The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown offers these
Programs to guide young men who are interested in diocesan
priesthood.
The Fraternity of Father Gallitzin…An
Opportunity for Discovery
Designed primarily for young men age 15 and
older, this program offers discussion, prayer and support
to high school students who have expressed an interest in
the priesthood. Young men are encouraged to participate
in “Come and See” vocation awareness days, visits
to the seminary, and parish-based and diocesan youth ministry
events.
If you or someone you know is in high school and is interested
in knowing more about the priesthood, these group events
may be the right way for you to discover God’s plan
for your life!
College Programs for Priestly
Formation...A Time of Discernment
The Father Demetrius Gallitzin Discernment Program
allows a individual to pursue an undergraduate
degree at a local college of his choice (St. Francis
University, Mount Aloysius, UPJ, Penn State, Juniata, etc.)
while working closely with the Director of Vocations in
a program that offers regular opportunities for vocational
discernment, fraternity, Mass and prayer. Each participant
meets regularly with a priest-spiritual director. Participants
join the diocesan seminarians for retreats and other events.
Demetrius Discernment is held at the Prince Gallitzin Chapel
House in Loretto, PA. Participants may transfer into college
seminary after sometime in the program or enter Pre-Theology
following their college graduation.
The College Seminary Program
is offered at the Pontifical College Josephinum,
College of Liberal Arts, in Columbus, Ohio. The
college seminary prepares men through academics, community
life, spiritual direction and pastoral experiences to discern
a call to the priesthood. Here the individual receives formal
priestly formation while pursuing an undergraduate degree
specifically designed to prepare him for further theological
studies. As the only pontifical seminary outside of Italy,
the Josephinum prepares candidates for the priesthood from
dioceses throughout the United States and abroad. Altoona-Johnstown
college seminarians benefit from this broader experience
of the universal Church. Upon graduating, a college seminarian
may enter directly into graduate-level theology in a seminary.
The Josephinum regularly offers “Live-In”
retreats for young men (junior/senior high school or college
transfers). Transportation is provided and there is no charge
for the retreat. Contact Father Byrnes for further information:
Fr. Brian Saylor
Director of Vocations
Prince Gallitzin Chapel House
PO Box 99
Loretto, PA 15940
Phone 814-472-5441
E-mail: bsaylor@dioceseaj.org
Vocation Prayer
