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Welcome

​Welcome to the website for the Office of Priestly Vocations of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, MI. This year twenty-five men from our diocese will be in seminary formation programs in preparation for ordination, seven of whom are new to formation. Thirteen of these men are at St. John Vianney College Seminary and twelve are at USML/Mundelein Seminary.

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616-288-0910
360 Division Ave. S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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Meet our seminarians

Learn more about how these men responded to God's call.

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"The priest continues [Christ's] work of redemption on earth." - St. John Vianney

This year 21 men from our diocese are in seminary formation programs in preparation for priestly ministry. Is God calling you to join them?

Each young man in formation is open to how God is calling them to grow and mature in preparation for the life of priesthood. They are men who enjoy life to the fullest.

If you believe you have heard God calling you to become a priest, like the prophet Samuel (1 Sam. 3:1-10) or the apostle Andrew (John 1:31-40), don’t ignore it. Instead bring it to prayer and reflect on what this special invitation might mean for you.

Questions you might consider in prayer include:

  • Am I willing to serve God with a generous heart?
  • When I hear the Word of God, do I want to share it with others?
  • Is the desire to be a priest something that I keep feeling in my heart over and over again?
  • Do I have a deep love and reverence for the holy Eucharist and the sacraments of the Church?
  • Have others encouraged me to consider the priesthood?
  • What are the qualities of priests I admire?
  • Can I picture myself as a priest, who is called to serve God’s people?

If you feel that everything said here describes you and your life, contact Director of Priestly Vocations Rev. Stephen J. Durkee to learn more.

Bishop Walkowiak encourages us to pray for vocations

“Prayer is a radical activity.  What we cannot accomplish, God can and will. But we must ask. We must continue to pray for priests who will be heralds of the Gospel and ministers of the new Evangelization” (Homily from Mass of Ordination, 2019). 

Learn more about Bishop Walkowiak and his ministry to the diocese of Grand Rapids.

Fr. Stephen's Scoreboard

A blog from the Office of Vocations

Bringing Jesus Behind the Prison Walls

April 2024 FAITHGR magazine – Vocations column Bringing Jesus behind prison walls By Father Stephen…

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Witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit

March 2024 by Father Stephen Durkee, Director of Priestly Vocations  Witnessing the work of the…

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Molly & Kevin Remenap

Keeping God’s Appointments

January/2024 Keeping God’s appointments By Fr. Stephen Durkee, Director of Priestly Vocations Father Acrea was…

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My No. 1 discernment tip.

December 2023 My No. 1 discernment tip. By Fr. Stephen Durkee, Director of Priestly Vocations…

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