Totus Tuus – Missionary Training

The Totus Tuus program aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. Through evangelization and catechesis, Totus Tuus seeks to foster openness to the sacrifices and blessings of the various Christian vocations.

• Campers Day program: 1st – 6th graders
• Night program: 7th – 12th graders

 

Priesthood Ordination

“The new priests join a brotherhood which enhances their ability to bring renewal, joy and comfort to those in need of guidance, healing and mercy.”

– Cardinal Blase J. Cupich

Parents of Seminarians and Priests 

As men consider the priesthood, family members have concerns and questions. The Chicago Area Parents of Priests and Seminarians (CAPPS) meet several times a year to connect and share their experiences.  When a loved one in your family has a calling, most parents don’t know what to expect.  Our parent group supports each other and our sons along the path to becoming a priest.

Father Tim Monahan has asked parents of seminarians to be available to meet and discuss our experiences with families of men considering the seminary.  Join us on April 30 at 3pm at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights.  We will meet in the Laramie room in the basement of the church. Sign up here.

CAPPS is supported by the Serra Club of Chicago, the lay organization for vocations.

HIGH SCHOOL

Quigley Days

Join a brotherhood of high school men learning about Jesus, the Church, and the priesthood through prayer, discussion, and activities. In fraternity, we can help discover and guide you to the plan Jesus has for you.

Quo Vadis

Quo Vadis Days are a 4 day/3 night camp sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago Vocations Office and in collaboration with the Diocese of Joliet Vocation Office. This unique engaging event is 100% seminarian led. This retreat is open to all 13 – 18 year old young men who want to learn more about the priesthood. Those attending will have a life changing encounter with Christ while having the time of their life.

Who Will Fill These Shoes?

Fr. Vic Ivers, a priest from the Archdiocese of Chicago who was deeply rooted in the faith passed away on January 18, 2014 at the age of 95. At St. Joseph in Libertyville, during concluding his final mass, he stopped, took off his shoes, laid them in front of the altar and said, “so now who will fill these shoes?” Then he processed out, leaving the shoes behind with an open question that was directed then and still for today. 

Who Will Fill These Shoes? has then been celebrated in our archdiocese and other diocese ever since.

Vianney Visit

The Vianney Visit provides high school sophomores through college age men (ages 16 – 24) the opportunity to take a closer look and experience college seminary.

Attend Mass, prayer and spiritual conferences with SJV priests and hear testimonies from SJV seminarians. There is no charge for the event. All meals are provided.

COLLEGE/POST COLLEGE

Samuel Group: Discernment for young adults

Do you ever wonder how to make a good decision according to God’s will? Join us for a discernment group specifically geared toward young adults (ages 19–35). Here you will discuss all kinds of discernment—if you are called to consecrated life, married life or single life, to a certain career 0r city, and more. The goal of this group is to help you, and in some cases your significant other, know yourself, Jesus and your role within the Church.

These discernment groups will take place monthly over the course of seven months. At each session, you will listen to talks, have time for small group sharing, and have the opportunity for Mass, Confession and Adoration. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet individually with a spiritual director while doing this course.

InSearch

A two phase, six-month program (October – April) for college and post-college men with a serious interest in diocesan priesthood. Meetings are held every week in the evenings at the Bishop Quarter House in downtown Chicago, which provides men with the opportunity to continually engage the question about priesthood.

Exploring Priesthood Weekend

The retreat to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussions, presentations of diocesan priesthood and group interaction, men begin to better understand God’s movement in their life. (College age and professional aged men)

Seminary Sprint

Seminary Sprint is a 24-hour trip to Mundelein Seminary that allows participants to grow in fraternity and have time for prayer, while also exploring the beautiful grounds of Mundelein Seminary. There will be a chance to meet seminarians, play sports, have food, and hang out with the brothers. This trip is sponsored by the Vocation Office and free to participants.