Fr. Patrick Gilbreath, Vocations Director of the Archdiocese of Mobile, answers questions about his call to priesthood, the demands of celibacy, loneliness in priesthood, community, working with seminarians, building a culture open to hearing God, the effects of materialism on vocations, and how husbands and fathers can encourage vocations and not hinder them.

00:00 Introduction
04:52 Was there a "moment" God called you to the priesthood? What was that like? Did you ever thing about leaving?
20:07 What is the most difficult part about being a priest? Loneliness? Bitterness?
25:26 In 2026, it seems pretty difficult to ask guys to be celibate. How do you deal with that with your seminarians?
39:22 The most important thing fathers can do to encourage vocations in their children?
48:04 How do you deal with the stigma that only "weird" guys become priests?
54:40 Vocation "crisis" and the effects of materialism on vocations
01:04:17 Does God pre-ordain your vocation?
01:07:38 Conclusion

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Catholic husbands are called to embody sacrifice their marriage.

As husbands, we are called to love our wives as Christ loved the church, an idea that is beautifully illustrated in the story of Genesis 22, where Abraham is asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, also known as the binding of Isaac. 

In this episode of the Saints in the Parish podcast, Donald Paul explores the concept of sacrifice in marriage and how Catholic men can begin to embrace that role in their own lives. Through his own example and the example of the readings he and his wife chose for their wedding, we uncover what Christ calls Catholic couples to embrace today.

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In this week's episode, Fr. Steve Williams hosts Michael Bradford, a graduate student at Auburn University and former seminarian, on Saints in the Parish podcast. 

Michael, a former seminarian, discusses St. Faustina's Diary, its relevance for young people today, and the state of Catholic youth in America. This episode offers a glimpse into the Diary of Saint Faustina.

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Did Catholics add 7 book or did Protestants delete 7?

In this video, Donald Paul goes through the history of the Sacred Scriptures and uncovers the history of how the Bible was formed from the Jewish Hebrew Scriptures. He goes through Church history and explains the formation of the Septuagint, the use of the Scriptures in the New Testament, the Liturgical use of the Bible in the early Church liturgy, and the canonization of Scripture by the early Church.

If you are Protestant, should you ditch your Bible and buy a Catholic Bible? Watch to find out!

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"Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?" It's the question you will always get asked.

Many Catholics might be concerned if they can't answer that. However, in the Church, an individuals personal relationship is less important than their communal relationship with Jesus in the Body of Christ.

In this episode, Donald Paul and Fr. Steve discuss this uncomfortable Catholic difference.

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In today's episode, Donald Paul interviews Fr. Steve who is celebrating his 35th anniversary of Priestly Ordination this years. Fr. Steve reflects on 35 years as a priest, how his priesthood has changed, how parish life has changed, and how Catholics relationship to the Mass has changed.

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The Liturgical calendar orders the Church's celebrations. It unfolds the mysteries of Christ's life throughout the year. Without the liturgical seasons, we would be left guessing throughout the year. Unfortunately, most Protestant denominations have abandoned the traditional liturgical calendar.

In this episode, Donald Paul takes you on a deep dive through the calendar and explains the 6 Liturgical seasons and why the seasons are important for your faith.

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This week, we celebrate Christmas. During this celebration, it is important to remember that this is a historical event. In this episode, Donald Paul and Fr. Steve discuss why it is so important that Jesus actually became man in history and how that affects your faith.

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Prayer is a conversation with God. Prayer is necessary in our lives. Many people find it difficult to pray with their busy lives. In this episode, Fr. Steve and Donald Paul discuss prayer, why it is important, the example of St. Mother Teresa, and the importance of daily prayer even when you are busy.

They also give some practical prayer tips for incorporating daily prayer in your life.

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In this episode, Donald Paul discusses the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. He goes into detail and explains how the Immaculate Conception is rooted in the Old Testament images of the Ark, why God preserved Mary as the perfect vessel, and how the dogma of the Immaculate Conception is about Christ just as much as it is about Mary.

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