Dear Friends of SJV,
Greetings to you on this Solemnity of All Saints. October was a busy month as we rejoiced with the Servants of Christ Jesus as Brother Thomas Gonzaga was ordained to the diaconate, 22 of our seminarians traveled to Conception Seminary College in Missouri to participate in a soccer and volleyball tournament with 4 other seminary communities, and our library staff hosted a Wild West themed Mystery Night for the men. The seminarians also went on a week-long retreat which provided time for quiet reflection, and an opportunity slow down and provide focus at this time in the academic year.
In today’s newsletter, we begin a new series which will look at the journey of a man from early discernment prior to entering the seminary, to priestly ordination. First, we will hear from Father Jason Wallace, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Denver. Next up is Ryan Wolfer who is currently discerning the call to enter seminary.
I welcome your continued prayers for our seminarians and staff as all our work here is for the Glory of God the Father.
In Christ,
Fr. Ángel Pérez-López
Deacon Thomas Gonzaga with Archbishop Golka and the Servants of Christ Jesus on the occasion of his diaconal ordination. Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic.
SJV seminarians celebrate their 2nd place finish in the Conception Thunder Cup soccer tournament.
Seminarians worked in teams to solve clues and an overall Wild West mystery, all while practicing their library and research skills.
A Culture of Vocations: Walking with the Next Generation of Priests
The Archdiocese of Denver is witnessing remarkable growth in priestly vocations. Last year, 23 men entered seminary, and this year, another 25 have taken that important step. Our vocation database now includes more than 1,100 men whom we can contact and invite to consider God’s call. These numbers are encouraging, and behind every number is a young man called to discern how the Lord is inviting him to give his life.
This growth is the fruit of a shared mission. The faithful of the archdiocese pray fervently for vocations, while our priests, deacons, and seminarians accompany discerning men with guidance, encouragement, and the witness of their lives. A presbyterate characterized by dynamic ministry, deep prayer, and joyful service offers a compelling example of priestly life. We are also grateful for the support of our Archbishop and the archdiocesan curia, the dedication of our hardworking vocation staff, and the authentic joy and generous love of our seminarians, whose witness inspires other young men to consider the priesthood.
One of my greatest joys as Vocation Director is helping these men navigate the application process and supporting them as they take those final steps toward entering seminary.
The seminary has also launched a new initiative, the Emmaus group, to accompany young men throughout the year, gathering every Sunday for formation and discernment. They become familiar with seminary culture, have opportunities to meet a priest mentor, known as a formator, and receive spiritual direction. They can also benefit from the seminary’s many resources as they grow in human maturity, spirituality, intellectual formation, and apostolic zeal.
Ultimately, vocations flourish when the Church walks together. Through prayer, witness, and personal accompaniment, we help young men hear Christ’s call and respond with generous hearts.
Father Jason Wallace
Vocations Director, Archdiocese of Denver
Father Jason Wallace, center, with several current Archdiocese of Denver seminarians, and two alumni/priests from SJV.
Irresistible Grace
As you all well know, God has a sense of humor. While going through the Emmaus Program, I’ve been looking back on the ways in which God calls men to ministry. I grew up in a Presbyterian family, where my grandfather was a pastor, my grandmother was the church organist, and our family was involved in most ministries at the church. That kind of background was fertile soil in which to hear the voice of God. I had built a love for music, liturgy, and scripture, so I knew then I wanted to be a pastor.
By the time I got to a protestant seminary, I was staunchly reformed and not friendly to Catholicism. That said, I had a grudging respect for priests, seeing all the qualities that I wanted to be as a pastor (hard working, strong preachers, prayerful). After a long theological battle, I relented and joined OCIA. All the things that I loved about Calvinism were fulfilled in Catholicism. For my first confession, I walked in with 8 pages of my sins, expecting the priest to be floored. He was not. I walked out of there with such an experience of God’s mercy, and a desire to extend this to others. I’m sure God was amused in seeing an ex-Calvinist at the rite of election that year.
This year, I’ve been blessed to take part in the Emmaus group and be in fellowship with other Catholic men who are serious about the faith. We’ve learned about everyday seminary life, gone on hikes, and enjoyed the brotherhood as men seeking God’s will for our lives. Whether we become priests or natural fathers, we’re all first and foremost called to be sons of the Father and draw as close to him as possible. I can say even more now that God “…predestined us to be His adopted sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:5).
Ryan Wolfer
Emmaus Pre-seminary Program
