More Discernment Resources

To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood

In what has been hailed as “a groundbreaking work” Fr. Brett Brannen compiles all the wisdom of a master Vocation Director into one volume. Using powerful and entertaining stories, the book explains in down-to-earth language how to discern a vocation to diocesan priesthood. The book has received universal praise from bishops and vocation directors.

Thousands of men—including hundreds of seminarians—have found the book an invaluable aid in discerning their vocations.

About the author

Fr. Brett Brannen is a priest of the Diocese of Savannah, where he served for 10 years as Vocation Director. He also served as the vice-rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary for five years. He is a widely sought-after speaker for retreats and missions.

Is Jesus Christ Calling You to be a Catholic Priest?

This inspired booklet contains ten spiritual “lessons” for men to pray about their vocations.

It helps men to encounter Christ, overcome fear, find peace, and ultimately, to entrust their lives entirely to God. Over 100,000 booklets are in print.

About the author

Msgr. Thomas Richter is the former Vocation Director of the Diocese of Bismarck, and also served as president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors. He is the author of other vocation booklets such as the inspired Lend Your Own Voice to Christ, a guide to help encourage priests to invite men to consider the priesthood.

The Melchizedek Project Podcast

Discern with Fr. Brett Brannen, author of To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide to Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood, as he walks you through the discernment process from the first questions, to seminary, and all the way to ordination.

Discerning Priesthood

Easy-to-read 16-page booklet helps teen boys and young men discern the priesthood. With accessible language and great photos, the booklet answers guys’ most burning questions, including their concerns about celibacy.

Perfect for youth ministry, campus ministry, high schools, and major youth events. This is the booklet the Franciscan University of Steubenville gives to teens at Youth Conferences nationwide. Includes:

• Am I Supposed to Be a Priest?
• What is the Priesthood?
• Signs of a Vocation to Priesthood
• Discerning Celibacy
• Priests have a lot of fun, too
• & more!

With nihil obstat & imprimatur from Bishop Gregory Hartmayer.

Priests for the Third Millennium

In what has been described as a “rallying cry for future priests,” Cardinal Dolan’s Priests for the Third Millennium offers a realistic but heroic vision of the priesthood, outlining what it takes to be an effective priest in today’s Catholic parish. 

With his command of Church history, trademark candor, and keen insight into human nature, Cardinal Dolan proposes key virtues for the future priest, illustrated with anecdotes from his extensive experience.

Since its original publication in the year 2000, Priests for the Third Millennium has shaped how men envision the Catholic priesthood—and offered clear advice on how to mold one’s life to become a faithful shepherd for the Church.

Nine Holy HOurs to Discern the Priesthood

Thousands of men have heard the call to priesthood during Eucharistic Adoration. This inspired new booklet leads men through a series of contemplations on aspects of Christian discipleship and the call to the priesthood.

Using an Ignatian style of contemplative prayer, it immerses young men in various gospel scenes, asking them to imagine encounters with Christ. 

Each Holy Hour ends with what St. Theresa of Avila called a colloquy, or intimate conversation with Christ. Also included are writing prompts so the man can revisit insights from his prayer.

For young men serious about their faith, this novena of Holy Hours is sure to yield deep insights into the Lord’s will for their lives.