For me it was beneficial to reflect on this, because it led to other questions. Questions like, wondering how men become priests, and what would lead them down that path. 
I wondered where they went to become priests.

These were all excellent questions. Questions I needed to ask before joining seminary and starting my journey to the priesthood.

Your priest likely started out as a fellow parishioner. He experienced a call, a desire, or an openness to the priesthood, and he acted on that invitation from the Lord by praying about his vocation.

If you are like me and are curious about what God wants for your life, my advice is for you to turn to prayer. Prayer is where God communicates with us, and when we rest in Him.

Prayer is your pathway for discovering the unknown, finding fulfillment, and living a holy life. If you are curious about the priesthood, begin with prayer. And I encourage you to come and see where men go for continued discernment — come and see the seminary.

Seminary is not just a place or a school, but it is an experience. It’s a beautiful time in the lives of the men who are being called to the vocation of priesthood. It is focused on deepening their relationship with Christ, walking closely with Him and discerning His call. It is an environment set apart from the endless business of the world.

At the start of this year, young men in our diocese have the opportunity to come experience this environment themselves during a Come and See event. These are days where young men go to the seminary at St. Joseph College to learn more about the seminary and the seminarians during times of prayer, meals, and discussions.

Coming to visit the seminary may seem daunting. What do they do there? Are we going to sing the whole time? Do I have to wear a cloak and chant on my way to classes?

Let me dispel your concerns. Seminary is full of normal guys that heard the call, were open to God’s plan for their life, and wanted to pursue Him full-time.

If you join us for a Come and See event, you will be surprised by the welcome you will receive, the graces God will give you, the quality of your prayer, and the willingness of everyone to walk with you in discernment. 

Discernment takes time, it takes prayer, and it requires you taking a step toward God and trusting in His love for you. Seminary is not a permanent commitment, it is not a contract, it is a journey.

I invite you to join us this Spring for our Come and See event. You will not be disappointed. We are praying for you, and we ask for your prayers for us. 

Thank you. God bless you.

Come and See (for men in college)

Friday, January 31 – Sunday, February 2, 2025

Where: St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, 

Boynton Beach. College-aged men have the opportunity to visit St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. While there, they will learn more about the seminary and seminarians during times of prayer, meals, and discussions. This event is free of charge. For more information: Contact Jasmine Pujol at jp@dosp.org.