The Lord said, “Fine. You keep on shutting the door. I'm just going to take the hinges off the door and take the door away.” Fr. Rich Dorsch joins Fr. Craig Giera to share his vocation story, with cohost Fr. Drew Mabee absent from the podcast this month. Fr. Rich reflects on his path from altar serving as a child to hearing and accepting God’s call to the priesthood. He and Fr. Craig also discuss the importance of prayer, community, and perseverance in discernment, and how even health challenges can become encounters with God’s mercy.

(0:25) Fr. Craig welcomes Fr. Rich Dorsch of St. Hugo of the Hills Parish. Fr. Rich shares early lessons from ministry, including learning to see challenges as opportunities, and moments during Mass and confession when he feels overwhelmed by God’s love for His people.

(3:17) The priests reflect on how wearing the Roman collar often draws strangers to conversation, even when they are running personal errands. Fr. Rich describes how these moments remind him of community and the presence of faith even in ordinary settings like grocery stores and gas stations.

(5:56) Fr. Craig shares about a recent discernment gathering, emphasizing how men often begin to hear God’s call in their mid-20s. Both priests encourage listeners not to fear that they are “too old” to discern and to trust that God works through every season of life.

(8:40) Fr. Rich remembers a difficult and overwhelming first time altar serving, an experience that almost made him quit. Later, he gets involved in campus ministry at Grand Valley State University.

(15:36) As Fr. Rich’s faith grows, friends, family, and even his girlfriend suggest the priesthood. Though resistant, he begins to recognize that his deepest joy comes from serving in the Church. After college, Fr. Rich works in hospital emergency transport and later joins his family’s dental insurance company. 

(26:13) A young man recognizes Fr. Rich from a hospital interaction that helped bring his family back to faith. Fr. Rich says that after years of him firmly closing the door to the priesthood, it was like the Lord had removed the hinges and taken the door away, awakening in Fr. Rich the certainty of his vocation.

(31:28) Fr. Rich begins taking evening theology classes and attending daily Mass before finally enrolling in Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The priests discuss some of the challenges of adapting to seminary structure and community life, and Fr. Rich admits he nearly left twice before learning to go all in on his discernment.

(50:09) Fr. Rich recalls how some health challenges and dietary restrictions became unexpected avenues of grace and early ministry. His time in the hospital also deepened his compassion for those who suffer and helped him unite his priesthood with Christ’s own suffering on the Cross. He then offers some advice to young men discerning the priesthood and closes the episode with a prayer.

“It's in the midst of all the struggle that the Lord really draws us ever closer to His Most Sacred Heart.” Fr. Bryan Shackett joins Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to share his vocation story. Fr. Bryan reflects on his journey from resisting the priesthood to embracing God’s call, the importance of prayer and confession in his discernment, and how teaching church history has deepened his faith. Along the way, the priests swap stories about parish life, discuss American Catholic history, and even dive into Tolkien’s wisdom on faith and perseverance.

(0:24) The episode opens with lighthearted banter over energy drinks and the “cross” of small inconveniences. Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew welcome Fr. Bryan to the podcast studio. He shares how he balances parish responsibilities with teaching at Sacred Heart Seminary and later touches on his love of history and J. R. R. Tolkien.

(2:12) Fr. Bryan explains the courses he teaches, including U.S. Church history and the age of iconoclasm. The priests reflect on the importance of art and beauty as a window into the divine, safeguarding the truth that God became man. This sparks a discussion on how religious imagery serves as catechesis for the faithful.

(5:38) The conversation turns to the anti-Catholic laws in the colonies and how difficult it was for priests to minister. Figures like Archbishop John Carroll and Fr. Gabriel Richard are highlighted as courageous leaders who built the foundation of the Church in America.

 (11:51) Fr. Bryan says that the study of history is important because God “broke into history” to bring about our salvation. Thus, learning Church history helps Catholics understand their family story and see God’s hand at work.

(12:38) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew share humorous ministry moments, including “incensing through the plants” and Fr. Craig’s beard-themed homily.

 (15:57) Fr. Bryan segues to his vocation story, recounting how, as a college student, he initially resisted suggestions that he might be called to the priesthood. A discernment weekend at the seminary, prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and gentle encouragement from his pastor began to open his heart. He describes experiencing God’s love in a powerful way, even when he was reluctant to accept it.

(26:54) Through confession, adoration, and spiritual direction, Fr. Bryan slowly broke down the obstacles he had placed before God. He recalls the pivotal experience of World Youth Day in Sydney, where his call to the priesthood was confirmed in a profound way. Mary’s intercession and the support of faithful mentors helped him find peace in saying “yes.”

(56:26) Fr. Bryan offers his advice to men discerning the priesthood and offers a brief reflection on the life and writings of J. R. R. Tolkien. Then, he closes the episode with a prayer of thanksgiving.

“Just be open to the Lord’s will.” Fr. Patrick Bruen joins Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to share his second vocation story. Following a 40-plus-year marriage, the death of his wife, repeated encounters with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and lots of prayer led to hearing God’s call to the priesthood. In this episode of Men of the Hearts, Fr. Bruen talks about the challenges and blessings of the vocations of marriage and the priesthood and of the experiences of his first few months as a priest.

0:25: Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew welcome this month’s guest, Fr. Patrick Bruen, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit who was ordained in June of this year and serves at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth. The three share how they’ve spent the summer. Fr. Craig, who became Vocations Director in 2020, mentions that Fr. Pat is the first man he has guided all the way through the discernment process—from entrance to ordination.

3:26: Fr. Craig asks Fr. Pat to reflect on his recent ordination and the first few months of his priesthood. Fr. Pat shares how he’s somewhat surprised by how much he loves celebrating Mass and that the most fulfilling part of his ministry is hearing confessions.

12:23: Fr. Pat tells his vocation stories: first as a husband and father and, following the death of his wife, his call to the priesthood. He shares how, from the time his wife went into hospice care, he kept encountering the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These encounters continued, eventually leading to his decision to enter the seminary.

17:49: Fr. Pat talks a little about the role his parents had in shaping his faith, particularly his father, who was a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

22:25: Fr. Craig and Fr. Pat discuss the ebb and flow of vocational discernment.

25:09: Fr. Pat, Fr. Craig, and Fr. Drew talk about the difference between pursuing what we think will make us happy versus pursuing what God wants for us.

38:56: Fr. Craig and Fr. Pat talk about the conversations they had early in Fr. Pat’s discernment of the priesthood and, particularly, the differences in discernment for a man in his mid-fifties versus a young man in his late teens or early twenties.

 44:07: Fr. Pat talks about his time at St. John XXII Seminary in Boston, a seminary specifically for older men studying for the priesthood.

46:34: Fr. Craig asks Fr. Pat how his family—especially his children—have reacted to his discernment, time in seminary, and ordination.

51:32: Fr. Pat shares a powerful experience he had during a Holy Hour a short time before he was ordained.

59:25: Fr. Pat closes the episode with a blessing.

“Don't be afraid of your heart—God's working there.” Fr. Colin Fricke joins Men of the Hearts podcast hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to share how he discerned his call to the priesthood through the grace of the sacraments, unexpected encouragement from the Archbishop of Detroit, and appreciating the joys of everyday life. He reflects on how these blessings and more helped him grow in confidence and freedom, ultimately leading him to say “yes” to God’s call.

(0:25) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew kick off the episode with a joyful welcome to Fr. Colin Fricke, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit who serves at St. Anastasia. The trio swaps stories about recent summer activities, including fireworks, parish life, and addressing the ongoing need for vocations in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

(1:24)  Fr. Colin shares how he celebrated the 4th of July with his family in Grand Rapids, where he enjoyed fireworks, sparklers, and wiffle ball with his nieces and nephews. He talks about the blessing of spending time with loved ones and witnessing their joy. He then talks about the joy he finds in playing volleyball, which leads to a discussion about how simple passions like sports can become powerful tools for evangelization.

(8:34) Fr. Colin begins his vocation story by recalling the moment he watched a priest elevate the Eucharist at Mass and thought to himself, “I want the big Eucharist.” At the time, he didn’t fully understand what that meant, but looking back, he recognizes it as one of the first seeds of his vocation to the priesthood. He then talks about growing up in Grosse Pointe, attending Mass regularly, and being inspired at his Confirmation to start reading the Bible. 

(16:00) Fr. Colin describes himself in high school as reserved and uncertain about his identity. In college, he began going to confession more regularly and discovered healing through that sacrament. While studying at Siena Heights University to become a teacher, Fr. Colin became involved in campus ministry, where others would occasionally suggest that he consider the priesthood. One day, while walking up the stairs to his dorm, he interiorly heard, “You should be a priest,” a moment that reignited the call he had sensed as a child.

(22:00) After college, Fr. Colin began teaching in Catholic schools. He reflects on how the experience gave him a front-row seat to the joy of children, a gift that helped him understand how God sees us and invites us to be ourselves. As he continued teaching, Fr. Colin began reading St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, where he learned about authentic love, the beauty of the human person, and the gift of masculinity in service to others.

(34:00) Fr. Colin started spending more time in Eucharistic adoration, especially at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, where he encountered a faithful group of praying mothers who encouraged him. He also received encouragement from an unexpected source: The Archbishop of Detroit, after visiting Fr. Colin’s school, sent the young man a personal letter encouraging him to consider the priesthood.

(38:30) Father Colin entered seminary in 2014, joining a class of men that included many of his friends today. Seminary was both a confirmation of his call and a time of deep personal growth. He learned to be more emotionally honest, to recognize and process his anger, and to live with greater freedom. He offers his advice to young men discerning and closes the episode with prayer.

“Stop trying to figure it all out and trust… Just take that courageous step to not be afraid and see what’s on the other side of your yes.” Fr. Mark Livingston joins Men of the Hearts podcast hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to talk about his unique vocation story. Raised Catholic but distant from the faith for much of his young adult life, Fr. Mark’s journey to the priesthood was sparked by a 30-day prayer commitment and included a life-changing pilgrimage to Medjugorje, quiet hours in adoration, and encouragement from his pastor.

(0:02) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee welcome listeners and introduce their guest, Fr. Mark Livingston. Fr. Mark begins the episode discussing the unique beauty and history of his parish buildings, built with stones collected by farming families. He reflects on the culture of small-town ministry, from parish festivals and county fairs to kids showing off their lambs and pigs.

(11:50) Fr. Mark looks back on his life growing up Catholic in Detroit, before the divorce of his parents in his teen years led him to drift from the Church. Despite academic and professional success, he felt spiritually empty and far from God. He made a 30-day prayer commitment with a glow-in-the-dark rosary and experienced a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit that sparked his return to the Church.

(17:00) While on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Fr. Mark had a dream that led to a profound experience of healing while praying the Stations of the Cross.

(27:45) Jesus in the Eucharist became a place of refuge, healing, and growing intimacy for Fr. Mark. His pastor at the time, Fr. Bob McCabe, had “a huge, huge influence” on his discernment for the future, opening his eyes to the possibility of a later vocation to the priesthood. He spent time discerning with various religious communities before realizing that he was being called to the diocesan priesthood. 

(36:15) Fr. Mark reflects on two serious relationships from young adulthood, including one that lasted nearly eight years. He talks about the challenge of ending those relationships when he sensed that God was calling him to a different vocation.

(44:20) Fr. Mark shares about his time at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, touching on some of the challenges he faced being older than many men who pursue the priesthood. He advises those entering seminary to do so with a humble heart, willing to be stretched and shaped by God.

(49:15) The episode concludes with reflections on healing, formation, and the need to bring one's whole self before Jesus in discernment. Fr. Mark encourages listeners—especially older men—to trust that God can use every part of their story to build something beautiful. He then closes the episode with a prayer.

“If I had a thousand lives to live, I’d want to live every one of them as a priest.” Detroit's new Archbishop Edward Weisenburger visits the podcast studio to share his vocation story with Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee, hosts of the Men of the Hearts podcast. Recording on the historic day of Pope Leo XIV’s election, Archbishop Weisenburger reflects on where he was when he heard the news, his past encounters with Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, and his anticipation of receiving the pallium in Rome. He discusses his early call to the priesthood, formative seminary years, ministry across several dioceses, and his advice to young men discerning the priesthood.

(0:25) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce a very special guest for this episode, Detroit’s new Archbishop Edward Weisenburger. As the episode is being recorded on the day of Pope Leo XIV’s election, Archbishop Weisenburger begins by recounting where he was when he heard the joyful news of the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. 

(6:06) Archbishop Weisenburger looks back on some of the many ways Pope Francis made a difference in his life as a priest and bishop. He describes his ad limina visits to the Vatican as a bishop to meet with Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. He then looks ahead to his next trip to Rome this summer, when Pope Leo XIV will present him with his pallium—a blessed, thin white band of woolen fabric worn over his shoulders, a symbol of sheep being laid on the shoulders of the shepherd.

(16:02) Archbishop Weisenburger expresses his gratitude for the smooth onboarding process following his arrival in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He also touches on the importance of prayer in the life of a priest. The group briefly revisits where they were when they heard the announcement of Pope Leo XIV: Fr. Drew was driving to Sacred Heart Major Seminary and trying not to crash from excitement; Fr. Craig was crowded around a bakery television with other patrons, and Archbishop Weisenburger was stopped by joyous strangers while walking through the airport. 

(21:38) The group segues to Archbishop Weisenburger’s vocation story, which he calls “boring.” The seed was planted very, very early in his life, as he was always intrigued at Mass. He only attended Catholic school for one year, as a second-grader while his dad served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. However, the family was very involved in parish life. He remembers dressing as an altar server for the first time in third grade: “It just hit me. I felt more right in that moment than anything [else] I had done.” 

(28:54) Archbishop Weisenburger recalls that his life “kind of exploded” in seminary college. He was interested in tennis and racquetball, loved to read, and made friendships that still stand today. The academics were intense, which prepared him well for his subsequent theology studies at the American College of Louvain, a Roman Catholic seminary in Leuven, Belgium. At his first assignment as a priest, he remembers attending Anointing of the Sick calls late at night with his pastor. 

(38:59) Archbishop Weisenburger recalls visiting home midway through his studies in Belgium, a point at which he decided to go “full speed ahead” toward the priesthood. The group spends some time discussing his calls to become Bishop of Salina, Bishop of Tucson, and Archbishop of Detroit. Then, revisiting his time as a priest in Oklahoma City, Archbishop Weisenburger recalls ministering to the family of Blessed Stanley Rother.

(49:38) Archbishop says he is grateful for the twists and turns of his ministry, recalling a pastor who once told him “anything that can be learned in life can be used by God.” He remembers serving alongside religious sisters from Mexico in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. 

(55:24) Fr. Craig asks if Archbishop Weisenburger feels the prayers of so many people in the Archdiocese of Detroit and beyond. The Archbishop confirms that these prayers are why he’s “still standing.” Fr. Craig says those who pray, particularly the elderly, are “the powerhouse of the church.” Archbishop Weisenburger then shares his advice for young men discerning the priesthood, borrowing the words of a priest he knew in Oklahoma: “If I had a thousand lives to live, I’d want to live every one of them as a priest.” He then closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

“This call is unique, and beautiful, and special, and adventurous, and amazing for anyone who wants to take it on.” Fr. Jaime Hinojos visits the podcast studio to share his vocation story with Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee, hosts of the Men of the Hearts podcast. He reflects on his journey from childhood in Chihuahua, Mexico, to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Detroit. The conversation touches on cross-cultural ministry, the role of mentorship, and practical advice for those exploring the priesthood.

(0:26) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew welcome listeners and introduce their guest, Fr. Jaime Hinojos. They share Easter celebrations, reflect on the passing of Pope Francis, and remark on the richness of the Easter Vigil with newly baptized and confirmed members. Fr. Jaime expresses his admiration for Pope Francis and describes how the pope's pastoral love and simplicity left a deep mark on his soul.

(4:25) Fr. Jaime shares the inspiration behind his own podcast, “TheoScience,” which blends his love of theology and background in engineering. He discusses how faith and reason are complementary, not opposed. He notes that his podcast is mainly in Spanish but occasionally features English content as well.

(10:59) Fr. Jaime recounts how his spiritual journey began with a male prayer group in Chihuahua, Mexico. His prayer life intensified through music, Scripture, and personal reflection. He describes a mystical experience in which he heard the word sacredote, Spanish for priest, during deep prayer and saw himself vested in green — an early confirmation of his call.

(20:20) Fr. Jaime’s early discernment continued to develop through his participation in an all-night Eucharistic adoration group. A providential connection through a friend led him to Fr. Bob Wurm in Michigan, setting his journey to the U.S. priesthood in motion.

(28:26) Fr. Jaime credits a “pioneer spirit” with his decision to pursue the priesthood in the U.S. rather than Mexico. He remembers making little headway speaking with a religious order. He emphasizes the value of perseverance in discernment and shares the advice he received from spiritual mentors who encouraged him not to leave the seminary, even during hard times, unless asked to leave.

(33:48) Fr. Jaime recalls learning the importance of presence over agenda when ministering to the sick. All three priests discuss how growth comes through challenge and change, encouraging young men to remain faithful in their discernment journey through any setbacks or confusion.

(48:49) Fr. Jaime emphasizes the need to foster a culture of vocations in the Hispanic community and shares how he regularly encourages young men to consider the priesthood in joyful and lighthearted ways. He then describes the warmth and vibrancy of Hispanic Catholic culture — marked by food, family, and deep reverence for blessings.

(52:00) Fr. Jaime offers advice to men discerning: Pray before the Blessed Sacrament and don’t carry fear about failure. He shares how a priest once told him, “You don’t have to be a priest,” liberating him from anxiety and allowing him to freely embrace his calling. His parting message encourages discerners to be joyful, flexible, and faithful. He then closes the episode with a prayer.

"If it's a true call from God to become a priest, you're not gonna be able to shake it. He's gonna keep coming for you." Fr. David Kidd, Director of Diocesan Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Toledo, joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to talk about his journey to the priesthood. Looking back, he realizes God started preparing him for the priesthood when he was an altar server in childhood, but his path detoured through college, dating, and a deployment overseas before finally leading him to the doorstep of the Pontifical College Josephinum seminary in Columbus. He shares how five years studying in Rome opened his eyes to the universality and longevity of our faith and offers his advice to men discerning the call to priesthood in their own lives.

(0:27) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce their guest this month, Fr. David Kidd, Director of Diocesan Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Toledo. Fr. Drew kicks off the episode by sharing that his parish recently finished The Rescue Project with the community’s young adults, spending a few weeks in small groups “unpacking the Lordship of Jesus.” Fr. David then shares some recent blessings in his life. 

(10:52) Fr. Drew shares some recent events at his parish, including Lenten penance services, Alpha gatherings, and Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger’s installation as Archbishop of Detroit. Fr. Craig hosted a discernment weekend attended by men from the Archdiocese of Detroit as well as other nearby dioceses, while also working on an art project he plans to submit to Divine Child High School’s upcoming art show.

(16:45) Fr. Craig asks for Fr. David’s vocation story. Fr. David is the oldest of four children and grew up in Lima, Ohio. He reflects on his experience as an altar server, through which he says God began preparing him for the life of a priest. He first considered the priesthood in senior year of high school, after visiting the Pontifical College Josephinum seminary in Columbus. He became more serious about his discernment in college, shortly before being deployed to Kuwait with the National Guard. 

(27:49) While in Kuwait, Fr. David regularly attended Mass on base, where a chaplain sensed his possible vocation to the priesthood. While home on R&R, Fr. David finally met with the vocations director and submitted an application to seminary just two days before returning overseas. 

(37:56) After Fr. David received his Bachelor’s in Philosophy in Columbus, his bishop invited him to further his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. He recalls getting a strong sense of the universal Church sharing classes with students from all over the world. He also remembers being in awe visiting churches older than the United States: “People have been living and dying for this faith for a long time.” 

(50:05) While Fr. David never seriously doubted his vocation during his five years in Rome, he did struggle being away from family without regular visits for so long. This challenge helped him develop his relationship with God, trusting in Him and in His plan—leaning on God rather than on his own abilities. He then offers his advice to men discerning the priesthood: take small steps in your discernment, like developing good prayer habits, getting a spiritual director, visiting a seminary, going on retreat, reading spiritual books, and journaling. “All those little steps along the way bring clarity.”

(57:48) Fr. Craig thanks Fr. David for joining, and Fr. David closes the episode with a prayer.

“The priesthood is beautiful. Keep thinking about it. Keep praying about it. It’s worth it.” Fr. Pieter vanRooyen, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Ypsilanti and an assistant professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to talk about his journey to the priesthood. Having been raised in a nominally Catholic household, it wasn’t until he was in college at Michigan State University that Fr. Pieter first began thinking about the priesthood. He shares how his devout grandmother, a high school friend, and a campus Christian group influenced his growing faith and helped open his eyes to his priestly vocation.

(0:27) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce their guest this month, Fr. Pieter vanRooyen, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Ypsilanti and an assistant professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He shares some recent blessings, like participating in Exodus 90 with the men of his parish. Fr. Drew shares his own experiences with Exodus 90. Our hosts and their guest then talk about Fr. Pieter’s interest in motorcycles.

(8:53) Fr. Craig, who serves as Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, talks about a recent dinner and evening prayer with Archbishop Vigneron, attended by more than 200 young men discerning the priesthood. Fr. Drew pauses to express gratitude for Archbishop Vigneron’s years of ministry and slips in an invitation for Archbishop-designate Weisenburger to be a guest on the podcast after he’s installed as Archbishop of Detroit on March 18. 

(10:22) Fr. Pieter begins sharing his vocation story. He grew up in a nominally Catholic household—he was baptized and received First Communion and Reconciliation, but attended Mass mostly on holidays and was not confirmed as a young teen. When he was in high school, his family moved closer to his devoutly Catholic grandmother, who taught him about the faith and arranged for him to be confirmed. 

(18:37) Fr. Pieter talks about breaking up with a steady girlfriend and feeling “crushed” by the loss, but ultimately asking himself whether he had “made an idol” of the relationship. He explores the difference between preparing for marriage and casually dating. Even married couples should look to God, not their spouse, as their ultimate source of satisfaction.

(22:59) Fr. Pieter enrolled at Michigan State University in the fall of 2001 on a scholarship from the Air Force through ROTC. Within weeks of the semester starting, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks occurred and Fr. Pieter considered dropping out and enlisting. After some thought, he decided to stay in school. He began attending Mass periodically with a suitemate as well as a Bible study.  

(30:26) Fr. Pieter recalls spending spring break in Panama City, Florida to attend a Campus Crusade for Christ conference, during which students were sent out “two-by-two” to share the Gospel with beach-goers. One fruit of this trip was Fr. Pieter began praying every day: “Jesus, I give this day to you.” He also began to seek answers about his Catholic faith and returned to Reconciliation for the first time since second grade.

(42:12) During the summer before his sophomore year, Fr. Pieter lived with his grandmother in Chicago. It was during this time, while at Adoration with his grandmother, that he first asked God what he should do with his life. In response, the thought unexpectedly came into his head to be a priest. Fr. Pieter shares how he initially dismissed the thought but later told his grandmother, who helped connect him with a priest to explore the vocation.

(54:07) After a few years of discernment and living in accordance with Church teachings, Fr. Pieter graduated from MSU and entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary in 2004. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing six years later. The group spends some time talking about how a person’s conversion can come dramatically and suddenly, like the conversation of St. Paul, or more gradually, like a sunrise. 

(59:21) Fr. Pieter shares what a young man can expect from the academic, spiritual, and recreational life at Sacred Heart. He also shares his advice to young men considering the priesthood. The episode closes with a prayer.

“Take the next step, whatever that might be.” Fr. Mario Amore joins Men of the Hearts hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee to talk about his journey to the priesthood. His path was full of twists and turns, with stops in altar service and music ministry. After applying to Sacred Heart Major Seminary and subsequently delaying enrollment for two years, Fr. Mario finally took “the next step” to answer God's call. 

(0:26) Hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. Drew Mabee introduce their guest this month, Father Mario Amore, Director of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Detroit who also serves as a priest in solidum for the Resurget Cineribus Family of Parishes, which includes St. Aloysius, Old St. Mary’s, and the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Amore reflects on his last few months, including Christmas and the annual SEEK conference.  

(6:55) Fr. Mario is no stranger to podcasts, having previously hosted the Archdiocese of Detroit’s I AM HERE podcast in support of the National Eucharistic Revival. Our hosts join Fr. Mario in a discussion about some of the beautiful stories shared through that effort. Fr. Mario also shares his experience hosting the Certifiably Catholic podcast alongside Mary Wilkerson and Mike Chamberland, current hosts of Archbishop Vigneron’s Eyes on Jesus podcast.

(12:25) Fr. Drew and Fr. Craig reflect on their last few months. Fr. Drew has been “learning the lay of the land” at his assignment in Novi and recently had dinner with his brother and a longtime friend. Meanwhile, Fr. Craig has been encouraged by increasing attendance at Sacred Heart Major Seminary’s recent Discernment Weekends. The group also talks about the significance of altar serving to encourage vocations to the priesthood.

(20:12) Fr. Mario shares his vocation story. He attended Catholic school as a child and attended Mass every Saturday evening with his family, “doing whatever I had to do to embarrass [my parents].” Still, he remembers his maternal grandfather predicting that he would become a priest one day. He started serving the parish as an altar server before taking a detour into music ministry as a teenager. Ultimately, his interest in theology led him to explore taking classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, which he calls his “first foot in the door” of discerning the priesthood. 

(33:11) Fr. Mario recalls attending a discernment weekend at Sacred Heart. He was already familiar with the academic experience of the seminary, having taken classes since high school, but his discernment weekend affirmed for him that he could find joy in the brotherhood and community of Sacred Heart. After working in a parish for two more years, Fr. Mario finally decided to apply to become a seminarian—but waited and discerned another two years before officially entering the seminary.

(44:53) Fr. Mario talks about his time as a seminarian at Sacred Heart, his ordination in 2015, and celebrating his first Mass at St. Pius X in Southgate on the anniversary of his baptism at the same church. He also touches on what it’s like to serve both as a parish priest and Detroit as Director of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He then offers his advice to men considering the priesthood: “Take the next step, whatever that might be.” The episode concludes with a prayer and blessing.