Men of the Hearts

Detroit Priestly Vocations
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Men of the Hearts

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. Drew Mabee, 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.

  1. Fr. Pierre Konja

    2 JANV.

    Fr. Pierre Konja

    “Recognize that the Apostles were just fishermen. They were just tax collectors. They were sinners. They were imperfect, normal dudes like you.” Fr. Pierre Konja joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about his journey to the priesthood for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Detroit. He encourages young men in discernment to “go to the Gospels” and allow themselves to “fall deeply in love with God.” (0:26) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Maybee introduce their guest this month, Father Pierre Konja, a Chaldean priest from the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Detroit. Father shares about the Eparchy, an ecclesiastical province separate from the Archdiocese of Detroit but still in communion with the Holy Father.  (4:36) The group discusses vocations work as Father Konja reflects on his time serving as vocations director. He connects the role of the priesthood with fatherhood, particularly for vocations directors who are tasked with helping young men discern and preparing future priests for “the fruitfulness and the challenges and the joys of the priesthood.” Fr. Konja then segues into sharing his own story of discerning his vocation to the priesthood.  (7:54) Fr. Konja’s journey to the priesthood was straightforward: “I've always loved God. I always went to church, and then fell in love with God, and then I wanted to serve God.” He also shares the advice he gives to seminarians that also applies to everyone seeking their vocation in life: Go to the Eucharist, go to the Word, and go to the Gospels. Fr. Drew and Fr. Craig provide updates on their lives and ministries. (13:10) Conversation turns back to Fr. Konja’s early life and vocation story. Born and raised in Detroit, he attended Catholic school and went to church regularly with his family. He felt challenged in his faith while attending University of Detroit Jesuit for high school, but continued to pray and attend daily Mass periodically. The group then talks about the strong culture of faith in the Chaldean community. (19:57) Fr. Konja recalls first considering the priesthood during his junior year of high school, inspired by his theology teacher who first introduced him to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He shares his devotion to Thérèse of Lisieux, especially her “Little Way” spirituality. He recalls going on a pilgrimage to Rome during the summer after graduating from high school, and later attended Oakland University while continuing to discern the priesthood. He ultimately applied and entered the seminary a year later. (29:34) Fr. Konja talks about the diversity of clergy in the Chaldean Church, with some who have immigrated here and others who are American-born. While some may draw distinctions between these groups, Fr. Konja says there is great unity within the clergy community. Father Craig remarks that no two days are the same as a priest, especially as a vocations director. Fr. Konja then talks about the Eastern Catholic Evangelization Center, a lay-run evangelization ministry overseen by the Eparchy. (34:30) The group discusses how Chaldean men are able to join religious orders. There is also a Chaldean women’s order called Daughters of Mary Immaculate. They then discuss Marian consecration and the need for every priest to have a relationship with the Blessed Mother. Fr. Konja talks about efforts in his parish to livestream Masses and reach people through social media. (39:01) Fr. Konja talks about spending a year in an Iraqi seminary serving as assistant to the rector and reflects on some of the differences he saw between the Iraqi and American Christian communities. He gives his advice to young men trying to hear the Lord. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to visit a Chaldean church to experience a new expression of our shared faith, and then a prayer and blessing.

    55 min
  2. Fr. Jim Kean

    30/09/2024

    Fr. Jim Kean

    “Discernment will always produce a great bouquet of God's glory.” Fr. Jim Kean joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about his “cradle Catholic” childhood, serving alongside Mother Teresa, and appreciating the gifts of the priesthood. He encourages young men in discernment to “be not afraid,” because no matter their vocation, it is certain that God has something special in store for them. (0:25) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Maybee introduce their guest this month, Father Jim Kean, who currently serves at St. Joseph the Worker in Lake Orion and St. John Fisher University Chapel in Auburn Hills. Father Jim shares about his summer, including a road trip through Ohio to the National Eucharistic Congress with one of our former guests, Fr. Brian Cokonougher.  (7:57) Fr. Drew says he continues to settle in at his new assignment at Holy Family in Novi, where he has already been busy blessing houses and sharing dinner with parish families. Father Craig talks about attending the recent National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in Minneapolis.  (12:09) Fr. Jim talks about his early childhood in Emmett, where his family life centered around the local parish. He was an altar server for many years and also played basketball, football, and baseball. He recalls his father often responded to fights between the five siblings by taking the kids to Confession.  (16:36) Fr. Jim first considered the priesthood at a high school party, when a friend asked him about the vocation. He continued on to college at St. Clair Community College, staying involved in his faith by reading about the lives of the saints, training to become a catechist, and lectoring at Mass. Still unsure of God’s will for his life, Fr. Jim eventually moved to Miami, Florida to serve with a community following a contemplative approach to Mother Teresa’s spirituality.  (25:18) Fr. Jim continues his vocation story, sharing how he moved to Rome to serve directly alongside Mother Teresa. He reflects on how her humbling, palpable holiness helped him realize that holiness is universal. During this time, he matured in his exercise of the faith and discovered how living a Christlike example allowed him to feel “fully alive.”  (34:16) Shortly after Fr. Jim returned home from Rome, his pastor invited him to a “come and see” weekend at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. (The seminary has three of these discernment weekends coming up in October, January, and March; listeners are encouraged to visit detroitpriestlyvocations.com for more information.) He officially entered seminary the next year and spent the next several years in formation and discernment, before finally being ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1997.  (43:50) Fr. Jim shares what he considers to be some of the greatest gifts of the priesthood, including his congregational connection to his parishioners, standing in the person of Christ at the altar, and living in constant union with Jesus Christ. He recalls a moment one summer Sunday afternoon when he was struck by the holiness of the moment and vividly recalled feeling similarly as a child while honoring the Lord’s Day with his family.  (54:00) The episode concludes with Fr. Jim’s advice to young men considering the priesthood. “Be not afraid. Be confident that the Lord has something special in store for you. Discernment will always produce a great bouquet of God's glory.” He then closes the episode with a prayer.

    58 min
  3. Fr. Clint McDonell

    30/08/2024

    Fr. Clint McDonell

    “Whatever my own plans for myself are, [they] are nothing compared to His plan for me.” Fr. Clint McDonell joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about the people who influenced his priestly discernment, his role as Director of Undergraduate Seminarians at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and his love of teaching Latin. He closes the episode with his advice to young men considering the priesthood: Talk, pray, read, and work.  (0:26) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Maybee introduce their guest this month, Fr. Clint McDonell. As a member of the Sacred Heart Major Seminary faculty, Fr. McDonell has been preparing for the upcoming academic year while also taking some time to rest. He shares about a recent trip to see friends in South Bend, Indiana, where he celebrated Mass and had lunch with Gianna Emanuela Molla, daughter of St. Gianna Beretta Molla. The conversation then turns to Fr. Clint’s love of teaching Latin at Sacred Heart. (13:59) Fr. Drew provides an update on his new assignment at Holy Family Parish in Novi, where he’s been struck by how deeply parishioners love the Lord and by what he calls a “good communal connection” between the multicultural congregation. Meanwhile, Fr. Craig has just returned from the annual seminarians’ retreat at Manresa with Archbishop Vigneron.  (19:49) Fr. Clint is asked to share his vocation story, which begins at age 10 or 11 when he first began serving as an altar boy because he “just wanted something to do during Mass.” He started to appreciate what was going on during the liturgy and had a great role model of the priesthood in his pastor, Fr. Ed Prus. He first thought about attending the seminary while in high school, but ultimately took a full scholarship to university before finally enrolling at Sacred Heart. (27:20) Fr. Clint talks about individuals who influenced his vocation to the priesthood, including his parents, his childhood pastor, a single conversation with a college roommate, and the Blessed Mother herself. He also talks about some of the hobbies he has maintained as a priest, including hiking, camping, and kayaking. (44:38) Fr. Clint shares more about his role at Sacred Heart. In addition to teaching Latin, Fr. Clint serves as director of undergraduate seminarians and is tasked with implementing the “Discipleship Phase” of the seminary’s Program for Priestly Formation. He identifies and defines the four stages of the program: The propaedeutic (or preparatory) stage; the discipleship stage during which a seminarian learns what it means to follow Christ; the configuration during which he is configured to Christ the priest; and the vocational synthesis stage that puts all of this formation together as a man begins to live out his vocation as a transitional deacon before priestly ordination. Our hosts also talk about Sacred Heart’s emphasis on human formation, helping men develop the virtues necessary for the rest of their development into priests. (52:43) Fr. Clint closes the episode with his fourfold advice to young men discerning a call to the priesthood: Talk to your priest, a seminarian, or anyone else who may be considering the same call; pray for the Lord to continue providing direction; read more, shutting everything else off because our noisy world makes it harder to hear the Lord; and work, get a job, and build up a solid foundation of self-accountability and discipline.

    1 h 2 min
  4. Fr. Brian Cokonougher

    05/08/2024

    Fr. Brian Cokonougher

    “We can bring everything to Him.” Fr. Brian Cokonougher joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to talk about surrendering to Jesus, discerning his vocation, and serving as a spiritual director to seminarians studying at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Though he was raised Catholic, Fr. Brian did not consider the priesthood until young adulthood, when his pastor invited him to attend a discernment weekend at the seminary. (0:44) Our hosts introduce this episode’s guest, Fr. Brian Cokonougher, who shares what he’s been up to this summer. He recently completed a road trip through Ohio with a fellow priest, stopping at some churches and the house used to film A Christmas Story. He also caught some of the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, saying it was “exactly what we needed” in the U.S. Church. He highlights a talk about the kerygma and shares how the surrender prayer has become central to his prayer life lately. (11:50) Fr. Brian says he once thought he would have to give up trumpet playing and other hobbies to become a priest. “But then the Lord's given me a myriad of opportunities to play for his glory—at a nursing home, or with the children's choir, or at Mass—in ways that maybe I wouldn't have as a layman. I think that's just a sign of God's generosity for us.” All three priests then discuss taking on new assignments this summer before segueing to Fr. Brian’s vocation story. Though he was raised Catholic, Fr. Brian did not consider the priesthood until young adulthood, when his pastor invited him to attend a discernment weekend at the seminary. (30:10) Fr. Brian talks about receiving his letter of acceptance from Sacred Heart. He highlights what he considers to be four of the seminary’s strengths: community, worship and prayer life, apostolic ministry program, and academics. He shares his assignment history over his 25 years of priestly ministry and then talks about serving as a spiritual director, helping seminarians better understand their discernment process and strengthen their prayer lives. (58:24) Fr. Brian shares his appreciation for the Ignatian Discernment of Spirits, used to distinguish between spirits of consolation and desolation in one’s life. In a light-hearted moment, he recommends all men discerning the priesthood read the Lord of the Rings series for the imagery of being on an important journey, the attacks one can endure, and where to find consolation. His advice to men wondering what seminary is like: “Read ‘The Hobbit.’” (1:00:11) Fr. Brian also shares what he might ask a man who is considering the priesthood: including whether they’re attending Mass each week, regularly attending Holy Hours and praying the Rosary, and who they look up to and why. Also, in this segment, Fr. Brian assures young men that they do not need to have everything together to be serious about discernment: “I would say if you don't have it all together when you enter [seminary], welcome to the club. You’re 100 percent on board with everybody else. We're all growing in our prayer lives and even in how to discern.” Fr. Brian closes the episode in prayer.

    1 h 3 min
  5. Fr. John Maksym

    12/07/2024

    Fr. John Maksym

    “None of the experiences I've had in my lifetime can even for a second match daily Mass, where I'm holding God in my hands.” Join Fr. John Maksam as he shares his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Although Fr. John felt a call to the priesthood as a child, his journey included studying law, entering the Navy, serving as a judge, and eventually becoming a priest later in life.  (00:03): Fr. Craig introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. John Maksym. Fr. John shares a recent experience of administering the Anointing of the Sick and witnessing a marriage on the same day. He explains that as a priest, “you are automatically engaged and accepted at every crucial point of a human being's life.” He and Fr. Craig agree that although the life of a priest has many profound moments, it is also true that “people just want to see their priest as a real person.” Fr. John describes the construction of a new chapel at St. Mary’s School in Mount Clemens. (14:55): Fr. Craig invites Fr. John to share his vocation story. Fr. John explains, “I knew I was going to be a priest when I was six years old.” However, he decided in his thirties that he “just wasn't ready” to enter the seminary. Fr. John’s journey included studying law, entering the Navy, and spending numerous years serving as a judge. In 2014, he entered Pope St. John XIII National Seminary.  (28:03): Fr. John shares that his decision to become a priest involved choosing not to marry a wonderful woman. He notes, “I wouldn't sentence my worst enemy to have to make the decision I made ‘cause it was very difficult. But in the end, you know, when God calls, He doesn't stop.” (31:18): Fr. John and Fr. Craig discuss the priestly call to leadership and how that call is lived out through each man’s individual talents and personality. Fr. Craig asks Fr. John about his experiences in the military. Fr. John shares that although he was “incredibly fulfilled” in his career, he knew he was called to become a priest and was ordained in 2018. He describes his first parish assignment and his time studying canon law. (43:27): Fr. John offers discernment advice: “If the Lord's really calling you, you're gonna know it. And never be afraid. Just never be afraid.” He also relates, “None of the experiences I've had in my lifetime can even for a second match daily Mass, where I'm holding God in my hands. Nothing matches that.” Fr. John ends the episode with a prayer.

    51 min
  6. Fr. Andrew Dawson

    31/05/2024

    Fr. Andrew Dawson

    “Discernment is not about vocation. First, it's about relationship.” Fr. Andrew Dawson joins Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew in the Men of the Hearts studio. Raised in England by a Protestant family, Fr. Andrew’s journey led him to America, the Catholic Church, and ultimately, the priesthood. (0:01): Our hosts welcome this episode’s guest, Fr. Andrew Dawson. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Fr. Andrew now shepherds Prince of Peace Parish in West Bloomfield. The priests discuss aspects of English culture, Fr. Drew’s upcoming parish assignment, and Fr. Craig’s recent opportunity to share some of his artwork. (16:49): Fr. Andrew explains that he grew up in a Protestant family in England and lacked “real commitment to the faith” as a teenager. While attending an English college, he had the opportunity to work at Camp Santa Maria in Michigan through an exchange program. Fr. Andrew eventually came back to America to work for the camp full-time.  (29:45): While working in America, Fr. Andrew went from attending Catholic Masses regularly to only attending when his job required it. One day at Mass, “I had this really powerful experience of God saying to me, ‘There you are. I've been waiting for you. Welcome back.’ And I knew at that moment, looking at the priest holding up that host, that that was not what I thought it was. That in my background, in my upbringing, this host is a representation of Jesus. I knew that wasn't right…I knew there was more there.” (35:01): After a brief return to England, Fr. Andrew felt called to “mission,” went back to America, and entered RCIA. Despite some doubts, he became Catholic: “I asked myself the question, ‘Is that Jesus in the tabernacle?’ I said, ‘Yes, that's enough. The rest comes later. That's enough. I can't say no to that.’” (41:37): Fr. Andrew was told, “You should be a priest,” not long after he entered the Church. He initially rejected the idea but gradually became more open to it: “I got to the point where I was so intrigued by what this would look like and what this would mean…And I realized it was taking up all of my spare time.” Fr. Andrew eventually entered the seminary and was ordained in 2017.  (54:29): Fr. Andrew passes on two pieces of discernment advice. First, “Discernment is not about vocation. First, it's about relationship. Like, don't try to figure it out. Work on your relationship with God.” Second, “One way of describing faith or defining faith is our capacity to be surprised by God…Are you prepared to go with God to the extent that he wants you to go?” Fr. Andrew closes the episode in prayer.

    1 h 1 min
  7. Fr. Jeffrey Day

    01/05/2024

    Fr. Jeffrey Day

    “I think vocations really come from the Holy Eucharist.” Join Fr. Jeff Day as he shares his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Influences on Fr. Jeff’s journey to the priesthood included the faith of his family, the sacrament of Confession, and the Holy Eucharist.  (0:02): Fr. Craig welcomes listeners and introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Jeff Day. The priests catch up: Fr. Jeff talks about the Divine Mercy devotion, Fr. Drew relates small mishaps from the Easter Vigil, and Fr. Craig shares the blessing of seeing a seminarian ordained to the transitional diaconate. (7:06): Fr. Jeff shares his vocation story, which started with his reception of First Communion in second grade and his desire to become a priest in eighth grade. While attending the University of Michigan, he “rediscovered” his Catholic faith. During his senior year, “I really started to pray about what I was supposed to do, like what was God asking me to do?” Although Fr. Jeff initially felt unworthy, he started to discern a priestly vocation after going to Confession for the first time in years. Fr. Jeff discusses the impact that his family’s practice of the faith had on his vocation. (21:26): Fr. Drew and Fr. Craig highlight the impact of Confession, God’s mercy, and college life on vocations. Fr. Jeff talks about his experience as a seminarian: “There really was a lot of joy…we had a lot of fun together.” He shares that a challenge he faced prior to entering seminary was a fear of preaching. He told God, “You're going to have to take care of this somehow,” and his trust was rewarded.  (34:39): Fr. Drew asks Fr. Day about the impact of the Eucharist on his vocation. Fr. Day says, “That has always been part of my identity as a Catholic.” He shares that praying in front of the Eucharist as a priest “is what sustains me in my own daily prayer life” and that “over the years in my own celebration of the Eucharist, I've been drawn to bring a lot more reverence and attentiveness to what I'm doing.” He affirms, “I think vocations really come from the Holy Eucharist.” Fr. Day discusses the experiences of becoming a pastor and participating in a priestly fraternity.  (48:32): Advice to a discerning man: Fr. Jeff encourages monthly confession, frequent Mass attendance, and consistent prayer. He also advises involving the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph in discernment: Our Lady “teaches us how to say ‘yes,’” and St. Joseph “wants to help men today be men.” Fr. Jeff concludes the episode with a prayer.

    55 min
  8. Fr. Adam Nowak

    03/04/2024

    Fr. Adam Nowak

    “It's been a crazy, beautiful, amazing adventure, and amidst the difficulties or the uncertainties, it's always absolutely been worth it every day.” Fr. Adam Nowak joins Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to share his vocation story. Although he initially resisted his vocation, Fr. Adam eventually became certain that God was calling him to become a priest.  (0:02) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew introduce this episode’s guest, Fr. Adam Nowak. Fr. Adam describes his upcoming assignment at St. Anne Parish in Warren, Fr. Drew highlights his recent pastoral work, and Fr. Craig mentions a recent discernment weekend at Sacred Heart Seminary. (9:20) Vocation story: Fr. Adam grew up Catholic, but “the faith wasn't very overtly practiced” in his home. In high school, he started attending a youth group with his girlfriend and soon “fell in love with God and His Church.” Fr. Adam entered college intending to become a psychologist. He felt a call to the priesthood during his freshman year but ignored it for a time. Eventually, he realized, “When I thought about the future, and I thought about being a psychologist, I still felt empty. When I thought about the priesthood…there was nonstop excitement, there was joy, there was fulfillment.” Fr. Adam attended a discernment weekend, felt “100% sure” of his vocation, and applied to the seminary. (22:18) Just before entering seminary, Fr. Adam made a pilgrimage on the Camino. That experience taught him, “I can't do this, but God can do this in me and through me and with me…I can't be a priest except with and in and through Jesus, who gives me the strength and the grace to do so.” The priests discuss the support that Fr. Adam received from his parents, his call to the priesthood, and how he ended his relationship with the woman he was dating as he “became more confident in accepting that call.”  (32:18) Fr. Adam shares that “being a priest was nothing like I had ever anticipated nor expected…Nothing can actually prepare you for entering into the messiness of the lives of people.” He explains, “The priesthood is difficult. It's joyful, it's beautiful, but it's not easy. But at the same time, God gives the grace necessary for it.” Fr. Craig affirms that “prayer is key.” Fr. Adam describes his various assignments and explains that he is currently completing two business degrees. He desires to use his administrative gifts to serve St. Anne Parish. (44:30) Fr. Adam advises men who are struggling to answer the call to the priesthood: “What's key is taking time to pray and listen, to really listen to the desires of your heart.” He suggests Ignatian discernment and shares that when he struggled with his own call, “my prayer changed from ‘Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?’ to ‘Lord, give me the strength to accept what you're calling me to do with my life.’” He affirms that priesthood has “been a crazy, beautiful, amazing adventure, and amidst the difficulties or the uncertainties, it's always absolutely been worth it. Every day.” Fr. Adam closes the episode in prayer.

    49 min
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À propos

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. Drew Mabee, 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.

Informations

  • Création
    Detroit Priestly Vocations
  • Années d’activité
    2021 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    43
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Archdiocese of Detroit
  • Site web de l’émission
    Men of the Hearts

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