One of the best ways to assist in your discernment is to visit a seminary or religious house and meet the people who live there. This gives discerners an opportunity to see what daily life is like in these places, and can spark new friendships both with fellow young people discerning their vocation and with seminarians and religious novices who can be a great support along the way.
The Office of Vocations periodically sponsors these sorts of trips. If there are any upcoming trips, the information will be found below. Also, individual discerners can always request to make a private visit themselves. The Office of Vocations is very willing to schedule these visits. If you are interested, contact Father Nick at [email protected].
Quo Vadis? is a question that tradition holds St. Peter asked the risen Jesus as he fled Rome to escape persecution. He asked Jesus, “Domine, quo vadis?” “Lord, where are you going?” and Jesus responded, “I’m going to Rome to be crucified in your place.” This encounter led Peter to draw courage and give his life for the Lord and His church.
This will be the theme of a 3-day retreat in July open to young men ages 15-35 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa, Mississippi. If you are interested in registering please email Father Nick Adam, Vocation Director, at [email protected].
The Diocese of Jackson offers these discernment events at no cost to the attendants.
If you are interested in supporting an event, please contact the Office of Vocations
Attn: Office of Vocations
PO Box 22723
Jackson, MS 39225-2248
601-960-8484
Notre Dame Seminary (NDS) is located in New Orleans, LA and is used by the Diocese of Jackson for what is usually called 'major seminary' (or the last four years of theological studies before a man is ordained). Notre Dame also has a pre-theology program where students who already have already completed time in college may fulfill their study requirements in philosophy which is necessary before major seminary studies.
St. Joseph Seminary College (St. Ben's) is located in Covington, LA and is used by the Diocese of Jackson for what is usually called minor or 'college seminary.' Their program is designed primarily for men who are entering seminary directly after their senior year of high school, or who have completed little or no college studies. The major field of study there is philosophy, which is necessary to prepare the seminarian for theological studies in major seminary. They also have a pre-theology program where students who already have already completed time in college may fulfill their study requirements in philosophy which is necessary before major seminary studies.
