Seminary
The seminary is the place where a man is formed mind, body, and soul into the image of Jesus Christ. Seminaries are places of joy, camaraderie, and deep learning! Today’s seminarians experience the best formation the Catholic Church offers.
Some men enter seminary while still in college and so they attend College Seminary. Once they get a degree, including at least two years of Philosophy study, they can transfer to Theology study, also called Major Seminary.
Second Annual Bishop's Golf Classic
Vocations for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
Date: August 6, 2024
Location: Youngstown Country Club
Applying to Seminary
1. Contact the Vocation Director.
Discernment always happens with the help of the Church. The diocese needs to get to know you better before offering you a seminary application.
2. The application process.
Applying to become a seminarian is a bit like applying to college, but with additional screening components such as background checks and medical and psychological screening.
3. Bishop’s decision.
After a careful review of your file, the bishop makes the final decision on whether an applicant is accepted.
The Diocese of Youngstown offers priestly formation at the following seminaries:
Prayer for Vocations
Lord of the Harvest,
from age to age, you nurture growth in your people,
that your goodness and love might flourish in our world.
Bless the Church of Youngstown with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
bringing forth from our families and parishes willing and worthy spiritual leaders
to be holy servants,
trusting stewards,
faithful shepherds,
and missionary disciples.
Open the ears and hearts of our faithful,
especially our young people,
to attentively hear, and courageously respond,
to your call to service for the Church
as priests, deacons, religious, and lay ecclesial ministers.
Bless all married couples and single persons
and bestow on them the grace to not only be life giving
but also to be steadfast supporters of religious vocations
for the good of your Church.
May all those who respond to your call come to behold their giftedness
and the confidence you place in them
to continue the mission of the Church
trusting always that it is you who call
and you who equip.
We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen
Vocations Announcements & Resources
Parish Vocation Ministry & Called By Name Initiative
Vocation Ministry is hosting a Parishioner Workshop on Saturday, 18 October 2025 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ravenna. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
New Candidate Admitted into Seminary Formation
The Office of Church Vocations is pleased to announce the acceptance of Mr. Derek Linden into Seminary Formation for the Diocese of Youngstown, following the Priestly Formation Board meeting. Mr. Linden will attend St. Mary Seminary.
September & October 2025 Vocation Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)
Please use these vocation intercessions and bulletin blurbs to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school.
Seminarian Posters and Prayer Cards: Coming Soon!
Our 2024-2025 Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards have been delivered to each Parish, High School, and Elementary School in the diocese.
Pastoral Internship Year
Bishop Bonnar has assigned Mr. Daniel LaPolla to a pastoral internship year beginning June 2025 with Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, Pastor of St. Michael Parish (Canfield).
Bishop Bonnar Calls for a New Class of Permanent Deacons (Bulletin Materials)
The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is now accepting inquiries from men who perceive the Holy Spirit’s call to serve the Church in the ministries of the liturgy, the Word, and charity.
Could God Be Calling You to Seminary?
Contact
Rev. Chad Johnson, Co-Director of Church Vocations
Contact
Rev. William Wainio, Co-Director of Church Vocations
Office Location: The University Parish Newman Center, Kent State University
1424 Horning Road Kent, Ohio 44240
330-678-0240 ext 3
