Fr. Bethge’s Corner

Seminary 101

Many people, even many Catholics, have a vision of seminary as a very strict monastery. They imagine men walking around in hooded robes with folded hands, observing strict silence, and never smiling o...

THE ART OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE

“The unexamined life is not worth living,” Socrates famously said. He really meant it, too, as he also said that a man must “interrogate his own nature” and “work precisely” or else he wil...

DISCERNMENT SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality is the individual approach to one’s relationship with God. It involves making use of the tools of prayer and devotion which help you to live as a Christian the best way possible. Sp...

POPE BENEDICT’S MESSAGE TO SEMINARIANS

“It does makes sense to become a priest: the world needs priests, pastors, today, tomorrow and always, until the end of time.” In an open letter on October 18, 2010, Pope Emeritus Benedict...

THE HEART OF A PRIEST

What does it take to be a priest? This is the remarkable true story of an American priest martyred for his ministry. Fr. Stanley Rother, a priest for the diocese of Oklahoma City, graduated from Mount...

Be It Done Unto Me According to Your Word

I’m my own man! I’m self-made, and I alone should determine my destiny! I will let nothing stand in the way of what I want. There is no other road to happiness! At least that’s what contemporary...

Talking to Family and Friends About Interest in the Priesthood

Maybe you’re considering the priesthood and you feel peaceful about following God’s call and applying for seminary. But what about your family and friends? What if they don’t understand? What if...

Why Celibacy for Priests

You might think that the issue of priestly celibacy is a “newer” matter in the Church. After all, the Roman Church has continually reiterated the law of priestly celibacy for most, if not all, of ...

Be Not Afraid

Perhaps priesthood has crossed your mind, but fear pushes the idea away: My friends would laugh if they heard I was thinking about the priesthood! My parents would be shocked. My mom wants grandkids. ...

Gaining Peace Through Prayer

Is God calling me to be a priest? How can I know for sure? What’s the best way to make a decision like this? As you contemplate what to do with your life, be confident that God has a spec...

STORIES