Yesterday we posted  written by Ms. Dawn Hausmann, Vocation Coordinator of the Diocese of Lansing. Today she attempts to finish clarifying her statement yesterday (and the teaching of the Church) that the single life is not a vocation but rather all vocations require a total gift of self for another. Let’s begin with the beginning.  We are made in the image and likeness of God who is Love.  This God comes to earth and takes on flesh to show us the ultimate calling and fulfillment of man: to love, and what it requires of us.  … Continue reading →

Today’s guest post comes, once again, from the desk of Ms. Dawn Hausmann who is the Vocation Coordinator in the Diocese of Lansing, MIentering and about to enter  formation to one day, by the grace of God, take vows to become a consecrated virgin. This is the third post in this series. Read more about Dawn’s vocational discernment  and get the introduction to consecrated virginity .  This particular post, which will most likely raise some questions in your mind, is part of a two part article. The second half will be posted tomorrow. What is … Continue reading →

For those following that Twitter feed over on the lower right sidebar, you’ll see I have been spending the last few days at the University of Notre Dame attendinga conference and symposium on Priestly Celibacy.  With addresses from Archbishops to priests in formation work, even to a Vocation Director; the amount of information covered has been tremendous and will take several weeks to process and integrate into our work both here in the Vocation Office and in the Seminary. A few highlights include the appreciation of the origins of priestly celibacy in both the Old … Continue reading →

What is the true nature of freedom?  Being totally unchained from everything?  That’s a notion that the secular world likes to present. However, in this article, the opposite is argued: The Decline in Vocations: Celibacy Isn’t the Issue | The American Catholic. Discourse concerning mandatory celibacy, the Cardinal believes, must not begin with the assumption that freedom is the absence of ties and permanent commitments.  Instead, this discourse must begin with the assumption that freedom consists in the definitive gift of self to the other and to God.  Every human being, in freedom, must understand … Continue reading →

Standing on My Head: Married Priests – the Magic Bullet?. Fr. Dwight Longenecker has a great take on the priesthood: celibate vs. married.  It is something he knows well, for, as a convert from the Anglican priesthood, he is married, has a family, and is a priest.  He addresses questions that are not always considered when this topic is raised.

Last night, Ruah Woods sponsored Jason Evert to speak at the Underground, a Christian based club in northwest Cincinnati.  Jason is a well known Chastity speaker, traveling throughout the country, as well as internationally.  Listening to him, you can tell he speaks ALOT, and he speaks quickly, b/c he has a lot to get in. He speaks in a way that young people can understand and appreciate; not condemning, but challenging them to live up to the standards that God has set for us, for this is the only way to achieve true happiness in … Continue reading →

Perhaps the most intrinsic question/obstacle that prevents young men from entering the seminary: “What’s the deal with priestly celebacy?” While there are many good resources out there (including Cincy’s very own ) it may be enriching to hear this from a seminarian’s lowly perspective. When I ask guys in high-school why they are not interested in the seminary, the response is often, “I want to have a wife and kids” or “I don’t know if I can handle celibacy.” Right off the bat, I think that there is an important distinction to be made between … Continue reading →