Men of the Hearts

Bishop Battersby joins Fr. David and Fr. Craig in the studio to share his vocation story.(0:45) Fr. Craig introduces the latest guest, Bishop Gerard Battersby, alongside his co-host Fr. David. Auxiliary Bishop Battersby shares a blessing with a recent Families of Parishes Commissioning Ceremony while Fr. David talks about his new appointment as the note-taker for the Presbyteral Council. (8:45) Fr. David talks about how he remembers in seminary when Fr. Battersby received the call to become a bishop and the motto he chose for his episcopacy. Bishop Battersby shares that his motto “In Sinu Patris” (That we live in the bosom of the Father and the Father’s embrace) comes from the Gospel of St. John and the writings of Blessed Columba Marmion.(10:15) Fr. David shares that during his priestly ordination he gave out cards with an image of El Greco’s depiction of the Trinity and how it relates to Bishop Battersby’s episcopal motto. And Fr. Craig explains that he quoted Psalm 31 on his ordination card.(11:55) Bishop Battersby shares his vocation story including the fact that his uncle was a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit and how his passing deeply affected him. He reflects that while studying abroad in Ireland at the age of 19, he had an illumination at a youth hostel in Scotland that he was going to be a priest. However, despite how clear the call was at the time, he struggled with it for the next 14 years.(15:30) Bishop Battersby explains how he drew closer to the Lord in prayer, particularly during Mass, and learning about Him, he began to fall more deeply in love with Him. The idea of priesthood kept returning despite his best efforts to pursue other things and cast it from his heart. He even bargained with God telling Him he would do anything so long as he could get married and have a family. (17:16) His Excellency recounts that one day before class at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, he visited the chapel and was in anguish over the fact he knew the Lord wanted him to be a priest and that he didn’t want it. He remembers later telling God that he loved Him but couldn’t be a priest, and the Lord responding to him literary, “You don’t have to.” Shocked and delighted, Bishop Battersby exclaims the beauty of hearing the Lord’s voice and the love contained in Him.(20:00) Bishop Battersby explains the change that occurred in him and the freedom he experienced after hearing God’s voice whether in fact he was called to be a priest or not. Acknowledging that his call to the priesthood may sound like an anti-vocation story, he emphasizes that the Lord desires us to be free to love Him and say yes to following His will for our lives.(25:30) Fr. Craig responds to Bishop Battersby that his story is not unique amongst men discerning a call to the priesthood. He describes that God calls us to our vocation out of love because He is love, which Bishop Battersby quips is not just a slogan. Fr. Craig then asks His Excellency follow-up questions based on his story. Bishop Battersby recounts that after returning from Ireland, he contacted the seminary and met with Fr. Don Archambault, the pre-formation director, at the time on several occasions to explore the idea of becoming a priest. (28:50) Bishop Battersby mentions that one day Fr. Archambault sent him to meet with a parish priest to learn more about the priesthood. However, that meeting with that priest only confirmed, at the time, that he didn’t want to live an unhappy life. He continues that despite a successful career and a nice house and cars, he wasn’t happy. Bishop Battersby emphasizes that we want love and to be fulfilled in love, which answers our deepest needs.(32:15) Fr. Craig asks follow-up questions on the rest of his vocation story, and His Excellency returns to his experience of hearing the Lord’s voice in the chapel at the seminary. He describes that within six weeks, he applied to the seminary, and later received confirmations during his time there that the Lord was calling him to the priesthood. Fr. Craig talks about a confirmation he experienced on his diaconate retreat that God was in fact calling him to the priesthood.(37:20) Bishop Battersby discusses how he confused his desire with God’s will and the seminary helped him to separate the two, focusing on the Lord’s desire for him. Fr. David explains that when he entered seminary, he wasn’t ready to become a priest but after much discernment and prayer he received confirmation of that call. He asks Bishop Battersby about his experience in seminary, which he describes as a joy since it deepened his relationship with God. And he describes two success stories later as a formator at the seminary of men who both discerned well, either becoming priests or not. (40:21) Fr. Craig recounts the difficulty experienced by men who put off discerning their vocation until later in life but affirms that God can still work in those situations. However, he argues that men should act on discernment and if you feel a call, attend the Discernment Group, Discernment Weekend, talk to your pastor, and talk to him. Fr. David mentions that the principal formator is the Holy Spirit and distinguishes between the formator in seminary and a spiritual director. Bishop Battersby affirms that and defines the role of the formator in relation to the Church and the individual man. (45:40) Fr. Craig asks Bishop Battersby about his assignments following ordination, which included several parochial assignments in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Afterwards, His Excellency recounts his transition to the seminary as the Director of Pastoral Formation, which Fr. Pullis, a former guest on the Podcast, occupies now and then as the Director of Graduate Theology. Then, Bishop Battersby recounts going to Rome for further studies where he also studied Blessed Columba Marmion.(49:18) Bishop Battersby discusses his next role as Vice Rector working with the seminarians and the priests in charge of formation. He recounts next when he received the call from the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, appointing him as an auxiliary bishop of Detroit. Fr. Craig asks him about the process of preparing for his episcopal ordination.(53:20) Bishop Battersby recounts the struggle of keeping his appointment a secret for eight days. He emphasizes that remaining faithful to the Lord for His graces provides when he feels he isn’t qualified and weak. Fr. Craig asks His Excellency to discuss his duties as an auxiliary bishop, which he describes chiefly is to assist the archbishop in the pastoral care of the Archdiocese.(57:20) As the regional moderator of the South Region, Bishop Battersby explains his day-to-day life, assisting parishes with Confirmations, all-school Masses, and other pastoral needs. He also offers some advice to young men to fall in love with Jesus in order to experience true freedom as the sons of God.(1:04:05) Bishop Battersby concludes with the Hail Mary, and Fr. Craig thanks him and Fr. David.

Fr. David takes the lead as he and Fr. Craig discuss the Ignatian spiritual exercises and their experience on the 30-day silent retreat that all seminarians attend.(0:30) Fr. David takes the lead for this episode as him and Fr. Craig talk about the discernment of spirits with St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. David also shares updates from the past month, including that samples are back at Costco! (3:35) Fr. David talks about experiencing Divine Child Homecoming for the first time with a parade, football game, and the decoration of his dad’s truck. (6:15) Fr. Craig shares his joy of hosting the first Discernment Weekend at the seminary since the pandemic and the six men who attended. He explains the purpose of the event and details the schedule, which was recently updated. Fr. Craig highlights that there’s another Discernment Weekend coming up at the beginning of December. (11:30) Fr. David transitions to discernment in the work of St. Ignatius, particularly his Spiritual Exercises. He also shares the fact that a parishioner at Divine Child painted (wrote) and presented him an icon of the holy saint, which sits on his desk. Fr. Craig mentions the importance of prayer in his past work creating art while he discerned the priesthood. (15:00) Fr. Craig explains who St. Ignatius is and how his life as a warrior and military man and love for reading tales of knights in shining armor was suddenly upended by a serious injury. While in his bed recovering, the only books available were those on the lives of the saints. And he shares that while reading these books, St. Ignatius, slowly but surely, became a warrior for Christ in his own conversion. (20:57) Fr. David introduces Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s Discernment of Spirits and its connection to Ignatian Spirituality while talking about the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Both Fr. Craig and Fr. David explain how part of their seminarian formation included a 30-day silent retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises. They also delve deeper into the format of them and their experience on the retreat. (31:50) Fr. David introduces the Suscipe (from the Latin word “receive or accept”) prayer, which St. Ignatius recommended at the end of the retreat. Fr. Craig shares how the Lord spoke to him through the retreat, particularly the grace of belonging to a band of brothers, the winning team for saving souls as faithful priests. Fr. David, on the other hand, talks about how the Lord spoke to him through a meditation on particular judgment and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (39:15) Fr. David talks about a few principles from the Spiritual Exercises about discerning or looking within at the heart: the thoughts, feelings, and desires. He focuses on consolation and desolation, according to the Rules of St. Ignatius. Both Fr. Craig and Fr. David explore moments of consolation and how they overcame times of desolation in their own lives. (50:20) Fr. David offers some tips from St. Ignatius for those who find themselves in moments of desolation. He emphasizes that times of desolation are a reminder that the graces of consolation are God’s grace, not something we can earn. (55:20) Fr. David concludes with a prayer by St. Ignatius for desolation, and Fr. Craig thanks him for leading the discernment of spirits and talking about St. Ignatius.

Fr. Zach and Fr. Drew Mabee, brothers in the priesthood and brothers biologically, discuss their conversions to Catholicism, their journeys to the priesthood, and how they grow in faith and fraternity together.(0:33) Fr. Craig introduces this month’s guests, Fr. Drew and Fr. Zach Mabee, who are brothers not only through their vocation, but are siblings. Fr. Zach is a priest in the Diocese of Lansing, and Fr. Drew serves in the Archdiocese of Detroit.(1:40) Fr. Zach shares that he is teaching at Sacred Heart Major Seminary this year and updates that he is completing his doctorate in philosophy this year as well. Fr. Drew shares an anecdote about growing up with Fr. Zach as his taller older brother.(6:17) Fr. Drew shares updates and blessings in his life, including his assignments at St. John Fisher and St. Damien of Molokai parishes. He talks about the grace of being stretched outside his comfort zone as a priest.(9:42) Fr. David gives his own updates, including the students returning to Divine Child for school and celebrating his birthday. Fr. Craig reflects on his summer and attending the Summer Seminar with Archbishop Vigneron.(14:08) Fr. Zach begins telling his vocation story, sharing how he converted to Catholicism and the models of the priesthood and campus ministry groups he encountered throughout his education that led him to discern his vocation.(30:11) Fr. Drew reflects on his thoughts and feelings when Fr. Zach shared his intentions of becoming Catholic and becoming a priest. He then shares his own experience being drawn to the Catholic faith and, eventually, the priesthood.(1:00:32) Fr. Craig asks about Fr. Drew and Fr. Zach’s lives together as brothers and as brother priests, and how they share their experiences of priesthood and ministry with one another. They reflect, too, on the beauty of having been brought to the Lord through other people and how different each man’s experience can be when discerning a priestly vocation.(1:07:00) The priests discuss where they find fraternity and fellowship in their lives these days and how those friendships help them grow as people and as priests. Fr. Zach and Fr. Drew then give advice to young men discerning the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of prayer, attending Mass, and sincerity in conversation with God.(1:15:35) They close in prayer.

Fr. Steve Pullis joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to discuss his vocation story, his assignments as a priest, and his new role as the Director of Pastoral Formation at Sacred Heart.(1:40) Fr. David and Fr. Craig catch up and introduce this episode’s guest, Fr. Steve Pullis, Director of Pastoral Formation for the seminary. Fr. Steve shares some highlights of his month, reflecting on time he was able to spend up north with some priest friends. Fr. David also gives the monthly Costco update.(8:47) Fr. Steve shares his vocation story. He talks about growing up in a big Catholic family with nine siblings, attending a local Catholic college, and how transformative his time in silent prayer was as a young adult.(13:28) Fr. Steve also talks about some things people can do if they’ve never been to Adoration before, like praying the rosary and the meditative ritual it provides. He mentions, too, the importance of the other people in his life, especially during college, who were full of love of the Lord.(20:25) Reflecting on studies in theology and philosophy, Fr. Steve considers the impact they had on his vocation journey. He shares a transformative thought he felt enter his mind right before taking the LSAT, and the peace that flooded his heart when he said yes to the seminary.(29:41) Fr. Craig asks what Fr. Steve’s life was like when he was applying to the seminary, and Fr. Steve shares what it was like telling his friends about his discernment. He also talks about sharing the news with his family.(35:52) Fr. Steve talks about discussions about vocations or the priesthood in his family growing up, mentioning his oldest brother who entered religious life when Fr. Steve was very young. He also talks about coming face to face with his old sins through the lens of his vocation.(42:01) Hearkening back to Fr. Steve’s Open Door Policy days, Fr. Craig and Fr. David ask Fr. Steve some ‘rapid fire questions’ about his favorite church in Detroit, his favorite Detroit musician, his favorite Marian devotion, and more.(51:10) Fr. Steve talks about all his assignments as a priest in parishes, in diocesan leadership, and now at the seminary. (1:06:41) Fr. Steve offers advice to young men who may be discerning the priesthood, encouraging them to make time to hear God speaking and talking about the joy that comes from following Jesus. They close with the Memorare.

Fr. Bryan Kassa, Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to discuss his vocation story and the importance of fully surrendering to the will of God.(0:59) Fr. Craig introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Bryan Kassa, Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. Fr. Bryan shares some highlights from his past few months, including receiving seminary applications, a new pastor arriving at his parish, and the Eparchy holding its first discernment weekend.(5:35) Fr. David and Fr. Craig share highlights of the month as well, and Fr. David gives the monthly Costco update! Fr. David also shares an update on the young adult carpentry night his parish hosted last week, and Fr. Craig mentions that his summer has been full of Thanksgiving Masses for the recently ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Detroit.(13:23) Fr. Bryan shares his vocation story, mentioning a girlfriend he had who’d challenged him to really take his faith more seriously. He talks, too, about running into an old friend who’d recently joined the seminary and the seed that encounter planted in his mind, and the silence he experienced that helped his thoughts of the priesthood come into focus.(23:01) Fr. Bryan discusses some of the fears the Chaldean community associates with a priestly vocation as a result of the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. He talks about how he explained his decision to become a priest to his parents and the importance of fully surrendering to the will of God.(30:08) Fr. Bryan talks about cultivating a relationship with the Blessed Mother and encourages everyone to have a devotion to her. Fr. David emphasizes this as well, mentioning the impact she can have specifically on men discerning the priesthood. (33:40) Fr. Bryan revisits what his life was like before entering the seminary and the ways he learned to hear the voice of God through the scriptures and Catholic authors. He talks about the hunger he had for Jesus, and the way a secondary vocation will develop when you really solidify your primary one. He also shares some of the resources that helped him discern his vocation (linked below).(43:14) Reflecting on his first few years in seminary, Fr. Bryan discusses some of the classes he took, the need to humble himself and ask for help when needed, and, especially, the fraternity that develops among colleagues. (47:47) Fr. Bryan talks about the Chaldean rite, what an “eparchy” is, and how the different rites of Catholicism relate to one another. He mentions some of the differences of the Chaldean Mass and how the Chaldean bishop, Bishop Francis, and Archbishop Vigneron relate to one another.(56:33) Fr. Bryan shares about where the Chaldean Chancery is located, how men who are interested in discerning can contact the Vocations Director, and how the eparchy is structured in Michigan and beyond.(1:00:33) Fr. Bryan offers parting advice to men who are discerning, encouraging them toward fortitude and spiritual courage. He then closes in prayer.Links from this episode:Eparchy of St. Thomas the ApostleFORMEDAugustine InstituteBe a Man - Fr. Larry RichardsConsoling the Heart of Jesus - Fr. Michael Gaitley33 Days to Merciful Love - Fr. Michael Gaitley[Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle Vocations](vocations@chaldeanchurch.org)

Fr. Charlie Fox joins Men of the Hearts to talk about his own vocation story, as well as formation, what it really is, and why it’s so important.(0:42) Fr. Craig introduces this month’s guest, Fr. Charlie Fox, who’s about to move into a new position at Sacred Heart as the Vice Rector.(3:39) Fr. Fox shares some of the blessings he’s experienced over the past month, including his preaching bootcamp, which helps seminarians become more skilled and comfortable with public speaking. Fr. David updates from his last month as well; his parish has just celebrated their Confirmations and First Communions.(8:38) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Fox about any special gifts or talents he has, and Fr. Fox shares about his love of writing and his experiences writing for the greater Catholic community, as well as some of his exploits in writing as a seminarian at Sacred Heart.(14:40) Fr. Fox shares his vocation story. He talks of growing up in an Irish Catholic family in Detroit and Redford and the gentle encouragement he always had from his parents to consider the priesthood. He also stresses the significance the Eucharist and the Mass had in his discernment.(23:42) Fr. Fox explains what he was thinking, hearing, and feeling when discerning his vocation and when he has very specifically heard the Lord speaking to him and quelling his doubts. Fr. Fox and Fr. Craig reflect on the importance of commitment and closeness with the Lord throughout the discernment process.(30:51) Fr. Craig asks if Fr. Fox was looking for any signs before he entered the seminary, and Fr. Fox says no, but that he was looking for inner clarity and certainty and he discusses the moral certitude often discussed when talking about vocations.(35:26) Fr. Fox talks about his life at the seminary, the fraternity and education at Sacred Heart, and the formation experiences he had during that time. Fr. Craig shares memories of sitting in the refectory with older seminarians and getting to know them as role models. Fr. Fox adds that the like-minded community found in the seminary is a great reinforcement to one’s vocation.(41:59) Fr. Fox defines formation as development as a man of God first and a priest according to the priesthood of Jesus second. He mentions the role of formation in developing habits in prayer and smoothing out our rough edges. He also discusses the four pillars of formation: spiritual, intellectual, apostolic, and human.(48:36) Fr. Craig asks what formators and admissions boards are looking for in a seminarian, and Fr. Fox responds that men should be able to live in the program with peace and joy and can engage in the communal and academic life of the seminary. He remarks that the most important thing is that a man has confidence that God is calling him to the priesthood.(51:33) Fr. David talks about Formation Saturday, a program Fr. Fox put on that featured talks on a pillar of formation from a different priest each week. (56:52) Fr. Fox offers advice to men who are discerning the priesthood: don’t be afraid to take the next step. He encourages men to think not in terms of choosing between A and B, but of what the deeper choice of Jesus is in one’s life. He then closes in prayer.

Archbishop Vigneron joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to talk about his own vocation story and give advice to those discerning.(0:03) Fr. Craig welcomes everybody back to the podcast and introduces this episode’s very special guest, Archbishop Vigneron! The three reflect on how their celebrations of the Triduum were this year. They particularly discuss the Chrism Mass this year and how grace-filled it was to be able to celebrate together, in contrast to last year’s celebration.(4:51) In the monthly Costco update, Fr. David shares that while he was able to get household essentials, he couldn’t get any new snacks for the house because he was called away to do an emergency anointing, and Fr. Craig shares experiences of being called for anointings as well. Archbishop reflects on leading the Anointing of the Sick on pilgrimages in Lourdes.(13:42) Archbishop Vigneron tells his vocation story. He talks about his upbringing in Anchorville attending Immaculate Conception, and his attraction to the things of Christ from even the third grade. (17:04) Archbishop reflects on the most challenging time in his vocation journey in 1968, when all the unrest in the nation was causing many of his brothers to leave the seminary — and causing him to reflect on his calling as well.(24:09) Fr. David reflects on Archbishop’s earlier comment on how he understood the priesthood at each point of his life, and Fr. Craig asks Archbishop what signs he received on his vocation journey. Archbishop talks about the “a-ha moments” he experienced throughout his life.(30:57) Fr. Craig asks what prayer life should look like for a man discerning the priesthood, and Archbishop emphasizes the importance of periods of quiet and presence in front of the Blessed Sacrament. (35:26) Archbishop then gives advice of things to avoid when discerning. He gives the examples of bargaining with God, asking the big question right at the beginning, and overlooking attraction to the priesthood.(41:25) Archbishop shares some of what he remembers from his ordination and first year as a priest, and what it was like when he received the news of being elevated to a bishop.(48:00) Fr. David gives an overview of the Call to Orders and Scrutiny process that seminarians go through when moving into the transitional diaconate and priesthood, and Fr. Craig shares what he remembers from his scrutinies.(57:04) Archbishop offers some final thoughts on discerning the priesthood and closes in a blessing.

Fr. Craig and Fr. David discuss signs from God, how we can prepare for them, and what signs might indicate a calling to the priesthood.(0:59) Fr. Craig and Fr. David share updates from the past month. Fr. David mentions the snow chapel Divine Child built and the outdoor Mass they held, and Fr. Craig shares that the Vocations Office has started making sweatshirts, mugs, water bottles, and other merchandise. Fr. Craig also talks about the idea he’s had to use his artwork as a visual way to explain what vocations are. Fr. David also gives us a monthly Costco update!(8:14) Fr. Craig introduces this episode’s topic: the signs we receive from God. He reflects on the goodness of a push in the right direction from God, but also the risk we run of almost testing him. Fr. David talks about the stories of Zachariah and Mary, the basis of the incredulity each one felt when visited by the angel, and, as a result, the different outcomes of their responses.(11:42) Fr. Craig reflects on Mary’s fiat as a vocation and considers artistic depictions of the Annunciation in which she is always reading scripture, preparing herself for whatever is to come. He and Fr. David both share experiences of times in their lives when they’d been asking for signs, maybe even testing the Lord a little.(16:10) The two reflect on the need to, like Mary, be prepared when you receive a sign, because the sign is just a guide or instruction, not a full description of what’s supposed to happen. Fr. Craig discusses the need for relationship in following the signs that God has set.(19:42) Fr. David talks about his life before applying to the seminary. He mentions his family praying the rosary together, jobs he worked in high school, and his relationship with the Bible helping him to hear God’s voice. He also mentions choosing St. Matthew as his confirmation saint for Matthew’s immediate response to Jesus’s call.(22:30) Fr. Craig reflects on the small signs we tend to miss, and how common this is when men are considering priesthood. A notable sign that Fr. Craig and Fr. David mention is the frequency of others telling them they’d make a good priest. They share some of their reactions when people would say this.(29:28) Fr. David and Fr. Craig shares that individuals who want to support the mission of vocations can do so by telling men they’d make good priests, and that this action can help people share in the graces of those priests. They relate this to St. Therese of Lisieux, who never traveled but is the patron of missionaries because of her intercessory prayer. They swap stories of others who are praying for them and discuss the power of prayer not only for priests, but for vocations.(33:11) The two consider more signs that drew them to the priesthood, and Fr. Craig reflects on being attracted to the Church and being interested in being in and around her. They look at this especially through the lens of being altar servers.(37:10) Fr. Craig shares a story of a grand, miraculous sign the Lord showed him that led him to eventually apply to Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He affirms, too, that God can work in big ways, but he usually moves in the everyday.(42:42) Fr. David shares the sign God gave him in the form of complete peace that helped him fully realize that he wanted to be a diocesan priest rather than a religious order priest. The two discuss the joy of seeing priests as real people, and the grace that comes from being in the seminary with a hundred other men with the same interest.(46:38) Both Fr. Craig and Fr. David affirm that the seminary is still time for more discernment and no one has to have the whole plan figured out in order to take the next step, but that everyone they know who attended the seminary — whether they became priests or not — remembers the formation fondly. They reflect on the great faculty and formatters at Sacred Heart, and that the Church is discerning your vocation as well.Links from this episode:Divine Child snow chapelSupport Vocations with the Luminous MysteriesCARA reportsSacred Heart Major Seminary

In this first episode of Men of the Hearts, hosts Fr. Craig Giera, Director of Priestly Vocations, and Fr. David Pellican, Associate Pastor at Divine Child Parish, introduce themselves, their vocation stories, and what to expect in the future of the podcast.(0:05) Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves, their lives as priests so far, and talk a little bit about their life as housemates in the same rectory as well.(3:31) Fr. David shares a little bit more about his background, his family, and what it was like growing up with seven sisters. Fr. Craig talks about his school years, as well, and how his journey to the priesthood differed from Fr. David's.(7:39) Fr. Craig introduces the inspiration for the podcast, as well as the Office of Priestly Vocations' new visual identity. He and Fr. David then discuss the relationship between the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus and how they work together to inspire priestly vocations in young men.(16:12) Fr. David shares his vocation story, discussing when he first felt called and how that evolved over time into God's invitation to "try it out".(23:40) Fr. Craig reflects on his vocation story as well, sharing how God spoke to him through beauty and art, and the importance of silence in hearing his voice.(29:35) Fr. David and Fr. Craig discuss God's infinite love as a gift, not something that we can merit or earn, and that God can take any individual and create great things, as long as we are open to him.(34:16) Fr. Craig and Fr. David reflect on the adventure that is a life of following God, and Fr. Craig gives an overview of what to expect from Men of the Hearts moving forward.