November 11, 2008

Guests: Fr. Jonathan Fassero OSB, Associate Spiritual Director for St. Meinrad Seminary in Southern Indiana and Stephen Tatz, Vocations Specialist for the Diocese of Des Moines
Featured Saint of the Day: St. Martin of Tours

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Fr. Jonathan Fassero OSB, Associate Spiritual Director for St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and Stephen Tatz, Vocations Specialist for the Diocese of Des Moines about the upcoming "Thinking About Priesthood Day" this weekend. The "Thinking
About Priesthood Day" will be November 15, from 9:30am-5:00pm. The event will take place in Cedar Falls at St. Stephen's, so transportation is being orchestrated by the Diocese.

Fr. Jonathan is a Benedictine Monk who comes to Iowa twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, for the "Thinking About Priesthood Day." He enjoys coming to Iowa for this day, because all four of our diocese pool together for this event. It is an uplifting, cooperative effort to foster vocations. The goal of this event is to help young men find Brothers in discernment: others who are asking themselves the same questions. One of the things that Fr. Jonathan mentioned today was that just because a young man doesn't know if he'll be a priest or not doesn't mean that he shouldn't go to Seminary. Seminary helps young men become more self-aware and grow deeper in their faith.

Something that events like the "Thinking About Priesthood Day" are good for is giving these young men the information they need to further their discernment. They are given the opportunity to ask questions they maybe haven't asked yet about priesthood. A goal of the event is that with the information these young men receive, that any fears they have about the Seminary may dissipate. Something that Pope John Paul II was fond of saying was, "Do Not Be Afraid!" Fear is often the enemy of a lot of wonderful possibilities.

Fr. Jonathan left us with words of encouragement. He told young men that if they want to make a difference in the world in a unique way, they maybe should explore the possibility of the priesthood. He also told young men that spending a day "Thinking About Priesthood..." would not be a waste of time, and possibly the beginning of a new adventure.

Stephen assured young men that no one was going to try to talk you into priesthood. Men who walk away from this day and feel as though Priesthood is not for them still means that the day was a sucess. Stephen also reminded listeners that if they want to take advantage of this great event they ought to contact the Vocaitons Director of their Diocese.

For Des Moines, you can call: 515-237-5014 or go to: www.vocationsonline.com