Office of Priestly Vocations
“The only purpose of our prayers and our sacrifices is to be an apostle of the apostles, to pray for priests while they evangelize souls.” - St. Therese of Lisieux
Courage priests started a mission in Peoria 150 years ago.
Courageous men continue to join their priestly mission.
The word "vocation" means call. The word "call" is used in many ways. Everybody has a vocation in the sense that God is constantly "making noise" so as to call us closer to him, to become holy. For some, God calls them to holiness by being husbands or fathers. For others God is calling them to holiness by serving as missionaries or doctors or monks. For many God is calling them to holiness as priests.
It is only by seeking God's will for our lives then following it that we can truly know the happiness God intends for us. Unfortunately, many people seek happiness according only to what they want, or following one's own will apart from God's. In fact, true happiness comes only from seeking God's will, then surrendering our own will to His and then following it joyfully.
Everyone is called to something.
What are you called to?
Discernment
Discernment. What a confusing word in today’s culture. Some people always speak about what they want to do, or what their plans for their life are. Others are in perpetual discernment, blowing with the wind or anxiously awaiting to hear the voice of God tell them exactly what their vocation is. Some think they are the captains of their fate, others think they’re destined to be a ship adrift at sea.
Seminarians
Before being ordained, a man must undergo formation, which allows him to be transformed and grow into the role God is asking him to take. This is done in the seminary. The word seminary has as its root the word "seminis," which means "seed." The seminary is the seedbed for vocations where the seed planted by God begins to take root and sprout. In the seminary, the candidate is nurtured and taught so that he can mature not only as a person, but academically, pastorally and spiritually.
Emmaus Days is a vocations experience sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria and Office of Priestly Vocations. By providing a spiritual, fun environment for young men, we help make them more aware of God’s presence in their lives and get them excited about living their faith.
Emmaus Knights is an experience for young men who desire to grow in friendship and faith with some food and fun!
Totus Tuus
The Office of Vocations is excited to bring the Totus Tuus experience back for another summer of Faith and Friendship will we learn about Our Lady! Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase that means "totally yours" a motto give to us by the Pope Saint John Paull II in describing his dedication to Jesus through Mary. For one week during the summer, we provide Catholic children in grades 1-12 a prayer-filled environment that will help them come closer to Christ through His Mother, Mary.
How to Help
Pray: Even if you are not a young man thinking about a priestly vocation, you can help those who are in a number of ways. Simply being an open and honest spiritual advisor to any young men in your life, or even just praying every day that young men find their priestly vocations can help our cause.
If you’re looking for a more directed way to help, you can pray the Novena to Saint Therese, Patroness of Vocations. LEARN MORE
Donate: We maintain multiple funds dedicated to our seminarians, and we’re always accepting donations to help us give these young men a quality seminary education. LEARN MORE
Vocations Apostolate: Description here. LEARN MORE
Emmaus House
A place of rest, fraternity, and prayer for priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Peoria.
Brothers, you are always welcome to request a stay at the Emmaus House for a day off, a desert day, to have a central meeting place for fraternity, or if you are just passing through. Once you make your request, I will confirm your reservation and send you pertinent details for your stay. - Fr. Chase
*Emmaus House may only be reserved by priests or seminarians.
Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck
Vocation Director for Recruitment
chilgenbrinck@cdop.org
Fr. Patrick Henehan
Vocation Director for Formation
phenehan@cdop.org
Beatrice Nava
Administrative Assistant
bnava@cdop.org
Phone: (309) 671-1550 | Fax: (309) 671-1579 | Spalding Pastoral Center | 419 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria, IL. 61603