Vocations to the Priesthood

A Letter from Father Wehner
Rector of Saint Paul Seminary and Director of Priestly Formation

Office for Vocations
Phone: 412-456-3052
vocations@diopitt.org

Dear Friend:

Am I called to the priesthood? Should I enter the seminary? How do I discern a priestly vocation? These are some of the questions one will ask himself when confronted with a possibility of serving the Church as a priest.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh commits a number of resources to support Saint Paul Seminary which houses the priestly formation program. It is here that a man will discern with the Church if he is called to the priesthood.

We live in a world today where much success can be achieved through education, science, and social efforts. However, with all of these possibilities, many do not achieve the happiness and satisfaction they are seeking. Therefore, people will look for God in all the wrong places.

The Church, through her liturgy and the administration of the sacraments, brings to our world a spiritual reality that Jesus Christ preached and achieved in his Paschal Mystery. Without the Church, there would be no immediate or intimate experience of God. This is the primary mission of the Church. The priesthood guaranteed the authentic preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments particularly the Holy Eucharistic.

I would encourage any young man to speak with his parish priest or contact my office in order to respond to those questions often whispered in the heart regarding a priestly vocation. Missed opportunities are always an utter disappointment. If you or a friend are contemplating a priestly vocation, respond accordingly and do not miss the great opportunity. For more information, Father Thomas Burke, who oversees our high school contact program (412-621-4951), and Father Thomas Sparacino, who oversees the affiliate program (412-672-9763) are available to answer questions. I serve as the rector of the seminary and oversee the entire priestly formation program, therefore, I am always available to answer your questions (412-456-3048).

Through the intercession of Our Lady under her title of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Paul, the patron of our seminary, may more men respond to the Lord’s call in serving the Church as a priest.