Growing A Culture of Discernment
This past December, the Diocese of Gaylord invited parishioners to submit the names of young men ages 15+ who exhibit faith, leadership, a heart for service and may be open to a priestly call through the Called By Name campaign. The response was extraordinary: 373 names, representing 265 unique individuals, were submitted from across our 21 counties.
Nominees receive encouragement from Bishop Walsh, resources from the Vocations Office and invitations to discernment events.
One of the first events nominees were invited to a BBQ with Bishop Walsh on Feb. 7 at the Pastoral Center. The event included lawn games, great food and testimonies from our Vocations Team, helping these men begin to reflect on what God may be asking of them.
Parishes have been provided with the names of those submitted from their own communities so they can continue to accompany and encourage these young men in their discernment. And while the online portal has now closed, additional names can still be submitted directly to the Vocations Office at vocations@DioceseofGaylord.org.
The diocese plans to hold Called By Name every 18–24 months as part of an ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of listening and vocational awareness across our parishes.
Upcoming Vocation Events for Men
The coming year offers several opportunities for young men to explore God’s call more deeply. These events are designed for prayer, fraternity and real conversations with priests and seminarians.
Go to Bat for Vocations
May 24, 2026 • 3–6 p.m. •
Pit Spitters Stadium,
Traverse City
Clergy & Religious vs. Students — Open to all
Vocations Summer BBQ
June 28, 2026 • Ages 16+ • Ken’s lake house in Traverse City
Quo Vadis Retreat
July 7–10, 2026 • High School Students • RAM Center, Roscommon
These gatherings help young men encounter the Church’s joy while learning how priests live, pray and discern their own vocations.
Discernment Opportunities for Women
Young women across the diocese are invited to explore the beauty of religious life and the many ways women serve Christ and His Church.
May 24, 2026 • 3–6 p.m. • Pit Spitters Stadium, Traverse City
Clergy & Religious vs. Students — Open to all
You Are Not Alone in Discernment
If you’re a young man wondering whether God may be calling you to the priesthood, you don’t have to figure that out on your own. The Diocese of Gaylord offers six‑week discernment groups where men meet with a priest to pray, talk openly and learn how to listen for God’s voice. These small groups are simple, supportive and designed to help you grow in clarity without pressure or expectations.
Each priest on our Vocations Team walks personally with the men in these groups, sharing their own experiences of discernment and offering guidance along the way. Whether you’re actively considering the priesthood or simply curious, these conversations can help you understand what God may be asking of you.
If you’re not ready for a group, our Vocation Team is always happy to meet one‑on‑one, answer questions about seminary or priestly life, or just help you take the next step in prayer.
To learn more or start the conversation, visit gaylordvocations.org or contact any member of our Vocations Team: Father Matthew Wigton, Father Don Geyman, Father James Bearss, Father Christopher Jarvis, Father Mitchel Roman and Father Matthew Cowan
They’re here to walk with you as you seek God’s plan for your life.
Inspiring the Next Generation
During Catholic Schools Week, 10 of our diocesan Catholic schools joined together for a special 45‑minute Zoom call with four of the Diocese of Gaylord’s seminarians. Students submitted questions in advance—everything from “What is seminary like?” to “When did you first feel God might be calling you?” to “Who is your favorite saint?”
The seminarians shared stories about their daily life, their studies, their hobbies and how they first sensed God inviting them to consider the priesthood. Their openness helped students see that seminarians are ordinary young men who have chosen an extraordinary path of listening to the Lord.
The virtual visit offered our students a joyful glimpse into the life of discernment and reminded them that God continues to call people from every corner of our diocese.
