Vocational Discernment

Every student at St. Lawrence Seminary is expected to be open to all of the vocations within the Church – priesthood, religious life, marriage or committed single life.

While it is too early for an adolescent to make a definitive commitment to any one of these vocations, all young Catholics have an obligation by their baptism to be open to and willing to explore each vocation.

Besides the lived example of our faculty and staff, students are provided various opportunities to discern their vocation. The seminary observes the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in April and the Week of Prayer for Vocations in January. In the spring, the juniors spend a discernment day at St. Joseph Seminary in Chicago. Seniors interested in the Capuchin Order are invited to spend a weekend in Chicago at St. Clare Friary. They may apply for the Capuchin Candidacy (residential or non-residential) in the spring. Vocation Directors from the various dioceses as well as the Capuchin Vocation Directors are always welcome to meet with the students and celebrate Mass with the students.