Programs for Discernment

The High School Contact Program

Directed by Fr. Thomas Burke

Father Tom Burke is one of two Co-Vocation Directors of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Fr. Tom is Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Cathedral in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. Among Fr. Tom's responsibilities as co-vocation director is assisting those men who are in high school discerning a possible vocation to the diocesan priesthood. This is called the High School Program.

The High School Program is a gathering of men discerning priesthood that meets four times a year; two Sunday Open Houses in the fall semester, and two in the spring semester. The High School Open House consists of Sunday Mass with the seminarians, a delicious brunch, and a discussion session. Parents and siblings of the students are also welcomed to attend.

Fr. Tom also conducts a Boy Scout Field Trip twice a year; one Saturday session in the fall, and one in the spring. This program is for scouts working on their religious awards. Scouts hear a presentation from some of the seminarians and Fr. Tom Burke, play dodge-ball and basketball in the gymnasium and swim in the pool. The Scouts also tour the seminary campus and attend a prayer service for vocations in the seminary chapel.

If you are interested in contacting Fr. Tom Burke concerning the High School Program or Boy Scout Program contact him at 412.456.3123 or at St. Paul Cathedral Parish at 412.621.4951 ext 13.

The Affiliate Program

Directed by Fr. Thomas Sparacino

Father Tom Sparacino is one of two Co-Vocation Directors of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Fr. Tom is also Pastor of St. Mary of Mercy Parish in downtown Pittsburgh. Among Fr. Tom's responsibilities as co-vocation director is assisting those men who are post high school in discerning a possible vocation to the diocesan priesthood. This is called the Affiliate Program.

The Affiliate Program is a gathering of those men discerning priesthood that meets four times a year. The Affiliate Program consists of Dinner with the Seminary community a discussion lead by one of the many priests of the diocese concerning priesthood, such as Priesthood: Servant, Sacramental and Sacred, The Spirituality of the Diocesan Priesthood, among other topics. The evening also includes a Holy hour and Benediction, since the very corner stone of a vocation to the priesthood is a devotion to the Eucharist. (See below for the dates, times and topics for the Affiliate Program).Also a part of the Affiliate Program is the possibility of attending House Classes at the St. Paul Seminary and also a live in experience, to experience seminary life.

If you are interested in contacting Fr. Tom concerning the Affiliate Program or if you would like to discuss discernment of the the Priesthood in the Diocese of Pittsburgh contact Fr. Tom at 412.456.3123 or at Saint Martin de Porres Parish at 412.672.9763.