JOLIET Priesthood
Discernment Group
(For all men ages 17+)

What Is the
Priesthood Discernment Group?

The Discernment Group provides an opportunity for men to gather monthly to discuss issues concerning diocesan priestly life and ministry, to pray together as vocations are discerned, and to provide fellowship and support among those who are considering a call to follow Jesus in priesthood.

The Discernment Group is open to all men who are juniors in high school and older who want to meet informally once a month to discuss the possibility of priestly life and ministry.  New members are always welcome.

Are you considering a call to priesthood?  Is your heart touched to follow Christ?  Would you like to know more about being a priest today?  If you answered "yes" to these questions, then the Priesthood Discernment Group is for you.  In the group, you'll have the chance to meet other men thinking about priesthood and talk with several diocesan priests and seminarians as they discuss important issues in making an informed decision about their vocations.

All meetings will be held at the

Pope John Paul II House
430 N. Center Street
Joliet, IL 60435
Get directions

For more information contact:
Fr. Burke Masters
815.834.4004

Joliet Priesthood Discernment Group
2010 - 2011 Schedule
(For all men ages 17+)

This year we will be using he new book "To Save A  Thousand Souls" by Fr. Brett Brannen to discuss spiritual direction, prayer and other topics relevant to discern a priestly vocation.  Books will be provided for those who do not already have the book.

Meetings will take place on Sundays at the
John Paul II House
430 N. Center Street
Joliet, IL 60435
Get directions

The schedule is as follows for meetings:
Meeting 3:00—4:30 PM
Prayer 4:30—5:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM

September 19, 2010
This is Just What Priests Do!
(Chapter 1)

October 3, 2010
The Sacred Power of Priesthood
(Chapter 2)

October 17, 2010
What is a Vocation in the First Place
(Chapter 3)

November 7, 2010
God Said Go and I Said No
(Chapter 4)

November 14, 2010
Signs of a Vocation to Priesthood
(Chapter 5)

November 21, 2010
Developing a Spiritual Plan of Life
(Chapter 6)

December 5, 2010
The Importance of a Spiritual Director
(Chapter 7)

Continued at top of page ...
 

Discernment Group
2010 - 2011 Schedule Continued

January 16, 2011
Hearing the Voice of God
(Chapter 8)

January 23, 2011
The Seven Stages of a Diligent Discernment
(Chapter 9)

January 30, 2011
Practical Ideas for Discerning Priesthood
(Chapter 10)

February 13, 2011
Mary & Discernment Fears
(Chapter 11)

February 20, 2011
How do I Tell My Parents?
(Chapter 12)

February 27, 2011
Celibacy, Chastity, Charity, Cheerfulness
(Chapter 13)

March 13, 2011
When do I Start?
(Chapter 14)

March 20, 2011
The Application & Admission Process
(Chapter 15)

March 27, 2011
What is Seminary Like?
(Chapter 16)

April 3, 2011
Prerequisites & Impediments
(Chapter 17)

April 10, 2011
Special Assignments for Diocesan Priests
(Chapter 18)

May 15, 2011
Ordination Day
(Chapter 19)

For more information contact:
Fr. Burke Masters
815.834.4004

Seminary Visits/Retreats
2010 - 2011 Schedule

November 13 - 15, 2010
Conception Seminary College Encounter Weekend
Conception, MO (For all men ages 17+)


November 18 - 20, 2010
St. John Vianney College Seminary Visit
St. Paul, MN (For all men ages 16+)
 

\December 26 - 28, 2010
Discernment Retreat at John Paul II House

 

March 26 - 28, 2011
Conception Seminary College Encounter Weekend
Conception, MO (For all men ages 17+)






For more information contact:
Fr. Burke Masters
815.834.4004

Thursday, September 9, 2010
"Whet Your Appetite for Religious Life"
(For all WOMEN in high school or older)
Loretto Convent
Wheaton, IL
6 - 8 pm

Tuesday, September 9, 2010
Operation Andrew Dinner
(For all MEN in high school and older)
St. Joseph Parish
211 N. Center Avenue
Bradley, IL 60915
6 - 8 pm

Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Operation Andrew Dinner
(For all MEN in high school and older)
Location TBD
6 - 8 pm

Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Operation Andrew Dinner
(For all MEN in high school and older)
Location TBD
6 - 8 pm

These dinners are open to anyone who is high school age or older.  It is an opportunity to have dinner with Bishop Sartain and other priests from the Diocese of Joliet.  There will be a presentation on priesthood as well as an opportunity to ask questions.

Please RSVP to Fr. Burke Masters at least three days prior to the dinner at 815.834.4004 or frburke23@aol.com

Dates TBA

*This group is open to all young men grades 7 - 10 and their fathers.  We will be discussing what it means to be a man of God and to grow in virtue.

Quo Vadis Group meetings will be held at the:

John Paul II House
430 N. Center Street
Joliet, IL 60435
Get directions

  JEREMIAH DAY
Date will be announced in Fall

10 am - 5 pm
Mundelein Seminary
For boys in
7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Grade
from the Joliet Diocese
 

The story of the prophet Jeremiah tells us that it is never too early to think about God's plan for us.  This is a day for boys to grow closer to God and to visit a seminary.  The activities include a tour of Mundelein Seminary, talks about how God calls us, lunch, recreation time, open gym and Mass.  It is hosted and led by the Joliet Diocese seminarians who attend Mundelein Seminary.

Fr. Burke Masters
Diocese of Joliet Vocation Director