30 and Older

The journey to God’s particular calling in life is different for each individual.  While many men initiate the process of discernment in their young adulthood, for others, the road to priesthood has been a lifetime in the making.  God is always calling.  For those hearing a particular call to the priestly life, God desires partnership in the process.  Career, family, retirement, divorce, or other life circumstances need not be disqualifications in your response.

Within the Diocese of Columbus, men who have discerned a call to priesthood later in life typically attend Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary for the process of their priestly formation.  It is a specialized facility that caters to men in a variety of backgrounds.

A Day in the Life at Pope St John XXIII National Seminary:

• Sundays – 9:30am Mass followed by brunch. Rest of the day is free.
• Monday through Friday (Thursdays off) – 7:45am Morning Prayer followed by breakfast, morning classes, Mass, lunch, elective classes in the afternoon or free time, Evening Prayer, dinner, evenings free for study, recreation, spiritual groups, etc.
• Saturdays – weekday schedule in the morning and then free after mid-day Mass.
• Other regular occurrences are spiritual direction, spiritual conferences, formation meetings, committee meetings, house jobs, etc.

Click to visit the website for Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary

Click to read an encouraging news article about second career seminary students

Contact a seminarian 30+ or hear their stories

• Deacon Ed Shikina from Columbus, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – eshikina@psjs.edu
• Brian Beal from Columbus, Immaculate Conception – bbeal@psjs.edu
• Stephen Ondrey from Columbus, Holy Name – sondrey@psjs.edu

Do you have questions about the process of Seminary discernment?

Check out our seekholiness Discernment FAQ.