Could God Be Calling You to Seminary?
Contact
Rev. William Wainio, Director of Church Vocations
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.
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:
Date: June 22, 2026
Location: The Lake Club, Youngstown
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
Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17
As the school year ends, make sure all those serving in ministry Save the Date: Ministry Day 2026 on Saturday, October 17. Registration will open in August. Check for updates as the event being planned!
Praise and Worship Nights for Vocations
Join us as we pray for an increase in vocations. For more information contact Fr. William Wainio in the Office of Church Vocations, wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.
Parish Vocation Ministry: Called By Name Initiative Leads to St. Andrew Dinners
The Office of Church Vocations has invited young men nominated through the “Called by Name” initiative to learn more at a Saint Andrew Dinner on either April 13th or 15th. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
2026 Vocations Bulletin Blurbs & Intercessions – Cycle A (Bulletin Materials)
Please use these weekly reflections to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school.
Saint Andrew Dinners
Bishop David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, warmly invites you for a Saint Andrew Dinner this April.
Welcome Rev. William Wainio, Co-Director of Vocations!
Bishop Bonnar has assigned Fr. Will Wainio as Co-Director of the Office of Church Vocations, in addition to his current responsibilities, and in collaboration with continuing Co-Director Fr. Chad Johnson.
