Men of the Hearts
Detroit Priestly Vocations
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Welcome to Men of the Hearts, a monthly podcast from the Archdiocese of Detroit Office of Priestly Vocations. Join your hosts, Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican, as they explore the priesthood, hear vocation stories from priests all over the Archdiocese, and answer questions about discerning a priestly vocation. Tune in every month to wherever you get your podcast and learn more at detroitpriestlyvocations.com.
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5 days ago
A Look Into Parish Life
(00:03) Join Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Fr. John Dudek to this episode of "Men of the Hearts." They discuss current events, upcoming weddings, and graduations, sharing personal stories and creating a sense of community.
(10:35) Short Vocation Story: Fr. John Dudek was previously married, and has two daughters. After an annulment, he entered seminary and has been assigned to Divine Child parish for two years, serving the school and the parish. He was recently asked by Archbishop Vigneron to transfer to St. Regis Parish. They discuss Fr. John’s time at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Boston, a school for “late in life vocations” to the priesthood.
(25:15) After 26 years as a teacher, when Fr. John entered seminary, he believed he would never be back in the school system. “Those days are behind me.” He was surprised to feel joy at being stationed at a parish with an elementary school and realized that “God uses everything.” During his time in seminary, he felt the Lord telling him when he stood at the altar, “This is your new classroom.” They discuss Camp Sancta Maria, a Catholic summer camp Fr. John attended in 8th grade and returned to this summer as the priest chaplain.
(31:27) Living a time of lasts: the three priests reflect on the reality of being moved to new assignments and living in obedience to the Archbishop. They talk about living close to God’s heart as they leave behind communities they’ve poured themselves into, projects they’ve started, and relationships they formed. They share stories of simple or practical mistakes they’ve made during sacraments or Mass. They share a conversation about community life and sharing a rectory at Divine Child. The episode ends with Fr. David Pellican sharing about what his life will look like in Rome, living arrangements, studies, and wisdom from priests friends.
(56:05) A word of encouragement: “You go off to the seminary wandering if you’re worthy to serve as a priest. And then you’re ordained, and you realize you’re an instrument God is using to help His people. It’s humbling and it's beautiful.” Fr. John shares, “If you’ve ever thought or wondered what it would be like to be a priest, you need to reach out to Fr. Craig, the vocations director.”
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May 2, 2023
Bishop John M. Quinn
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They introduce us to today’s guest Bishop Quinn. Fr. Craig describes Bishop Quinn as “the happiest man I’ve met in my whole life.” They discuss the importance of their diaconate ordinations.
(14:35) “My ego is not my amigo. I better be ready to have it pierced.” They discuss the experience of receiving compliments as priests and how God’s love for them must remind them of their identity, and not the feedback they receive from others- good or bad.
(22:30) Bishop’s Quinn’s Vocation Story: “My first formators were my parents. We prayed the Rosary. We always went to Mass.” Bishop Quinn shares about the impact of his family and the role that his parish pastor played in identifying his vocation. Bishop Quinn’s worries about money, learning Latin, and his previous commitment to go to University of Detroit were addressed in dialog with his pastor. His pastor told him, “If this (seminary) is not for you, you’ll know.” Bishop Quinn shares, “The Lord never takes without giving back more.” In reflecting on ending his dating relationship with his then-girlfriend, and leaving behind his own plan for his life, Bishop Quinn reflects, “When you surrender to God, whatever you thought you were going to do… when you give it to God, God will not destroy it, God will perfect it. God will make it even more.”
(36:15) Moments of crisis in the seminary: changes in the Church during seminary, and his own fears were struggles for Bishop Quinn as he was in seminary formation. “Will I even be able to run a parish? What if they don’t like me? What if I'm a terrible administrator? What if I don’t have the ability to work well with groups? What if my personality doesn’t draw people? … listen to your ‘I’ statements.” The wisdom of ‘puncture your ego’ from a spiritual director helped Bishop Quinn let go of his fears and trust God.
(53:05) Spiritual Direction has played a very important role in Bishop Quinn living his priesthood close to the Lord. To close, Bishop Quinn offers this advice and encouragement to discerning men, “If you find that you’re going to Mass and you notice that a relationship is developing with the Lord. If you think about the priesthood… that isn’t an accident. God is at work in your life.” He encourages men to pray and listen to the Lord. He says, “I needed to go to the seminary to find out. If this isn't for you, you’ll find out.” Finally, “God does not bring us on this earth for mediocrity.” He encourages all listeners to be brave and trust God.
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Mar 30, 2023
Fr. Jeff Allen
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They introduce us to today’s guest, Fr. Jeff Allan (Chaplain, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital). He shares a “recent grace” of reflecting on the saintly life of a priest friend who recently passed away.
(08:50) Vocation Story — Fr. Jeff shares that he first thought of the priesthood as a child. As he grew up, he felt being a priest was “fourth on my list.” He was an altar server as a child. Following studying at Adrian College, he did an initial discernment of the priesthood, but didn’t feel he should move forward in discerning. He worked in sales for several years. He began dating a young woman and enjoyed his life. At his office, he joined a prayer group, and started attending daily Mass. Some five years after his initial discernment, Fr. Jeff began discerning the priesthood again and revisited the seminary.
(23:23) Two discernments and the role of peace — Fr. Jeff shares that in his second discernment, he felt a new and deep peace as he moved forward. His discernment weekend brought a greater clarity and peace to him: “Spending time in front of the tabernacle in the chapel, and feeling a sense of peace.” He shares that his days in seminary were difficult, and he struggled with studying theology, but the mentorship he received helped him journey through seminary.
(31:33) Priesthood — Fr. Jeff shares that he greatly enjoys working as a hospital chaplain. “The staff are the parishioners.” He discusses how he has been stretched in this ministry, about listening to the Holy Spirit, and meeting people in crisis.
(51:05) Advice for discerning well — “Don’t narrow the focus! All of us have different callings within the priesthood. Our roles change, and be open to that.” Fr. Jeff offers his insights into discerning a priestly vocation and how he sees God’s work in our lives. He says, “Have a consistent daily prayer life… Eucharistic Adoration, Liturgy of the Hours….” He tells us discernment is a “win-win” situation.
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Feb 27, 2023
Exciting News from Fr. David Pellican
“Do you know His voice? If you’re not praying, you’re never gonna know your vocation.” Today’s guest Fr. David Pellican joins his host Fr. Craig Giera in discussing Fr. David’s new assignment to study sacramental theology in Rome. Together, they revisit Fr. David’s vocation story, this invitation by Archbishop Vigneron to study for the sake of our future priests and the joyful adventure of freely following God’s plan for your life.
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They review the last two guests and share that today’s guest is Fr. David Pellican! They share updates on their lives and their excitement for Lent.
(10:10) Big news + Vocation Story: Fr. David shares his vocation story, starting with his family. Praying the Rosary and talking about vocations helped him consider “what does God want for my life?” At Age 10, “be a priest” was felt in his heart. In high school, he went on a silent retreat with his dad and the thought of the priesthood came back to him. His initial reaction was to reject the idea. He felt trapped by the idea and greatly desired to be a doctor and get married. As a high schooler, praying before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament helped Fr. David start to hear the Lord’s voice. They discuss the role of prayer, “Do you know His voice? If you’re not praying, you’re never gonna know your vocation.”
(22:13) Religious order or diocesan priesthood? A wise priest helped Fr. David see that religious communities have charisms-- and Fr. David found that his heart was made for service to parishes through the diocesan priesthood. He loved the community in seminary, but found in his heart a lot of fear of public speaking. After his ordination to the transitional diaconate, “the Lord just gave the grace.” He now enjoys public speaking and loves his vocation as a priest.
(28:29) New Assignment: Archbishop Vigneron has asked Fr. David to go back to school and study dogmatic sacramental theology. This means he will step out of parish life to live and study in Rome. Fr. David discusses what he’s excited about and what his fears are in taking this new assignment. He shares the experience of being asked by the Archbishop to take on these new studies and the peace he felt in moving into this new season. “There’s a peace in knowing… if you’re doing what the Archbishop asks, you’re doing what the Lord is calling you to.”
(40:50) “Anything worth doing, there’s going to be challenges.” Fr. David shares about facing hesitancies or fears in following God. “God’s not going to call you to something you’ll be miserable doing.” They discuss the stability and permanency of vocation. They also spend time addressing the fear of making ‘the wrong’ decision in discerning a vocation.
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Jan 27, 2023
Fr. Salvatore Palazzolo
“It’s not time wasted. There’s no loss in discernment.” Fr. Craig Giera is joined by Fr. Salvatore Palazzolo, a canon lawyer for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Together they dive into Fr. Sal’s vocation story. While studying mechanical engineering, Fr. Sal went through a conversion experience after moving home with his parents. The search for Truth brought Fr. Sal into the faithful practice of his faith, daily Mass, and studying the Church. After hearing the Lord in prayer, and a car accident, Fr. Sal entered seminary.
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera welcomes us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. With the episode’s guest, Fr. Salvatore Palazzolo, they discuss the mystery of Christmas. Fr. Sal explains a few of his family’s traditions surrounding Christmas.
(8:01) Fr. Sal shares his vocation story: he grew up in a big Italian Catholic family, and always expected he would raise a big family and have a home that was hospitable for his extended family. He went to school at Kettering University for mechanical engineering. He felt “life was good” and he was doing well financially and otherwise, but he didn’t feel satisfied. So, Fr. Sal transferred to Oakland University to be closer to home. Moving home provided him the opportunity to attend Mass with his family and he sensed that his faith was the answer to why he felt empty.
(21:45) “I would say my reconversion happened through the transcendental of Truth.” Fr. Sal talks about his search for the truth about the Church, God, and the Catholic faith. Encountering the Catechism and searching for understanding brought Fr. Sal to the decision to make his Catholic faith his own. “The more I learned about my faith, the more my faith grew, and the more my love for God grew.” He started reading scripture, attending a young adult group, and going to daily Mass. The Catechism played a key role in his conversion.
(27:01) A sign from God: Fr. Sal shares the impactful story of how a car accident changed his perspective on his faith and his life -- and his future. After a powerful experience of a call to the priesthood in prayer, Fr. Sal contacted the Vocation Director and attended a Come and See at the seminary. After visiting the seminary, Fr. Sal entered and following his studies, he was ordained a priest.
(42:45) Canon Law: Fr. Sal shares about his important role in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He shares what canon law is, what it looks like to study it, and how he helps the Church in this position. “God is fulfilling a desire I always had, but in the way He always planned for me.” Fr. Craig shares, “Sometimes people think ‘if I join the priesthood, I’ll lose everything of myself.’ But really, I’ll become who I’m supposed to be.” The episode closes with Fr. Sal sharing some advice to men discerning the priesthood: “Giving time to discerning your vocation is pleasing to God, because it puts the focus of your life on Him and your faith is going to grow… it’s not time wasted. There’s no loss in discernment.”
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Jan 3, 2023
Mr. John Pratt
“Marriage is good. And priesthood is good. And how do you choose between two goods? God will guide you if you faithfully seek him out.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. David Pellican's brother-in-law Mr. John Pratt to discuss discerning a vocation. John considered the priesthood from an early age, but felt the Lord draw him toward marriage. His insights into prayer, desire for true fulfillment and the surrender to God’s will are inspiring.
Show Notes:
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode’s guest is Mr. John Pratt, brother-in-law of Fr. David Pellican. They discuss the most recent episode, and current joys. The discussion moves toward encountering beauty and how art can powerfully move us.
(12:08) Mr. John Pratt shares how his siblings and parents shaped him in his youth. He points to living a liturgical life, and playing sports as impactful. John shares that he experienced scrupulosity and OCD in his early years. Throughout this time, he felt that being a priest would be the holiest decision for him. His time at the University of Notre Dame was formative. He went on to serve in a parish in Ann Arbor, Michigan following college.
(23:22) Our hosts and guest discuss John’s attitudes toward the priesthood throughout adolescence. “In high school and college, was the thought of priesthood there?” They discuss John’s prayer life in college, and how he lived a relationship with God growing up. They discuss the importance of Adoration and spending time with Jesus. “Go find the Lord and you’ll find your specific vocation.” John attended World Youth Day and felt an openness to whatever God wanted for his life.
(35:55) Priesthood & the vocation to Marriage: John shares about meeting his future-wife, and the role his spiritual director played in discerning dating. They discuss what dating looked like. “Bringing it into the light, having a spiritual director, and praying about it’ are three powerful ways John Pratt felt the Lord direct him toward marriage and not to the priesthood. ‘I don’t ask myself, is this worth it?”
(55:00) Holiness in marriage: “More than happiness and pleasure, I wanted meaning in life.” John shares how his vocation as a husband and father has purified him and made him more surrendered to God’s will. “The vocation of marriage… there’s meaning and fulfillment in it, even if there is the Cross.” Even now as a husband and father, he feels God continue to draw him into new holiness: “What is the more you’re calling me to, God?”
John closes the discussion with a reflection on the confidence he has that God made him for marriage and the power of living the call God has for him: “The Lord used the vocation of marriage to heal a lot of my anxiety. He’s used my wife and my vocation as a way of healing me in a truly incredible way.”
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Nov 29, 2022
Fr. JJ Mech
“I thought my life was going to end when I entered seminary, but it really began once I got there.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. J.J. Mech, rector at Detroit’s Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Together, they discuss the role of art in our churches and encountering the Lord. Fr. J.J. shares his vocation story, his parent’s reaction to him entering seminary, and how he’s been fulfilled and filled with joy in his vocation as a priest.
Show Notes:
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode’s guest Fr. J.J. Mech is the rector of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. Fr. J.J. has a great love of art and does many types of creative expressions including sculpting and painting. He says, “I discover the Lord through art.” He discusses the power of praying with art, and how he’s brought a vision for the role of art to the Cathedral.
(24:34) Fr. J.J. is invited to share his vocation story. Though attracted to discerning, in college Fr. J.J. kept his discernment hidden from others, even telling people he was at the library when he went to visit the seminary. As a college student at Michigan State, he made the decision to transfer to the seminary. He tells the story of telling his parents that he would be entering seminary. His father was deeply moved and began crying. His mother said, “I knew there was a reason you lived,” referencing his very premature birth.
(37:22) “We’re all called. It doesn’t matter who we are, we’re all called.” Fr. J.J. shares a reflection on how the priesthood is filled with men of diverse backgrounds, gifts, and personalities. Early on in his discernment of the priesthood, he felt that he didn’t fit the mold; Fr. J.J. felt unimportant compared to the priest in the sanctuary, “That’s not me.” However, he can see now how God utilizes his gifts in the priesthood, how God calls different types of men, and that God wanted him to be a priest, just as he is.
(41:18) The hosts and guests discuss the role of parental approval in the process of discerning the priesthood. “Parents always want what's best for their kids, but sometimes, parents can’t see how you could be really happy or fulfilled doing it (serving as a priest). Sometimes that leads parents to be initially concerned.” They discuss how the priesthood is a sacrifice, but it’s one worth making: “You’re gonna make a sacrifice somewhere in life; have that sacrifice chosen with God, instead of the sacrifice just heaped upon you. Everybody has to go through some type of cross.” Fr. Giera shares, “What we really need right now, we need more priests. God needs you, and we need you.”
(51:20) “If there are young men listening who are thinking about the priesthood, considering a call, what advice would you give them?” Our guest Fr. J.J. gives a powerful reflection: “Talk to a priest, to someone who can help you… Be yourself. Continually pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, and he will lay it out for you. Don’t do it alone.” The episode is closed in prayer.
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Nov 1, 2022
Fr. Cy Whitaker S.J.
“It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Cy Whitaker, S.J. This powerful discussion covers the early seeds of a vocation in Fr. Cy’s childhood, the loss of his father, joining the Jesuits at age 40, and his role as a spiritual director at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Be inspired as Fr. Cy describes the priest’s identity as more important than the work he does and as he offers encouragement to all men discerning.
Show Notes:
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode’s guest, Fr. Cy Whitaker, S.J., and our hosts discuss what they’ve been up to recently. They also talk about the origin of Fr. Cy’s name and family history.
(9:17) Fr. Cy shares his vocation story. As a child, he only thought about being a priest or a teacher when he grew up. Many priests and teachers told him they thought that young Cy had a vocation to the priesthood. Fr. Cy shares the powerful story of how the Scapular impacted his father’s life. After his father’s death, which was weeks before Fr. Cy’s college graduation, he became a teacher and taught for 22 years.
(24:21) At age 40, Fr. Cy called the vocation director for the Jesuits. He describes how he discerned being a priest in a religious order. He explains what a novitiate is, and what discernment with the Jesuits looks like. He also details the Jesuits vows and the two types of priests within the Jesuit order.
(34:44) “How did you end up at the seminary?” Fr. Cy has been a spiritual director at the seminary for 6 years. He describes what a spiritual director is and what his days look like in this role. He shares that spiritual direction is an intimate and personal space to aid seminarians in processing the transitions in seminary. It is an opportunity for seminarians to be led in prayer in their discernment.
(41:05) The Sacrament of the present moment: “Be here now.” Fr. Cy shares that God reveals himself to us as “I am” and not as “I was.” That God is found in the present moment, and how this wisdom helps men encounter God. He says the framework of, “Living my life as a response of love to the Love that loved me first” has been powerful for him. He encourages seminarians and men discerning the priesthood to do the same.
(49:45) Advice to men who are discerning: “Be open to the possibilities of what God wants for you.” And “What’s the next right step for you?” Fr. Cy shares, “Even if you came here (seminary) and discern out, you’ll be a better man for it. And if you stay, you’ll have one of the most exciting jobs in the world.” Fr. Cy underlines the importance of the priestly identity: “it’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are.” Fr. Cy closes in a powerful prayer for the listeners, calling on the Blessed Mother as Mother of Priests.
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Sep 30, 2022
Fr. Perrin Atisha
“Find Jesus in the Eucharist. If you want to know what God wants, go to Him.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Perrin Atisha who shares his journey to ordination at age 26 for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. Through a powerful retreat in high school, time in Eucharistic Adoration, his father’s approval of his vocation, and a trip to Iraq, God showed Fr. Perrin that he was called to the priesthood. Now Director of Vocations, Fr. Perrin gives valuable insight into the heart of a priest and discernment 101. “We don’t need perfect men. We need men who are in love with God.”
Show Notes:
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This episode’s guest serves as the Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. He recently attended a national conference for vocation directors. Fr. David shares that he has finally finished remodeling a private chapel in the Divine Child rectory.
(9:09) Fr. Perrin shares his vocation story: He has two brothers and a sister, and they were raised as devout Chaldean Catholics. At age five, Fr. Perrin started altar serving and, a year later, told his mother, “I want to do what the priest does.” But in high school, he fell into “living a double life.” He describes it as, “I wasn’t truly living for the Lord.” In Mass, he marveled at the priesthood and felt a desire to pursuing a priestly vocation. But outside of Mass, he felt “distracted by the world.”
(16:40) A Kairos Retreat in high school changed Fr. Perrin’s relationship with God. And in the Eucharistic Adoration chapel at his high school, Fr. Perrin experienced “the presence of God” as he began to visit the chapel during his lunch period. Later at Wayne State University, a priest welcomed him to the Newman Center with such intentionality and joy, and he was drawn into college ministry even leading Bible studies. After feeling ready to enter seminary after college, he was asked to wait a year. While hurt and angry then, he looks back and says, “If I didn’t have that year, I don’t think I would be a priest.”
(32:02) Prayer life in discernment: Fr. Perrin attended Eucharistic Adoration daily and Mass during the week. He also prayed with scripture regularly and read the lives of the saints. Fr. Perrin shares how he overcame struggles with his father’s attitude towards him pursuing a priestly vocation. He felt the time he most struggled with his vocation was between the time he was accepted into seminary and the time he entered. He can see in retrospect that those doubts for himself and his vocation were not from God but from the evil one.
(44:16) Adjustments in the seminary: Fr. Perrin shares how his relationship with his father and mother changed as he journeyed through seminary. His father grew in approval of his vocation and their relationship improved, and his mother grew in allowing Fr. Perrin to have independence in his discernment. “Just because there are struggles, doesn’t mean God isn’t calling us.”
(51:42) Ordination: “I always knew I would love being a priest, but I didn’t know it would be this beautiful.” He shares that the theme of his priesthood is, “God takes care of me.” He enjoys offering Mass and preaching. He talks about his discernment deciding whether to become a Chaldean or a Roman Rite priest and what went into making his decision, especially a trip to Iraq in 2017. Fr. Perrin offers some advice to men discerning, “Find Jesus in the Eucharist. If you want to know what God wants, go to Him. Be in love with the Lord.” He closes the episode in prayer.
Links from this episode:
Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle Vocations (mailto:vocations@chaldeanchurch.org)
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Sep 9, 2022
Fr. Matt Hood
“Never be afraid to accept your vocation. Because God will supply what we need.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Matthew Hood. Together they discuss Fr. Matt’s journey from asking big questions about the Faith in high school to being ordained a priest. After spending eight years in seminary, Fr. Matt has served the Archdiocese of Detroit in parish and school ministry. He offers advice for men discerning: “If God has given you even the smallest desire for the priesthood, pursue it. That doesn't happen often.”
Show Notes:
(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This month’s guest is Fr. Matthew Hood, the chaplain for Detroit Catholic Campus Ministry which serves Wayne State University and the University of Michigan – Dearborn as well as the surrounding campuses. He shares about his summer abroad in Brazil on a mission trip with FOCUS, Fellowship of Catholic University Students.
(10:40) The Costco King: the hosts and Fr. Matt play a game related to opinions about Costco. Fr. Craig announces the winner of the competition will be announced at the end of the episode.
(16:33) Fr. Matt’s vocation story: In high school, Fr. Matt found himself asking many big questions about faith while attending St. Joseph Parish in Lake Orion. He found that the Catholic Church offered the answers to every question he proposed in a more profound manner, allowing him to trust and surrender. He began to desire not just to know God but also to develop a relationship with Him. Spending time in the local Eucharistic Adoration chapel is where he first felt a desire for the priesthood.
(20:15) While before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, Fr. Matt began praying with Scripture, particularly the passage of Jesus calling the disciples on the Sea of Galilee in which he felt the Lord telling him “To follow Him, throw down my nets, put out into the deep” as a priest. But he pushed the thought to the side.
(25:51) From questions to his vocation: Fr. Matt explains in more detail the journey from asking questions to considering the priesthood. In encountering Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, he felt the Lord kept placing the call to the priesthood on his heart. Fr. Matt enrolled at Central Michigan University his freshmen year and participated in Catholic Campus Ministry which helped to further confirm his vocation to the priesthood.
(31:34) The process of entering seminary: joy, friendship, and fraternity played a pivotal role for Fr. Matt. He applied and was accepted to the seminary, where he found the first year challenging. He was tempted to feel “I’m not holy enough, I’m not worthy enough.” He was challenged by doubts and an experience of feeling undeserving of the priesthood.
(43:25) Life as a priest: The priests talk about Fr. Matt’s experience of working at Divine Child parish and school. He then describes how he lives out his priesthood walking with college students, including hosting events for exploring the Faith and deepening one’s conversion. Fr. Matt recommends finding a priest as a spiritual director to help guide a man considering a vocation to the priesthood. “What might be the next step?” They discuss key advice for how to discern if God is calling a man to the priesthood. “God speaks to us in silence. If there is a small desire for priesthood, pay attention to it, have courage, don’t be afraid, and seek it.” Fr. Matt closes the episode in prayer.
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Jul 29, 2022
Bishop Fisher
“Don’t be afraid.” Fr. David Pellican welcomes Bishop Robert Fisher, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, to Men of the Hearts. In this episode, they discuss His Excellency’s journey to the priesthood. He first considered the priesthood at age 10, but that thought was pushed away by a desire for marriage and a job in the business world. After serving at a summer camp in college, he felt his faith reawakened. Though not having full clarity, he entered seminary and took it one year at a time before being ordained in 1992. Bishop Fisher also shares about serving as Director of Priestly Vocations and how he found out Pope Francis selected him to be a bishop.
Show Notes:
(00:03) Fr. David welcomes us to Men of the Hearts. This episode’s guest is Bishop Robert Fisher. He is the oldest of four kids originally from the west side of Detroit, about three miles down the road from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. His family offered a “supportive attitude” for discerning the pr…
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Jun 29, 2022
Fr. John Kopson
"Whatever you need to hear the voice of God, if you're open to it, God's gonna talk to you." Join Fr. Craig Giera as he welcomes Fr. John Kopson, who shares his journey to the priesthood. After leaving college seminary with a desire for more certainty in his vocation, Fr. John began working at a nursing home as a Certified Nurse Assistant. After an encounter with a dying priest, Fr. John experienced the Lord give him the grace and clarity he needed to return to the seminary and ultimately, be ordained to the priesthood. This episode of Men of the Hearts closes with an encouragement for men discerning to surrender to the Lord, and He will satisfy their desires.
Show Notes:
(00:26) Fr. Craig welcomes us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. This month's guest is Fr. John Kopson, who is pastor at St. Anne Parish in Warren. Fr. John shares about his growing devotion to the Rosary and how it's been implemented into his life, even changing how he drives. They discuss Marian devotion and the…
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May 31, 2022
Bishop Donald Hanchon
“Can I really be happy doing this?” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Bishop Donald Hanchon, a Detroit native brimming with wisdom for vocational discernment. His Excellency shares his story of feeling called to the priesthood in grade school, attending high school seminary, and the questions and fears he faced along the way. A significant health concern in college seminary threatened his studies and brought him before Jesus in the Eucharist, a moment in which the Lord confirmed his vocation, “From your mother’s womb, I have called you.” Bishop Hanchon reminds us that God’s call for our life will bring us joy and satisfaction.
(00:26) Fr. Craig Giera welcomes Fr. David Pellican and our audience to this episode reviewing the last one with Monsignor Tim Hogan and his experience as a Navy chaplain. This month’s guest is Bishop Donald Hanchon, who is an auxiliary bishop here in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He shares a blessing about writing a ta…
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May 3, 2022
Msgr. Tim Hogan
If you think the priesthood is boring or mundane, this episode of Men of the Hearts is for you. Monsignor Tim Hogan shares the journey the Lord has brought him from being a medic in the military, to religious life, to diocesan priesthood as a Navy chaplain, including being airdropped from a helicopter to offer Mass on nine different ships. “These people really wanted a chaplain, they wanted Mass, they wanted Confession, they wanted to talk with someone.” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they marvel at the Lord’s spirit of adventure and the unknown plans God has for each man thinking about the priesthood.
(00:26) This month’s guest is Monsignor Tim Hogan, pastor of St. Fabian Parish. He has spent most of his priesthood as a chaplain in the Navy, along with some time in a religious order. He now serves the Archdiocese of Detroit as a parish priest. Fr. Craig shares that the Archbishop announced a Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations at the Chrism Mass on Holy…
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Apr 4, 2022
Divine Child Priests: Fr. Bob, Fr. John, Fr. David
This episode of Men of the Hearts is full of priestly fraternity, two inspiring vocation stories, and encouragement against fears of inadequacy related to the priesthood. Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Fr. David’s fellow Divine Child Parish clergy, Fr. Bob McCabe and Fr. John Dudek. Each shares his own vocation story, how to overcome “analysis paralysis” and fears related to returning to school in seminary, and how gifts are never wasted in a priestly vocation. “God is calling us to expand our comfort zone.”
(00:31) Fr. Craig welcomes us to this episode. He reviews the previous episode with Fr. Tim Birney and insights into how to encourage priestly vocations. Fr. Craig then welcomes our episode’s guests, the clergy at Divine Child Parish in Dearborn: Fr. Bob McCabe, Fr. John Dudek and Fr. David Pellican. They discuss recent blessings including overcoming health concerns, winning a sports bet, as well as excitement for the priesthood. Fr. D…
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Mar 1, 2022
Fr. Tim Birney's Vocation Story
In this 12th episode of Men of the hearts, Fr. David and Fr. Craig welcome a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Fr. Tim Birney. Fr. Tim shares his journey to the priesthood that began with family life centered around his parish. A high school assignment was a catalyst to encountering God’s call to serve God as a Catholic priest. The priests discuss an active discernment group in the archdiocese, what seminary really is, how to approach fears surrounding discernment, as well as advice to men discerning. The podcasts closes with an acronym to sumup how to encourage healthy and holy vocations. Take a listen!
(0:25) Introduction: Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves and review the previous episode on a priest’s experience of saying Mass. This episode’s guest is introduced: Fr. Tim Birney. Fr. Tim was the director of priestly vocations at one point. Fr. Tim shares about a blessing in his life right now: his parish, St. Frances Cabrini, recently received a significant gift t…
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Jan 12, 2022
Celebrating the Mass
Fr. Craig and Fr. David take a deep dive into the mystery of offering Mass from a priest’s perspective. They share about their own experiences with saying the Mass, both their first Masses and in recent days during sickness. Fr. Craig shares how a Gospel passage addressed his fears of the priesthood as well as stories of epic priests over the years. Together they reflect on the feeling of unworthiness when discerning the priesthood and God’s ability to use our smallness to feed His people.
(0:12) Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves and discuss their admiration for their last podcast guest, Fr. John Riccardo. They introduce the topic for this episode, something that is very near and dear to the heart of a priest: celebrating Mass. This is something only priests can do. It defines a priest.
(1:40) Fr Craig shares about his Christmas break; he had the opportunity to slow down. He shares about his Christmas leisure. Then Fr. David shares about his Christmas; he spent the time…
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Dec 8, 2021
Fr. John Riccardo
(0:55) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican introduce guest Fr. John Riccardo, the executive director of Acts XXIX, to share his vocation story and the many twists and turns he experienced along his path to the priesthood. Fr. John shares about a homily from a brother priest on a difficult moral issue which deeply affected him.
(8:00) Fr. John discusses with Fr. Craig and Fr. David the inherent desire for greatness and pursuing a life of meaning by rising up to the challenge. They discuss how, ultimately, the call to greatness is the call to love God and your neighbor.
(12:00) Fr. John takes listeners through his vocation story, reflecting on hearing the Lord clearly speak to him to call him to the priesthood, from where he began his journey at Sacred Heart Major Seminary which solidified his call to his vocation.
(20:00) In reflecting on their various struggles encountered during their journeys in the priesthood, Fr. John discusses with Fr. Craig and Fr. David the ways in which grac…
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Nov 2, 2021
Bishop Battersby's Vocation Story
(0:45) Fr. Craig introduces the latest guest, Bishop Gerard Battersby, alongside his co-host Fr. David. Auxiliary Bishop Battersby shares a blessing with a recent Families of Parishes Commissioning Ceremony while Fr. David talks about his new appointment as the note-taker for the Presbyteral Council.
(8:45) Fr. David talks about how he remembers in seminary when Fr. Battersby received the call to become a bishop and the motto he chose for his episcopacy. Bishop Battersby shares that his motto “In Sinu Patris” (That we live in the bosom of the Father and the Father’s embrace) comes from the Gospel of St. John and the writings of Blessed Columba Marmion.
(10:15) Fr. David shares that during his priestly ordination he gave out cards with an image of El Greco’s depiction of the Trinity and how it relates to Bishop Battersby’s episcopal motto. And Fr. Craig explains that he quoted Psalm 31 on his ordination card.
(11:55) Bishop Battersby shares his vocation story including the fa…
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Oct 12, 2021
Fr. David Pellican
Fr. David takes the lead as he and Fr. Craig discuss the Ignatian spiritual exercises and their experience on the 30-day silent retreat that all seminarians attend.
Show notes:
(0:30) Fr. David takes the lead for this episode as him and Fr. Craig talk about the discernment of spirits with St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. David also shares updates from the past month, including that samples are back at Costco!
(3:35) Fr. David talks about experiencing Divine Child Homecoming for the first time with a parade, football game, and the decoration of his dad’s truck.
(6:15) Fr. Craig shares his joy of hosting the first Discernment Weekend at the seminary since the pandemic and the six men who attended. He explains the purpose of the event and details the schedule, which was recently updated. Fr. Craig highlights that there’s another Discernment Weekend coming up at the beginning of December.
(11:30) Fr. David transitions to discernment in the work of St. Ignatius, particularly his Spiritual Ex…
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Sep 30, 2021
Brother Priests Fr. Drew and Fr. Zach Mabee
Fr. Zach and Fr. Drew Mabee, brothers in the priesthood and brothers biologically, discuss their conversions to Catholicism, their journeys to the priesthood, and how they grow in faith and fraternity together.
Show notes:
(0:33) Fr. Craig introduces this month’s guests, Fr. Drew and Fr. Zach Mabee, who are brothers not only through their vocation, but are siblings. Fr. Zach is a priest in the Diocese of Lansing, and Fr. Drew serves in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
(1:40) Fr. Zach shares that he is teaching at Sacred Heart Major Seminary this year and updates that he is completing his doctorate in philosophy this year as well. Fr. Drew shares an anecdote about growing up with Fr. Zach as his taller older brother.
(6:17) Fr. Drew shares updates and blessings in his life, including his assignments at St. John Fisher and St. Damien of Molokai parishes. He talks about the grace of being stretched outside his comfort zone as a priest.
(9:42) Fr. David gives his own updates, including the st…
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Jul 26, 2021
Getting to Know Fr. Steve Pullis
Fr. Steve Pullis joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to discuss his vocation story, his assignments as a priest, and his new role as the Director of Pastoral Formation at Sacred Heart.
Show notes:
(1:40) Fr. David and Fr. Craig catch up and introduce this episode’s guest, Fr. Steve Pullis, Director of Pastoral Formation for the seminary. Fr. Steve shares some highlights of his month, reflecting on time he was able to spend up north with some priest friends. Fr. David also gives the monthly Costco update.
(8:47) Fr. Steve shares his vocation story. He talks about growing up in a big Catholic family with nine siblings, attending a local Catholic college, and how transformative his time in silent prayer was as a young adult.
(13:28) Fr. Steve also talks about some things people can do if they’ve never been to Adoration before, like praying the rosary and the meditative ritual it provides. He mentions, too, the importance of the other people in his life, especially during college, who were f…
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Jun 25, 2021
Meet the Eparchy of St. Thomas's Vocations Director
Fr. Bryan Kassa, Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to discuss his vocation story and the importance of fully surrendering to the will of God.
Show notes:
(0:59) Fr. Craig introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Bryan Kassa, Director of Vocations for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. Fr. Bryan shares some highlights from his past few months, including receiving seminary applications, a new pastor arriving at his parish, and the Eparchy holding its first discernment weekend.
(5:35) Fr. David and Fr. Craig share highlights of the month as well, and Fr. David gives the monthly Costco update! Fr. David also shares an update on the young adult carpentry night his parish hosted last week, and Fr. Craig mentions that his summer has been full of Thanksgiving Masses for the recently ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
(13:23) Fr. Bryan shares his vocation story, mentioning a girlfriend he had who’d…
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May 18, 2021
Fr. Charlie Fox's Vocation Story
Fr. Charlie Fox joins Men of the Hearts to talk about his own vocation story, as well as formation, what it really is, and why it’s so important.
Show notes:
(0:42) Fr. Craig introduces this month’s guest, Fr. Charlie Fox, who’s about to move into a new position at Sacred Heart as the Vice Rector.
(3:39) Fr. Fox shares some of the blessings he’s experienced over the past month, including his preaching bootcamp, which helps seminarians become more skilled and comfortable with public speaking. Fr. David updates from his last month as well; his parish has just celebrated their Confirmations and First Communions.
(8:38) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Fox about any special gifts or talents he has, and Fr. Fox shares about his love of writing and his experiences writing for the greater Catholic community, as well as some of his exploits in writing as a seminarian at Sacred Heart.
(14:40) Fr. Fox shares his vocation story. He talks of growing up in an Irish Catholic family in Detroit and Redford…
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Apr 16, 2021
Archbishop Vigneron's Priestly Vocation
Archbishop Vigneron joins Fr. Craig and Fr. David to talk about his own vocation story and give advice to those discerning.
Show notes:
(0:03) Fr. Craig welcomes everybody back to the podcast and introduces this episode’s very special guest, Archbishop Vigneron! The three reflect on how their celebrations of the Triduum were this year. They particularly discuss the Chrism Mass this year and how grace-filled it was to be able to celebrate together, in contrast to last year’s celebration.
(4:51) In the monthly Costco update, Fr. David shares that while he was able to get household essentials, he couldn’t get any new snacks for the house because he was called away to do an emergency anointing, and Fr. Craig shares experiences of being called for anointings as well. Archbishop reflects on leading the Anointing of the Sick on pilgrimages in Lourdes.
(13:42) Archbishop Vigneron tells his vocation story. He talks about his upbringing in Anchorville attending Immaculate Conception, and h…
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Mar 23, 2021
Signs from God
Fr. Craig and Fr. David discuss signs from God, how we can prepare for them, and what signs might indicate a calling to the priesthood.
*Show notes:
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(0:59) Fr. Craig and Fr. David share updates from the past month. Fr. David mentions the snow chapel Divine Child built and the outdoor Mass they held, and Fr. Craig shares that the Vocations Office has started making sweatshirts, mugs, water bottles, and other merchandise. Fr. Craig also talks about the idea he’s had to use his artwork as a visual way to explain what vocations are. Fr. David also gives us a monthly Costco update!
(8:14) Fr. Craig introduces this episode’s topic: the signs we receive from God. He reflects on the goodness of a push in the right direction from God, but also the risk we run of almost testing him. Fr. David talks about the stories of Zachariah and Mary, the basis of the incredulity each one felt when visited by the angel, and, as a result, the different outcomes of their responses.
(11:42) Fr. Craig refl…
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Feb 24, 2021
Meet Fr. Craig and Fr. David
In this first episode of Men of the Hearts, hosts Fr. Craig Giera, Director of Priestly Vocations, and Fr. David Pellican, Associate Pastor at Divine Child Parish, introduce themselves, their vocation stories, and what to expect in the future of the podcast.
Show notes:
(0:05) Fr. Craig and Fr. David introduce themselves, their lives as priests so far, and talk a little bit about their life as housemates in the same rectory as well.
(3:31) Fr. David shares a little bit more about his background, his family, and what it was like growing up with seven sisters. Fr. Craig talks about his school years, as well, and how his journey to the priesthood differed from Fr. David's.
(7:39) Fr. Craig introduces the inspriation for the podcast, as well as the Office of Priestly Vocations' new visual identity. He and Fr. David then discuss the relationship between the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus and how they work together to inspire priestly vocations in young men.
(16:12) F…
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