Men of the Hearts Detroit Priestly Vocations

“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. 

“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.

“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.

“Jesus is my rock. And he’s the source of that joy.” Join Fr. Jim Houbeck, Associate Pastor of Resurrection Parish, as he shares his vocation story. Although he had previously dismissed the idea of becoming a priest, a clear vocational call amid a crisis led Fr. Jim to follow God into the seminary. 
(0:03) Fr. Craig welcomes this episode’s guest, Fr. Jim Houbeck. Fr. Drew thanks listeners who have shared positive feedback about Men of the Hearts. The priests share recent blessings: Fr. Jim talks about offering the Lenten Lamentations devotion at Resurrection Parish, Fr. Drew describes his recent ministry experiences and Fr. Craig highlights the well-attended Evening Prayer and Dinner with the Archbishop event. 
(13:57) Fr. Jim is invited to share his vocation story. As a child, he experienced several different desires about what he wanted to do when he grew up. In high school, Fr. Jim attended a discernment weekend at Sacred Heart Seminary. However, he “felt like a fish out of water” and left the weekend early. He studied elementary education in college and eventually had “a big crisis” about his future career. He relates, “Amid that chaos, there was a voice as clear as day. And that voice said, ‘What about the priesthood?’” Fr. Jim quickly decided to withdraw from college and apply to seminary.
(29:24) Fr. Craig, Fr. Drew, and Fr. Jim discuss thoughts about dating, priestly discernment, and responding to God’s call. Fr. Drew advises, “If Jesus is calling and you think you have a call, then go test it,” and “If for some reason you find out that's not the call, then you can freely go into the world and begin to take up the vocation of marriage.” 
(38:10) One summer, Fr. Jim lived at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in North Branch. Over that summer, he grew close to a local family who became his “spiritual family.” He says, “What God showed me is that though I'm not called to be a dad or a husband, He will provide.” 
(42:55) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Jim what his prayer life was like when he decided to pursue the priesthood. Fr. Jim explains, “My understanding of being Catholic was I go to church on Sundays, I pray before I go to bed, I pray before meals, and that's it.” Fr. Drew says, “I don't think we're saying that you shouldn't have a life of prayer. By all means. But it's just to say that God is big enough and powerful enough that we have to be open to the reality that even if you're not quite doing all the things you ought to be doing, He can still show up and put something on your heart.” 
(57:50) Fr. Craig asks Fr. Jim to advise a man considering the priesthood. Fr. Jim shares the words of a monsignor who influenced his vocation: “I am a happy priest.” He affirms, “No matter what I'm enduring or going through, Jesus is my rock. And He's the source of that joy.” Fr. Jim closes the episode in prayer. 

“I knew I would be happy. I knew I could find joy in giving of myself in love within the ministry. And that wouldn't be enough…that would be more than enough.” Our hosts welcome Fr. Robert Slaton to share his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Fr. Robert stopped practicing his Catholic faith as a young man, but through God’s providential care, he gradually found his way back and became a priest. 
(0:03) Fr. Craig introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Robert Slaton. Fr. Craig, Fr. Robert, and Fr. Drew share recent blessings in their lives. Fr. Robert says, “My ministry, in the last few months, has become more and more challenging. But I think one of the things I would say is just watching consistently how God always seems to provide what you need when you need it, as long as you keep consistently coming back to him with your brokenness.” Fr. Drew shares about his experiences offering Mass for the homebound and those in nursing homes, and Fr. Craig and Fr. Robert discuss how they have experienced fraternity with their brother priests.
(15:06) Fr. Robert notes that his vocational call “happened well over a 10-year period.” Raised by a Southern Baptist father and a Catholic mother, Fr. Robert went to Catholic Mass but simultaneously attended a nondenominational Christian school. The idea of the priesthood occurred to him around the age of 10 while he served as an altar boy. However, he stopped altar serving in high school and eventually ceased attending Mass. 
(34:19) While working as a night-shift recording engineer, Fr. Robert had a dream about dying, which led to an “existential crisis.” He began asking questions about God and morality. Through a providential encounter, Fr. Robert had opportunities to speak to a Catholic man, who pointed him to books by Fr. John H****n, S.J. Fr. Robert returned to the practice of the faith, which he describes as a “growth process.” He quit his recording job and began working as a short-order cook.
(50:52) Fr. Robert “kept studying the faith” and attended a retreat where “the idea just kind of popped in my head, could I be a priest?” He dismissed the idea due to a desire for marriage, family, and business. However, he “started getting fascinated with priests.” Fr. Robert began teaching CCD at a parish and was invited to take classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. While there, he discovered that seminarians “were real people.” 
(56:04) At the invitation of a seminarian, Fr. Robert attended a discernment weekend. Shortly after, he realized, “If I didn't at least give God a year to think about it and really put myself in the environment, I could very easily see that I was gonna be an old man wondering…if I never did what God wanted me to do.” He applied and was accepted to the seminary. While there, he wondered if he could be happy without a family and prayed to God, “You need to show me that this is going to be joyful.” When a deacon asked him, “Are you able to say that you want to be a celibate?” Fr. Robert said, “Yes.” He then realized, “I knew I would be happy. I knew I could find joy in giving of myself in love within the ministry. And that wouldn't be enough…that would be more than enough.” 
(1:04:49) Fr. Craig mentions that it is common for discerning men to wonder, “Am I gonna be happy?” but says that if they are called to the priesthood, they will “have some desire” for it. Fr. Robert affirms, “If there's a calling, it's not gonna be repugnant.” Fr. Robert gives the advice: “I think the most authentic prayer you can say when searching for your vocation is, ‘Lord, I know you want me to love. How?’” He adds, “God is not going ask you to do something that will make you perpetually miserable…there will be a deep-seated joy in doing what God is calling you to.” Fr. Robert closes the episode in prayer.

“Don't be afraid to make a mistake. And sometimes you need to make a choice without having all the data or all the evidence.” Fr. David Cybulski joins Fr. Craig on Men of the Hearts to share his vocation story. After obtaining a master’s degree, working in Arizona, and unsuccessfully applying to seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix, Fr. David moved home to Detroit and entered seminary at the age of 31.
(0:04) Fr. Craig welcomes listeners to this month’s episode and introduces Fr. David Cybulski. The priests reminisce about their seminary days and discuss homily prep, singing at Mass, and their Christmas experiences. 
(12:59) Fr. David begins to share his vocation story. He explains that he was raised Catholic, attended Catholic school, and became an altar boy in fourth grade. Although a priest told Fr. David, “You're gonna be a priest one day,” he did not really consider priesthood at the time and stopped altar serving while in high school. While studying engineering at the University of Michigan, Fr. David continued to practice his faith due to the influence of his family. 
(28:43) After obtaining his master’s degree, Fr. David moved to Arizona and worked at a company called Intel. He recalls, “I thought I had it made.” As Fr. David’s church lacked other young parishioners, he joined the group College Youth for Catholic Truth and learned more about his faith. Fr. David became a weekly adorer at a new perpetual Adoration chapel after his pastor said, “If you really believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, can't you spend one hour a week with Him?”
(36:39) After seeing a friend apply to seminary, Fr. David found that “I've got this tug all of a sudden that's coming back.” He heard the CEO of his company say, “Never be afraid of being wrong,” and realized, “I have to pursue this.” Fr. David applied to seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix, but the right doors did not open for him to enter. He moved back to Detroit and entered seminary at the age of 31. 
(52:34) Advice to a discerning man: Fr. David reiterates his former CEO’s statements, “Don't be afraid to make a mistake. And sometimes you need to make a choice without having all the data or all the evidence.” He adds, “And I've always advocated for if a guy has an inkling coming outta high school, he should go right in… those years won't be wasted. They're probably the best formation you can actually have.” Fr. David closes the episode in prayer.