Rev. Stephen Durkee

God wants to fulfill our heart's desires Recently, I was with my good friend Father Colin Mulhall. I said to him, “Hey man, you know what sounds good right now? An almond croissant.” We went to purchase our healthy snack…

A couple of years ago, I was greeting people after Mass as I normally do. A young man and his mom approached and asked if I would bless their dog. The young man recently had some unfortunate circumstances happen in…

This year, our diocese was able to bring 28 young men to St. John Vianney College Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the Vianney Visit. The annual visit is an opportunity for high school-…

Growing up, I never thought too much about my name, my brother was named after my dad, Douglas David. The rest of us – Erin, Holly and me – never thought too much about why our parents chose our names.…

You should put away the old self of your former way of life … and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth. (Eph…

One of the most powerful moments of a priest’s ordination is when he lies prostrate in front of the altar. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. I made this deal with the Lord: “Lord, you called me to…

Last year at the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins gave one of the most inspiring talks I have heard on encouraging young men for the priesthood. His mantra: “You must become like fire!” Over my…

Bishop Walkowiak ordained seminarians Dominic Couturier and Daniel Orris Jr. to the transitional diaconate in May. This was an exciting day! It reminded me of the excitement I felt when I was a ordained a deacon. After my internship and…