priest’s perspective. They share about their own experiences with saying the Mass, both their first Masses and in recent days during sickness. Fr. Craig shares how a Gospel passage addressed his fears of the priesthood as well as stories of epic priests over the years. Together they reflect on the feeling of unworthiness when discerning the priesthood and God’s ability to use our smallness to feed His people.(0:12) Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves and discuss their admiration for their last podcast guest, Fr. John Riccardo. They introduce the topic for this episode, something that is very near and dear to the heart of a priest: celebrating Mass. This is something only priests can do. It defines a priest.(1:40) Fr Craig shares about his Christmas break; he had the opportunity to slow down. He shares about his Christmas leisure. Then Fr. David shares about his Christmas; he spent the time with family. They also discuss their favorite grocery stores.(10:13) Fr. Craig defines the Mass. They discuss the Eucharist and the power of the Cross. The Cross is the first thing processed into the Mass and is always present near the altar. They discuss how to spot an accurate crucifix. Fr. Craig talks about his experience casting crucifixes.(17:14) Fr. David invites Fr. Craig to go through a quick overview of the structure of the Mass. Mass begins with a confession of our sins and our need for God. Then it’s the Liturgy of the Word; we read God’s Word and ask Him to let it take root in our soul. They discuss the transformative power of the Word of God how it’s supposed to take root in our souls.(26:05) Preaching is one of Fr. Craig’s favorite things to do. He loves to share why he believes in God, why he is happy, and what God has done for him.(29:00) “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” – St. Jerome. Fr. David suggests reading the Mass readings before you come to Mass and think about what you would preach on for that passage.(29:45) The Mass mirrors the way the Jews would worship: offering sacrifice. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the second part of the Mass. The Eucharist is the sacrifice that bridges the gap between God and man through Jesus. The priest is an active participant in this mystery.(34:00) One of Fr. Craig’s fears in becoming a priest was, “Do I have enough to offer? What can I give to the Lord? And would it be good enough?” The Gospel story of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes (John 6:1-15) spoke to Fr. Craig. The story tells how a young lad brings forward his meager offering, and Jesus feeds the people. This story showed Fr. Craig that the Lord takes what little we have and magnifies it. “If we don’t have any young men coming forward to be priests, the people will not be fed.”(35:35) A question that came up in discernment for Fr. David: am I worthy? The answer is “No.” But the Lord does not call the qualified. He qualifies those who are called.(36:26) A challenge: next time you’re at Mass, listen to the Eucharistic prayer. Who is this directed toward? What is saying Mass like for a priest?(39:00) Fr. Craig shares stories of epic priests, referencing books such as “He Leadeth Me,” “With God in Russia,” and “Priestblock.”(41:21) Fr. Craig discusses the two most vivid moments in which he is reminded that he is a priest of Jesus Christ, the moments when he feels most deeply that God is active within him. They discuss the awesome privilege to make Jesus present the same way he was 2000 years ago, and what it feels like to be “in persona Christi” as a priest. And the reality that the Mass connects us to the mystical body of Christ, His Church. Scott Hahn’s “The Lamb’s Supper” is mentioned.(55:00) “Why couldn’t Jesus just stay on earth?” asks Fr. David. Jesus had to the bring the offering of Himself into the heavenly sanctuary, and the sacrifice isn’t complete until it’s given over to God. Fr. Craig shares that we complete Jesus’ sacrifice by partaking of the Eucharist, eating His body and drinking His blood.(58:14) Fr. Craig shares his wisdom for men who feel called to the priesthood. Time spent at Mass and Eucharistic Adoration is the best way to spend your time. Downloading a Bible app is also a great idea.(1:02:33) Fr. Craig closes the episode in prayer. He prays in gratitude for the gift of the Mass and the Eucharist, the image of Love. He prays for those called to the priesthood to be open to this great mystery in the discernment of their vocation.

Fr. John Riccardo, the executive director of Acts XXIX, shares his inspiring journey to the priesthood, including a profound moment of hearing God's call. He reflects on his ‘conversion experience’ and discusses the essential qualities needed for loving leadership. The conversation delves into the intersection of faith and personal struggles, emphasizing that the call to greatness is ultimately about loving God and others. Fr. John also highlights the importance of prayer and grace in navigating challenges, inviting listeners to deepen their own spiritual journeys.