28 minute read
Friar commitment
What drew you to religious life?
Seeing a group of dedicated, faithfilled, and hopeful men living together in an ancient but modern way of life.
How did your family and friends respond to you becoming a brother?
My family and most of my friends do not fully understand my vocation to religious life, and I do not expect them to. I am OK with that. My vocation is a mystery, and it keeps them intrigued.
Favorite part of your current ministry?
Being invited by theology teachers to speak to students about Saint Augustine’s Confessions and about my own vocation as a brother.
Prayer form you like best?
Reflecting on daily sacred scripture and journaling.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy hiking. I also enjoy hanging out with my Augustinian brothers as well as with friends from other religious communities. They give me a sense of connection and belonging.
Favorite food?
Texas barbecue.
Best part of living in community?
Doing and sharing ministry, whether it’s shoveling the Chicago snow together or contributing to one another’s ministries in Augustinian schools or parishes.
Any words of wisdom for those considering religious life?
Pay attention to the events and people that enter your life. God speaks to us through those means; this is how I came to respond to God’s call in my life.
Friar commitment
BROTHER JOE RUIZ, O.S.A
Brother Joe Ruiz, O.S.A will come right out and tell you: “Religious life is not easy, and the same can be said for any vocation: married, single.” But if he sees that faithfulness exacts a cost, he is equally quick to say, “I am convinced it’s worth living in the 21st century. Our world needs healing and positive role models that reflect Christ’s love without discrimination.”
Brother Joe hails from a Mexican American family of eight in Texas, where he learned the traditional folk dances of Mexico he now teaches to kids in Chicago. That’s a side ministry, though, to his main gig as campus minister to students at St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago. At the close of each busy day filled with young people, he heads home for meals and common prayers with the Augustinian friars—his brothers.
Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.) [Canons Regular of Premontre]—St. Moses
the Black Priory Have you thought that your life might be different, more meaningful and more directed toward God? Wondered how your own particular talents and gifts might be enhanced in service to the Church? Looking for ways to give witness to peace and justice? To reduce conflicts between and among all people? Come, see the diversity of ministries available including parish ministry, college/university teaching, campus ministry, spiritual direction, and prison ministry. Begin your journey today. Come and see! Men with some college background are invited to the Norbertine Priory of St. Moses the Black. For more information, please contact: Vocation Coordinator, 7100 Midway Road, Raymond, MS 39154; (601) 8570157 ext. 218; e-mail: norbertines-ms@hotmail. com; website: www.stmosestheblackpriory.org.
See ad on page 94. Code #110.
Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.) [Canons Regular of Premontre]—St. Nor-
bert Abbey The Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey (The Premonstratensian Fathers and Brothers) are dedicated to living a communal, active-contemplative lifestyle according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ following the Rule of St. Augustine. We profess Solemn Vows, committing ourselves to the apostolic life and a life of conversion. Our membership consists of 55 men living primarily at St. Norbert Abbey and St. Joseph Priory in De Pere, WI. We also have a priory in Raymond, MS, near Jackson. As Canons Regular, our first ministry is living the common life devoted to the sung choral office, (Morning and Evening Prayer), daily Eucharist, and common table. From our community life flow various ministries including hospitality and retreats, education and administration at St. Norbert College and Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, parish ministry, and numerous ministries as needed in the local church. Qualified candidates ordinarily have, or are in the process of completing, a college degree and are ready and willing to live unselfishly in a communal lifestyle. Contact the Vocation Coordinator, 1016 N. Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115; (920) 337-4333; fax: (920) 337-4328; e-mail: vocations@norbertines.org; website: www.norbertines.org.
See ad on page 94. Code #110.
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Oblates of St. Joseph (O.S.J.) We are a religious community of brothers and priests, founded by St. Joseph Marello to spread the Gospel through youth ministry, catechesis and parish ministry, under the inspiration of our patron St. Joseph. Vocations Directors: West Coast: Fr. Sergio Perez, OSJ, Mount St. Joseph Seminary, PO Box 547, Loomis, CA 95650; (916) 652-6336; e-mail: vocations@osjusa.org. East Coast: Fr. John Shearer, OSJ, St. Joseph Oblate Seminary, 1880 Hwy 315, Pittston, PA 18640, (570) 654-6902; e-mail: vocationseast@osjusa.org. Visit us at www.osjusa.org and www.facebook.com/OSJUSA.
Code #486.
Oblates of the Virgin Mary (O.M.V.) The Oblates of the Virgin Mary are a religious community of priests and brothers serving in 9 Countries. Living the charism of their Founder, the Venerable Fr. Bruno Lanteri, (1759 - 1830) they cultivate a deep personal relationship with Jesus through His Word and in the Eucharist. The Oblates are consecrated to Mary and profess a strong adherence to the Magisterium and love for the Holy Father. Also with a great love for and distribution of the Mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, their apostolic goals include: the formation of the laity and the clergy, combating modern errors in faith and morals, upholding solid doctrine, giving the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and parish missions, individual spiritual direction and the formation of spiritual directors, the diffusion of Catholic teaching through books and other means of communication, and foreign missionary activity. Preferred age: under 40. Education: At least some college preferred. Vocation Director, Fr. Jeremy Paulin, OMV, 1105 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215; (617) 869-2429; e-mail: vocations@omvusa.org; website: www. omvusa.org.
Code #111.
Order of St. Camillus St. Camillus was a soldier of fortune, gambling addict and sinner. He saw the light and now more than 400 years later, The Order of St. Camillus has been called to “Preach the Gospel” and “Heal the Sick.” We are a worldwide Order of more than 1,100 Roman Catholic men in 30+ countries who serve the sick in traditional and diverse new ways as brothers and priests. Joyfully accepting the challenge of witnessing to the merciful love of Christ, we continue to bring hope and compassion, following in the footsteps of our founder St. Camillus de Lellis who said, “the poor and the sick are the very heart of God.” Our brothers and priests serve as physicians, nurses, chaplains, technicians, social workers, therapists, administrators, and other allied health care professionals. Visit us: www.camillians.org. Write us: vocation@camillians.org. Call us: 414-259-4595. Order of St. Camillus 10101 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
See ad on page 97. Code #093.
Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (O.deM.) [Mercedarian Fri-
ars] One of the ancient Orders of the Catholic Church, the Mercedarian Friars were founded in 1218. The Friars honor Mary, as the foundress and mother of the work of mercy begun by St Peter Nolasco—the redemption of Christians in danger of losing their faith. This work of mercy is conducted in parishes, where faith is attacked; in schools, where empty values threaten our youths; in institutions of health care or detention, where despair is present; and in foreign missions, where social conditions threaten one’s faith. Men, between the ages of 18-40, who desire to live a life centered in Mary and her Son, to pray the rosary daily in common, live in community with one’s “brothers” based upon the Rule of St. Augustine, have a deep love for the Magisterium and in preserving the Faith by catechesis, are invited to contact the Director of Vocations, Fr. Joseph Eddy, 6398 Drexel Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19151; (215) 879-0594; e-mail: vocations@orderofmercy.org; website: www.orderofmercy.org.
Pallottines (S.A.C.)—Immaculate Concep-
tion Province Founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in 1835, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate works with the Church to revive faith and rekindle charity, empowering lay and religious alike to answer the call to be apostles of Christ for the New Evangelization. We are more than 2,400 priests and brothers working in many apostolates: parish ministry, education, prison ministry, retreats, youth ministry, lay formation, and hospital and military chaplaincies. Pope John Paul II spoke of the Pallottines as “a bridge between the clergy and laity in order to give life again to that apostolate which unites the faithful to the work of evangelization and sanctification.” Consider this a personal invitation to take a serious look at becoming a Pallottine. If you feel a call within yourself to find out more, we invite you to contact our vocation office: Immaculate Conception Province (Eastern United States): 1-800-APOSTLE; website: www.sacapostles.org; e-mail: Vocation@sacapostles.org; or mail: Vocation Director, Pallottine Vocation Office, P.O. Box 5399, West Hyattsville, MD 20782.
See ad on page 129. Code #239.
Pallottines (S.A.C.)—Mother of
God Province The charism of the Pallottines, present in over 40 countries, is to awaken in each person the awareness that God has called us to be apostles. St. Vincent Pallotti, inspired by the universal call to holiness and service, established the Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC) with priests, brothers, sisters, and laity in 1835 in Rome, Italy. As a community of priests and brothers (SAC)—part of the UAC, we seek to revive the faith, rekindle charity and unite all in Jesus Christ through our service of parish ministry, education, retreat, and care of the sick in partnership with all the faithful. For more information please visit our website: www.pallottines.org and contact Fr. Leon Martin, SAC; 5424 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53208; (414) 259-0688 ext. 155; e-mail: vocationspall@gmail.com. See our digital web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
See ad on page 95. Code #437.
Passionists (C.P.) Passionist priests and brothers take a unique vow to promote the memory of Christ’s passion and God’s redeeming love for us through their life of contemplation, community and ministry to the crucified of today. Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, Passionists reach out with compassion to those who suffer or are marginalized—the disabled, the sick, the dying, the impoverished, those who grieve or are alone—and offer opportunities for all to experience spiritual growth and healing. Prayer and a rich community life support the special Passionist charism. Ministries include preaching, retreat center programs, parish, radio and TV ministry, and chaplaincies. Both Provinces have members serving in other countries. Interested in male candidates, 18-50 years old. Western Province: Fr. Christopher Gibson, C.P.; (773) 266-1942; e-mail: vocationdirector@passionist.org; website: www.passionist.org. Eastern Province: Fr. Christopher Cleary, C.P.; (860) 521-0440; email: ccleary@cpprov.org; and Fr. Lee Havey, C.P.; (561) 626-1300; email: lhavey@ cpprov.org; website: www.thepassionists.org. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.
Code #113.
The Paulist Fathers (C.S.P.) The Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (The Paulists) founded by Servant of God Isaac Hecker, is the first North American community of priests. Paulists minister through their mission of Reaching Out (Evangelization), Bringing Peace (Reconciliation), and Seeking Unity (Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations). Paulists are in 18 cities in the United States and Canada. We serve as campus ministers and parish priests. We lead parish missions, and publish through Paulist Press. We proclaim the Good News through Paulist Evangelization Ministries and work in media-related endeavors through Paulist Productions. We find young adult seekers through BustedHalo.com. Training includes a year novitiate and graduate theological studies in Washington, DC. Contact: Fr. Larry Rice, C.S.P., Director of Vocations, 415 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019-1104; (800) 235-3456 or (212) 757-4260; e-mail: vocations@paulist.org; website: www.paulist.org/vocation. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.
See ad on page 11. Code #114.
PIME Missionaries [The Pontifical Insti-
tute for Foreign Missions] PIME is an International Society of Apostolic Life of priests and brothers who dedicate their lives to the mission among non-Christians in foreign countries. We strive to be creative in our missionary presence, proclaiming the Gospel and promoting dialogue among religions and cultures. Working among the poorest people in the world, we are engaged in human development, promotion of peace and justice, and pastoral care of newly founded Catholic communities. The initial formation for candidates takes place in the North American region at our House in Detroit. Our formation and training program is flexible. We are able to adapt our program to meet the needs of each individual as much as possible, according to one’s academic background and life experiences. Check us out at www.pimeusa.org. PIME Missionaries, 17330 Quincy St., Detroit, MI 48221; (313) 342-4066; fax: (313) 342-6816; e-mail: outreach@ pimeusa.org; website: www.pimeusa.org.
See ad on page 121. Code #134.
Priests of the Sacred Heart (S.C.J.) We are an apostolic congregation of Priests, Brothers, and Deacons inspired by the mystery of God’s love expressed in the heart of Christ. Fr. Leo John Dehon, our founder, was convinced that the best way to respond to our experience of God’s love is by reaching out to those around us and helping them to experience that same love in their own lives. This often means addressing unjust situations and circumstances that prevent people from reaching their full potential. Much of our work in the U.S. is with the poor and working class. Foreign missions are available. We prefer candidates 18-40 (will consider to age 45) with religious and/or social involvement, a solid academic background, and appropriate work history. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 206, Hales Corners, WI 53130-0206; toll free (800) 609-5559; fax: (414) 529-3377; website: www.scjvocation.org. See our web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
See ad on page 102. Code #116.
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The Redemptorists (C.Ss.R.) [Congregation of
the Most Holy Redeemer] The Redemptorists are a community of apostolic men—followers of Jesus Christ the Redeemer and disciples of St. Alphonsus Liguori. As a religious congregation of priests and brothers, our mission is to proclaim the Good News of plentiful redemption to the poor and most abandoned. Our work in parishes, retreat houses, parish missions, and foreign countries, as well as special apostolates, e.g. migrants, prisoners, and young adults, serves as pathways for Christ’s love. Like the apostles we live and work together; we combine our prayers and deliberations, our labors and sufferings, our successes and failures, and our talents and material goods in service to the Gospel. For more information, visit our website: www.redemptoristvocations.com or contact the Vocation office: Fr. Richard S. Bennett, C. Ss.R.; e-mail: vocations@ redemptorists.net; telephone: (617) 817-9425. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.
See ad on page 47. Code #135.
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The Salesians of Don Bosco
(S.D.B.) For over 150 years under the teachings of St. John Bosco, Salesian Brothers and Priests have been inspiring young people to live lives of faith. We are looking for men who want to dedicate their life to Christ, the church, and the young. As a Salesian priest or brother you will be working with young people journeying with them toward a deeper relationship with Christ. Salesians serve in various capacities of evangelization and education: youth and campus ministers, teachers, guidance counselors, mentors, and friends to the young.... We live in community, pray and work together in a common mission. Currently, over 15,500 of us are serving young people in 130 countries. In the United States and Canada, the Salesians operate youth oriented parishes, high schools, boys and girls clubs, and retreat houses. Contact information: Canada and East of the Mississippi: Fr. James Berning, S.D.B., Salesian Vocation Office, 518-B Valley Street, Orange, NJ 07050; (973) 761-0201; e-mail: info@salesiansofdonbosco. org; Facebook: salesian.vocations; website: www. salesiansofdonbosco.org; West of the Mississippi: Fr. Jose F. Lucero, S.D.B., Vocation Office, 13856 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706; (626) 6742675; e-mail: info@salesianvocation.org; website: www.salesianvocation.org.
See ad on page 99. Code #117.
Salvatorians (S.D.S.) [Society of the Divine Sav-
ior] The Salvatorians were founded to use “all ways and means which the Love of Christ inspires” to bring the Gospel to the world. We are multicultural and fully embrace the Spirit of Vatican II with compassion for all. Our members collaborate closely with the Salvatorian Sisters, the Lay Salvatorians and the people we serve. We are involved in parishes, foreign missions, education, hospital and prison chaplaincies, youth ministry, counseling, campus ministry, communications, music and specialized ministries. Members serve in the Archdioceses of Milwaukee, Portland and Washington, and in the Dioceses of Bismarck, Birmingham, Green Bay, Harrisburg, LaCrosse, Nashville, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, St. Cloud, Sacramento, Savannah, Venice, Wilmington and Tucson. American Salvatorians serve in the Philippines; Rome, Italy; and Tanzania, East Africa. Contact us at vocations@salvatorians.com; (414) 258-1735 ext. 304; 1735 N. Hi-Mount Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208-1720; website: www.salvatorians. com. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org. Check our FACEBOOK page at www.facebook.com/ Salvatorians; and subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/SalvatoriansSDS. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.
See ad on page 9. Code #145.
Servants of Mary, Friars (O.S.M.)
Founded in 1233, we bring the compassionate presence of Christ to the world through lives lived in community, serving the needs of others in a variety of ministries, while looking to Mary as the example of life and service. The Servite Friars, together with Servite religious sisters, cloistered nuns, Servite Seculars and other lay groups, form an international community of over 15,000 members. For more information on the Servite Friars please contact the Vocation Ministry Office 1952 W. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801; 855-OSM-1233 (855-676-1233); e-mail: Vocations@servitesusa.org; website: www.servite.org.
See ad on page 53. Code #159.
Servants of the Paraclete (s.P.) We are a religious congregation of priests and brothers who dedicate our lives to Christ by assisting fellow priests and brothers who are in need of psychological, spiritual, and vocational support. Founded in 1947 by Fr. Gerald Fitzgerald, s.P. our Congregation has helped more than 5,500 clergy through residential programs based on Eucharistic Adoration, psychological and spiritual counseling, fraternal life in common, and fidelity to the Church. Currently this ministry is being carried out in the USA and the Philippines. We also have a student house in Ho Chi Minh City and hope to open a house of prayer near Da Lat, VN soon. God willing we will also open a house in West Africa within the next few years. If you are interested in finding out more about the Servants of the Paraclete, please contact: Very Rev. David T. Fitzgerald, s.P., PO Box 10, Jemez Springs, NM 87025; (575) 829-4138; e-mail: servantgeneral@ aol.com; website: www.theservants.org. You will receive a warm welcome.
Code #300.
Societe des Missions Africaines
(S.M.A.) or translated Society of African Missions is an international community of 1,200 missionaries: priests, brothers and lay missionaries. We are committed to living the Gospel among our brothers and sisters in Africa and those of African descent, with a special concern for the poor and marginalized wherever we are serving. We strive to witness by our lives to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its totality through a variety of ministries—including parish work, catechetical programs, health care, education, ministries with street children, people with disabilities, refugees, Leprosy patients, AIDS Ministries, development and relief programs. Our ministries are a response to the needs of the local Church. You are invited to make a wholehearted, unconditional offer of your life at the service of the Gospel of Jesus. Please contact: S.M.A. Vocation Coordinator, 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670; phone: (201) 567-0450 ext. 250 or e-mail: vocations.sma@gmail.com or vocations@smafathers.org; website: www.smafathers.org.
See ad on page 100. Code #136.
Society of Mary (S.M.) (See Marist Fathers and Brothers.)
Society of St. Paul The Society of St. Paul is a congregation of priests and brothers founded by Blessed James Alberione bringing Christ to the world today through the means of communication. The priests and brothers share a common life style and profess the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and fidelity to the Pope. They are fortified by daily meditation, mass, liturgy of the hours and an hour of Eucharistic Adoration so that by living Christ they may give Christ to others through their apostolate. Paulines imitate St. Paul, who preached and wrote about Jesus Christ, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the most rapid and far reaching ways. Paulines preach Christ through books, magazines, tapes, videos, CD’s, radio, television and the Internet around the world. Contact: Society of St. Paul, Vocation Office, 2187 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314; (718) 865-8844; e-mail: vocation@stpauls.us; website: www.vocationoffice. org. See our digital web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #149.
Somascan Fathers and Brothers (C.R.S.) The Somascan Fathers and Brothers minister at the following facilities: Pine Haven Boys Center, a residential treatment center for disadvantaged boys ages 7-15 in Allenstown, NH; Assumption Catholic Church and Christ the King Catholic Church in Houston, TX. Both parishes have a strong presence of immigrants from Latin America. Also in Houston, Somascan Hall, the House of Formation next to the Christ the King Church. All vocation inquiries should be addressed to Fr. Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, Vocation Director: (713) 880-8243; e-mail: somascans@yahoo.com. For more information please visit: www.somascans.org.
See ad on page 26. Code #120.
Spiritans (C.S.Sp.) [Congregation of the Holy
Spirit] For over three centuries Spiritans have crisscrossed the globe—living particularly among people who are suffering, being a pastoral presence and advocate for justice, and teaching the message of the Gospel. In parishes, schools, and missions we go where there is a need, bearing God’s Spirit of joy and hope. Today Spiritan Priests and Brothers are over 3,000 strong, an international congregation on an adventure of the Spirit. We are committed to the poor, dedicated to justice, and open to all cultures, and grounded in community and prayer. Vocation Office, Vocation Director, 6230 Brush Run Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15102-2214; (412) 831-0302; email: joinus@spiritans.org; website: www.spiritans. org. See our web ads at www.VocationNetwork.org.
See ad on page 19. Code #164.
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Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Ber-
ryville, VA—Our Lady of the Holy Cross Our community is oriented by St. Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries, living a life of prayer, supported by the work of our hands, serving the community and our natural environment. We seek to know the Lord through hospitality, sacred reading and study, the celebration of the liturgy, and our communal life; we seek to spread the Gospel through our contemplative life in the Diocese of Arlington. We cultivate priestly ministry within our Cistercian tradition, in service to our monks and nuns; this formation begins after solemn profession. Catholic men over the age of 24 are invited to join us. A high school education is necessary and further education is welcomed but not required. Candidates may apply through our website: www.virginiatrappists.org on the vocation page under the tab “Join Us.” An inquiry form is available there that will be directly e-mailed to the Vocations Director. See our web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Carlton, OR—Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Ab-
bey We, the monastic community of Our Lady of Guadalupe, are located in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. Presently, our community is comprised of 28 monks whose life experience expands over three generations. We are contemplative monks who, following the Rule of St. Benedict, live by the work of our own hands. Because of our contemplative nature, all four of our industries, bookbindery, bakery, wine warehouse, and forestry, lie within the enclosure. It is important to us that we should be self-supporting, but our work does not dominate our life, rather it is our prayer that takes precedence. Our prayer consists of chanting the Divine Office, daily Eucharist, private prayer, and lectio divina. For men interested in vocational discernment, we do offer the Monastic Life Retreat, a retreat set up to better experience our monastic way of life. Br. Chris Balent, 9200 NE Abbey Rd., Carlton, OR 97111; e-mail: Chris@TrappistAbbey.org; website: www.trappistabbey.org/. See our web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #415.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Cony-
ers, GA—Holy Spirit Monastery In the Georgia Piedmont 35 of us share life in a contemplative community. Ages range from 28 to 93. We have joined our neighbors in going green by fostering stream restoration, an organic vegetable garden, and a natural burial cemetery. We value silence, solitude, manual labor, compassion, the Eucharist, personal and communal prayer, friendship and forgiveness. We honor the good in our society and yet challenge its illusions, especially the assumption that our identity and value depend on what we do, and on what others think of us. We work with hardships and challenges, knowing that these contribute to spiritual and emotional maturation, leading us beyond resistance to giving ourselves away, at ever deeper levels. Contact: Br. Elias, 2625 Hwy 212 SW, Conyers, GA 30096; (678) 964-2018; e-mail: elias091499@gmail.com; www.trappist.net/vocation. See our web ad at www. DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #415.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Moncks
Corner, SC—Mepkin Abbey We, the monks of Mepkin Abbey, are responding to God’s call to live in solitude and silence in and for the Church according to an ancient form of radical Christian discipleship focused on seeking and finding God in community where we “are of one heart and soul and everything is held in common” (Acts 4: 32-33). We live the Rule of Saint Benedict embodied in the Cistercian tradition, praising God in our prayer, our meditative reading of Scripture, our work, and our hospitality, obeying the call of the Holy Spirit to ceaseless prayer and sharing the sufferings of the present time until the Lord returns (Rm 8:18-23). All Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) bear witness to this contemplative monastic tradition in a particular place and time by living our vows of stability, obedience and “conversatio morum” (conversion of life) in the rhythm of praying the liturgy of the hours and our manual labor—striving always for deeper union with God. If you believe God may be calling you to live this way of life with us at Mepkin, kindly contact our vocation director. Fr. Kevin, O.C.S.O., 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd., Moncks Corner, SC 29461; (843) 761-8509; e-mail: fr.kevinocso@gmail.org: website: www.mepkinabbey.org. See our web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Peo-
sta, IA—Abbey of New Melleray Founded in 1849 by Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland, our community is located in the heartland of Northeastern Iowa, twelve miles from Dubuque and the Mississippi River. We are a contemplative monastery in the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. As members of the Cistercian family of monks and nuns founded in 1098 at Citeaux in France, we are wholly ordered to a life of prayer according to the Rule of St. Benedict. We support our way of life by carpentry—Trappist Caskets—supplemented by income from our 1,900 acre farm, our 1,300 acre forest, and a Guest House for 22 retreatants and visitors. The entire Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist are celebrated in choir every day. For additional information contact Fr. Stephen Verbest, Vocation Director, 6632 Melleray Circle, Peosta, IA 52068; e-mail: frsteve@newmelleray. org or call (563) 588-2319 ext. 138; website: www.newmelleray.org. See our web ad at www. DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #415.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Piffard,
NY—Abbey of Genesee We are a Roman Catholic community of contemplative monks belonging to the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, commonly known as Trappists. Our community is dedicated to the worship of God in a hidden life within the monastery following the Rule of St. Benedict, leading a life of solitude and silence, prayer and penance, in a joyful spirit of faith. We support ourselves by the common work baking Monks’ Bread. Guests are received for quiet, private retreats at the retreat house. The monastic day begins with vigils at 2:25 a.m. and ends with compline at 6:40 p.m. Throughout the day there is a good balance between prayer, reading, and work, all lived in fraternal love and support. Contact: Br. M. Anthony Weber, Vocation Director, Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, NY 14533; (585) 243-0660 ext. 19; e-mail: AnthonyWeber@GeneseeAbbey.org; website: www.GeneseeAbbey.org. See our web ad at www. DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #415.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Snow-
mass, CO—St. Benedict’s Monastery St. Benedict’s Monastery, located in a spectacular valley high in the Colorado Rockies near the small town of Snowmass, belongs to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO/ Trappist). Prayer is our apostolate, and a contemplative approach to both communal and personal prayer and to our daily tasks characterizes our life. Our daily life is grounded in a schedule of liturgy when, five times a day, we come together for prayer, including daily Mass. We support ourselves by work which includes our ranch and a small cookie business. In accord with our Order’s constitution, we live a life that is ordinary, obscure, and laborious. In other words, a hidden life of prayer in and through the Church for all humankind. We accept applications from men between 22 and 50. For more information visit our website at www.snowmass.org. Contact Fr. Micah, our vocation director at mikamonk@rof. net or (970) 920-5990, ext. 29. See our web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Spencer, MA—
St. Joseph’s Abbey We are a monastic Order wholly directed to contemplation. We dedicate our lives within the enclosure of the monastery to the praise and worship of God in a hidden way of life. Our day is a balance of liturgical prayer; private, personal prayer; lectio divina (prayerful reading of Scripture) and work. By fidelity to our contemplative monastic way of life with its own hidden mode of apostolic fruitfulness, in silence and solitude, in prayer and penitence, we seek to perform a service for God’s people and the whole human race. The Lord Jesus is our Strength and the Heart of our desire. We are located in central Massachusetts at 167 North Spencer Road, Spencer, MA 01562. Please visit us at www.spencerabbey.org. Vocational inquiries made at: vocation@spencerabbey.org. Typically our candidates are men between the ages of 25 and 45. See our web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #415.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Trappist,
KY—Abbey of Gethsemani Our monastery is a school of the Lord’s service, a training ground for brotherly love. The monk expresses this love by his desire to share life together at the heart of the Church and to grow into Christ through prayer, work, and sacred reading every day. Located in the knob country of central Kentucky, we Trappists have lived, prayed, and worked in this house of the Lord for over 160 years. Our mission is the praise of God’s goodness and the proclamation of the Kingdom’s nearness. Living in solitude and silence the monk aspires to that interior quiet in which wisdom is born. The vows of obedience, stability, and conversion of manners provide our structure, support, and encouragement to persevere in the journey, in the work, in the search. Men between the ages of 22 and 50 may apply. For more information contact Bro. Aaron, Abbey of Gethsemani, 3642 Monks Rd., Trappist KY 40051; (502) 549-4116; e-mail: vocations@monks.org; website: www.monks.org. See our web ad at www. DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #415.
Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Vina,
CA—Abbey of New Clairvaux Our Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappist) follows the Rule of Saint Benedict. It is wholly directed to contemplation through Liturgy, Manual Labor and Lectio Divina. As monks, we strive to seek God, according to the nine-hundred year old Cistercian Monastic tradition. The rhythm of our life helps us to be aware of God throughout the day. By means of obedience, simplicity, solitude and silence, we grow in purity of heart in the School of Charity. Through manual labor we share in God’s creativity, exercising love for each brother, are in solidarity with all people, and cultivate good stewardship of the land. Men between 22 and 40 may apply. For information contact Br. Christopher, Vocation Director; Abbey of New Clairvaux, 26240 7th Street, Vina, CA 96092; (530) 839-2161; e-mail: godseeking@ newclairvaux.org; website: www.newclairvaux.org. See our web ad at www.DigitalVocationGuide.org.
Code #415.
Trinitarians (O.SS.T.) Founded in 1198 through the vision of St. John DeMatha, the Trinitarian priests and brothers bring the redemptive love of Jesus to those they serve. The earliest Trinitarians, through every possible means available, sought freedom for those held captive for their faith. Through their work for the poor, those who suffer religious persecution, and in parishes, schools, missions, prisons, and hospitals, they strive for the freedom of all people. Trinitarians live in small, intimate communities and enjoy common prayer. Their purpose in loving is freedom and dignity. They number 75 members in the United States and more than 700 worldwide. Candidates, ages 18-40, with a minimum of a high school diploma, are considered. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 5719, Baltimore, MD 212820719; (800) 525-3554 or (410) 484-2250; e-mail: vocationsosst@aol.com; website: www.trinitarians.org. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.
Code #122.
V
Viatorians (Clerics of St. Viator) Viatorians are religious priests, brothers, and lay associates sent by the Catholic Church to teach the faith and proclaim Jesus Christ as Gospel. In parishes, schools, and a variety of ministries, Viatorians work with Christian communities to live, deepen, and celebrate faith. A priest of the Archdiocese of Lyons, France, Father Louis Querbes founded the Viatorians in 1831 as an association of lay and religious school teachers to catechize and serve as animators of the liturgy in rural French parishes. As patron saint of the congregation, Father Querbes chose Saint Viator, a young fourth century catechist-lector of the cathedral church of Lyons. Today approximately 600 religious and nearly 300 lay men and women serve the church in 16 countries. Viatorians of the Province of Chicago minister primarily in Illinois and Nevada in the United States, in Colombia, South America and in Belize, Central America. Contact: Bart Hisgen, Vocation Ministry, 1212 East Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; e-mail: vocations@viatorians.com; website: www.viatorians.com.
See ad on page 101. Code #094.
X
Xaverian Missionaries
(S.X.) Serving in 20 countries around the world, the Xaverian Missionaries are an international, multicultural community of over 1,000 priests, brothers, and sisters. In the spirit of our founder Saint Guido M. Conforti we commit ourselves to live and witness to the Good News of Jesus—the greatest gift we can share with the world—in poverty, chastity, and obedience. We fulfill this mission in and through community. Moved by our passion for Christ and for humanity our mission is directed to those who do not know Christ and among them we choose to work with the poor. It is our desire that our lives and our ministries may always reflect the love of Christ. Through empowerment of local communities, education, inter-religious dialogue, health care, social development, justice and peace, we facilitate the transformation of our world into the “ONE FAMILY” our Founder dreamed. Contact: Fr. Rocco Puopolo, sx, 101 Summer Street, Holliston, MA 01746; (508) 429-2144; e-mail: frrocco@xaviermissionaries.org; website: www. xaviermissionaries.org; blog: www.xaverianmissionaries.blogspot.com/. See our web ad at www. VocationNetwork.org.
