About the Office of Vocations
The Office of Vocations exists to encourage, support, and walk with men who are open to God’s call to priesthood. Through prayer, guidance, and personal accompaniment, we serve the Church by fostering a culture where vocations can be heard and generously answered.
Our Mission
We are committed to helping men discover God’s will and to supporting them every step of the way. Our work is rooted in prayer, service to the Church, and a deep trust in God’s plan.
Personal Guidance
We walk alongside men as they discern priesthood, offering conversation, spiritual direction, and practical guidance.
Preparing for the Call
From early discernment through seminary formation, we help men take the necessary steps toward a life of priestly service.
Inspiring Vocations
We partner with parishes, schools, and families to promote prayer for vocations and to encourage openness to priesthood.
Rooted
in Prayer
Every vocation begins in prayer. We invite the faithful to pray for vocations and for the men who are discerning God’s call.
Meet the Clergy
Meet the clergy and staff dedicated to fostering vocations within the Diocese of Owensboro.
Meet the Seminarians
Meet the seminarians preparing to serve the faithful of the Diocese of Owensboro through lives of prayer, study, and formation.
Our Seminaries
Seminary is where men are formed for a life of priestly service. Through prayer, study, community, and pastoral training, seminarians grow in their relationship with Christ and prepare to serve the people of God with wisdom, humility, and joy.
Conception Seminary College
A college seminary where men begin formation through prayer, academic study, community life, and intentional discernment.
Saint Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology
A seminary rooted in Benedictine tradition, forming future priests through spiritual, intellectual, human, and pastoral preparation.
Notre Dame Seminary & Graduate School of Theology
A graduate seminary focused on forming priests with strong theological grounding, pastoral wisdom, and a heart for service.
Divine Word College (ESL)
A supportive formation environment for seminarians strengthening their English language skills while continuing to grow in faith and community.
Visit the Seminary!
The Office of Vocations regularly organizes opportunities for young men from the Diocese to visit our seminaries to experience seminary life for a weekend of prayer, fun, and intentional discernment with others who are thinking about priesthood.
Serving the Diocese of Owensboro
The Office of Vocations is a ministry of the Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro. Our mission is directly connected to the life of the local Church — strengthening parishes, supporting seminarians, and ensuring that the faithful continue to receive the sacraments through dedicated and holy priests.
Priests are ordained not for themselves, but for the people of God. As a diocesan office, we are entrusted with helping raise up good shepherds who will serve communities throughout Western Kentucky for generations to come.
