| 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.
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