Discernment opportunities

Seminary Visits

Considering a vocation in the priesthood or interested in experiencing seminary life? Men seeking priestly formation have the opportunity to visit St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, MN, or Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. The upcoming visit dates are as follows:

– For men college age and older, an insightful “Come and See Visit” to Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit happens October 30-November 1, 2026.  Register here.

– Men who are High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to consider in the trip to St. John Vianney Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota, November 19-21, 2026 and February. First priority registration will be given to those you haven’t made a visit to the seminary.
Register here.

Men’s Discernment Retreat in Summer

This discernment retreat gives men ages 16-25 a chance to learn more about the priesthood discernment process and provides an opportunity to experience the camaraderie of other discerners in the Catholic faith. The retreat will be in August 2027 and costs $100 and includes, accommodations, meals, daily Mass and group discussions. 

Bishop’s Discernment Dinner

An annual opportunity for men age 17 and up to meet Bishop Boyea and our seminarians, and to learn more about discerning a call to the priesthood. The event will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2027, beginning at 4:00 pm at St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt.  Dinner included.  Registration begins in May.

Jeremiah 1:7

(High School Men’s Group)

Monthly discernment group for juniors and seniors in high school considering the priesthood. There are groups at Lansing Catholic High School, Lansing, and St. Patrick in Brighton, 

The Foundation

(College and Beyond Men’s Group)

Monthly discernment group for men age 18 and older considering the priesthood.  There is group located at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale facilitated by Fr. Todd Koenigsknecht, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Hudson.