Posts In Category
Vocations
Over 400 men in U.S. to be ordained in 2025; most felt called to priesthood by age 16
By Tessa Gervasini Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 17, 2025 / 14:03 pm More than 400 men will be ordained to the priesthood in the U.S. this year, and on average they began to consider becoming a priest at just 16 years old, according to an annual CARA survey. The Center for Applied …
Initiative aims to boost Catholic priest vocations by shifting narrative on the priesthood
By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 16, 2025 / 07:00 am A new initiative is trying to shift the narrative on the Catholic priesthood by shining light on stories of heroic virtue, courage, and selfless acts from modern-day priests and bishops in an effort to strengthen the appeal of …
Meet your New Deacons in the Archdiocese
The diaconate is a distinct ministry in the Church, with two forms: transitional and permanent. Transitional deacons are seminarians preparing for the priesthood, serving in this role before priestly ordination. Permanent deacons will remain deacons for life. Many are married and have careers, balancing their ministry with family and professional …
Pope Francis: ‘Every vocation is animated by hope’
By AC Wimmer CNA Newsroom, Mar 19, 2025 / 09:25 am Writing from Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis emphasized the role of hope in vocational discernment in his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations released by the Vatican on Wednesday. “Vocation is a precious gift that God sows …
The California nuns who raise dogs, make cheese, and pray always
By Kate Quiñones CNA Staff, Mar 10, 2025 / 06:00 am Tucked away in the Tehachapi Mountains of California, a group of cloistered nuns is chasing puppies, making artisanal cheeses, and praying the Liturgy of the Hours — all part of reviving a 900-year-old religious order. With roots going back to …
US Diocese of Columbus sees number of seminarians double
By Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik & Wojciech Rogacin At his episcopal ordination in May 2022, Bishop Earl Fernandes quipped that there were more bishops being ordained that year than priests in the Diocese of Columbus. The congregation laughed, but Bishop Fernandes’ remark reflected the gravity of the situation. “At that time …
Not Here by Accident At 100, Deacon Mike Ascolese has wisdom & service to share
At 100 years old, and after 46 years as a permanent deacon, Mike Ascolese still shares his wisdom and faith with all who meet him. As he rested on a bench in Eden Park when in his later 90s, Deacon Ascolese took in the Ohio River view while his now …
This small diocese is leading the country in vocations to the priesthood
By Jonah McKeown CNA Staff, Feb 12, 2025 / 15:30 pm The small Midwestern diocese of Wichita, Kansas, continues to lead the nation in many metrics related to priestly vocations, according to a new report from Vocation Ministry, a Texas nonprofit that supports vocations programs in parishes and schools. The report, which serves as …
Andrew Dinners
You’re Invited to The Annual Andrew Dinners! Join Archbishop Schnurr for an evening of food, fellowship and exploration of God’s call. The Andrew Dinners offer high school- and college-aged men a chance to share a meal with the archbishop while learning about discernment, seminary life and the priesthood. These events …
Obituary: Reverend James J. Walsh
Reverend James J. Walsh, a beloved figure in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and St. Dominic Parish, passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on December 11, 1941, in Cincinnati Ohio, Fr. Jim dedicated his life to serving the Church and his community with unwavering commitment …
