Exploring Priesthood Discernment Meetings
Discernment is a time of obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding. If you are considering the priesthood, the Diocese of Grand Rapids invites you to meet with other young men (ages 16+) to gather and discern God’s will for your life.
Meetings will take place from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at St. Luke University Parish, 10144 42nd Ave., Georgetown Twp. and are offered on the following Sundays in 2025/2026: Nov. 23, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 22, Apr. 19, May 17
Just show up or email Pattie Reynolds, [email protected], to RSVP or with questions.
Annual Visit to St. John Vianney College Seminary
November 13-15, 2025
The Diocese of Grand Rapids and Saint John Vianney College Seminary will be offering young men that are juniors and seniors in high school, who want to discern their vocation, an opportunity to take a closer look at the priesthood by experiencing a few days on the campus of Saint John Vianney College Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, with Vocations Director, Fr. Rob Mulderink.
Transportation, accommodations, and meals will be provided at no cost.
Space is limited make sure to register by October 17 by contacting Pattie Reynolds at [email protected] or call 616-288-0910.
Welcome Fr. Rob Mulderink to the Office of Priestly Vocations. Bishop Walkowiak has appointed Fr. Rob as Director of Priestly Vocations. He will also continue his assignment as Pastor of St. Luke University Parish in Georgetown Twp.
Fr. Rob can be reached at [email protected].
Nicholas R. Baker was ordained to the priesthood on Sat. June 1, 2024 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Nick grew up in St. Sebastian Parish and is the son of Todd & Lisa Baker of Byron Center. Please pray for Fr. Nick as he begins his ministry to the priesthood!
On June 4, 2022 the Diocese of Grand Rapids ordained three new men into the priesthood. We are so blessed to celebrate Fr. David Jameson, Fr. David Sacha, and Fr. Logan Weber!
Diocese of Grand Rapids ordained Dcn. Christopher Epplett & Dcn. Jake Zemaitis to the priesthood on Sat. June 3rd. May God continue to bless them as they begin their vocational ministry!
Nick Baker was ordained to the diaconate on May 20, 2023.
Last week our seminarians came together at their yearly convocation before the start of the fall semester in the seminary. We welcome new seminarians Casey Kreiner, Jonathan Jensen, Dominic Klaes, Jack McCarthy, Braden Roth, Alex Urbanski, Daniel Willison. Bishop Walkowiak and Msgr. Duncan joined the seminarians to celebrate the Eucharist on the first evening. 
Please pray for the group of young men that will be visiting Saint John Vianney College Seminary (SJV) in Saint Paul, Minnesota on November 17-19, 2022.
It will be a weekend for them to experience the culture of SJV and learn about the life of the seminarians there. They will have the opportunity to hear from the rector, priests and seminarians of SJV. There will be time for prayer and recreation, and the joy of asking the Lord what he wants with their life.
On November 18, 2021 Fr. Durkee took a group of young men that are discerning the priesthood to visit the St. John Vianney College Seminary on the Campus of the University of St. Thomas. These young men had a chance to spend a few days in the life of a seminarian and to talk to and ask questions to not only the seminarians from the Diocese of Grand Rapids but other seminarians that attend SJV. This visit is a yearly event every November. If you have an interest in 2022 please contact the Office of Priestly Vocations to inquire more. 
“For the love of Christ, impel’s us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14
Congratulations to Third Year Theologians, Christopher Epplett and Jacob Zemaitis who were ordained transitional deacons on May 21st.
With great joy we congratulate newly ordained Father Noah Thelen. Noah was ordained to the priesthood on June 5th 2021.
Click here to see photos from his ordination.
Blog from the Office of Vocations
THE PRIESTHOOD ISN’ T ABOUT WHAT YOU GET— IT ’S ABOUT WHAT YOU GIVE By…
April 2025 By Fr. Robert Mulderink The scarcity mentality: Being realistic about priestly vocations What…
March 2025 By Fr. Robert Mulderink Speak Lord: How God prepares our hearts to hear…
Jan-Feb. 2025 By Fr. Robert Mulderink Priesthood, fatherhood, love, service, responsibility, stress. Being a priest…
November 2024 by Fr. Rob Mulderink Since this is my first time writing this column,…
October 2024 – Vocations column by Father Durkee Introducing our Diocese’s new seminarians The young…
October 2024 By Father Stephen Durkee “Father, I wish you didn’t have to worry about…
July-August 2024By Father Scott NolanReceiving the message from Bishop Walkowiak that I had been asked…
