“I think vocations really come from the Holy Eucharist.” Join Fr. Jeff Day as he shares his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Influences on Fr. Jeff’s journey to the priesthood included the faith of his family, the sacrament of Confession, and the Holy Eucharist.  (0:02): Fr. Craig welcomes listeners and introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Jeff Day. The priests catch up: Fr. Jeff talks about the Divine Mercy devotion, Fr. Drew relates small mishaps from the Easter Vigil,...

“It's been a crazy, beautiful, amazing adventure, and amidst the difficulties or the uncertainties, it's always absolutely been worth it every day.” Fr. Adam Nowak joins Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew to share his vocation story. Although he initially resisted his vocation, Fr. Adam eventually became certain that God was calling him to become a priest.  (0:02) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew introduce this episode’s guest, Fr. Adam Nowak. Fr. Adam describes his upcoming assignment at St. Anne Parish in...

“Jesus is my rock. And he’s the source of that joy.” Join Fr. Jim Houbeck, Associate Pastor of Resurrection Parish, as he shares his vocation story. Although he had previously dismissed the idea of becoming a priest, a clear vocational call amid a crisis led Fr. Jim to follow God into the seminary.  (0:03) Fr. Craig welcomes this episode’s guest, Fr. Jim Houbeck. Fr. Drew thanks listeners who have shared positive feedback about Men of the Hearts. The priests share recent blessings: Fr. Jim...

“I knew I would be happy. I knew I could find joy in giving of myself in love within the ministry. And that wouldn't be enough…that would be more than enough.” Our hosts welcome Fr. Robert Slaton to share his vocation story on this episode of Men of the Hearts. Fr. Robert stopped practicing his Catholic faith as a young man, but through God’s providential care, he gradually found his way back and became a priest.  (0:03) Fr. Craig introduces this episode’s guest, Fr. Robert Slaton. Fr. Craig,...

“Don't be afraid to make a mistake. And sometimes you need to make a choice without having all the data or all the evidence.” Fr. David Cybulski joins Fr. Craig on Men of the Hearts to share his vocation story. After obtaining a master’s degree, working in Arizona, and unsuccessfully applying to seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix, Fr. David moved home to Detroit and entered seminary at the age of 31. (0:04) Fr. Craig welcomes listeners to this month’s episode and introduces Fr. David...

“I think one of the beautiful things about ministry is that God does give you these gifts, and he allows you to use them in a different way.” Join Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew as they invite Fr. Brian Meldrum to share his vocation story. Fr. Brian grew up Catholic and served as a music minister following his college graduation. After taking classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary as a lay student, he entered as a seminarian. Fr. Brian is now back at Sacred Heart once more as a Scripture professor....

“As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to do God's will.” On this episode of Men of the Hearts, Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew welcome Fr. Joe Kirkconnell, a professor and spiritual director at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Fr. Joe’s journey to the priesthood included growing up in the Cayman Islands, studying theology in college, and experiencing “subtle graces” during his time in seminary.  (0:03) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew introduce this episode’s guest, Fr. Joseph Kirkconnell. Fr. Joe is...

(00:03) Fr. Craig and Fr. Drew introduce Fr. Mike Cassar, the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Lansing. The three priests share memories, laugh together, and discuss recent blessings in their lives. Fr. Mike and Fr. Craig describe their experience attending a national conference for vocations directors, and Fr. Drew shares several meaningful encounters he has had in parish ministry. (17:10) Vocation story: Fr. Mike grew up in a Lutheran family. Although he always believed in God, he...

(0:03) Fr. Craig Giera introduces Fr. Drew Mabee, his new co-host and they welcome this episode’s guest, Mgsr. Charles Kozanke. The hosts and guest recap various blessings that the summer has held. Msgr. Kozanke’s recent experiences included the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit’s multicultural celebration of its titular feast day, as well as a trip to Poland. Fr. Drew describes the grace of serving at St. Damien of Molokai in Pontiac, a predominantly Hispanic parish. Fr. Craig shares about...

(00:10) Fr. Craig and Fr. David open this episode with a short explanation of the reason behind the podcast name, “Men of the Hearts.” Fr. Paul Snyder is introduced as the episode guest. They discuss Fr. Paul’s background in art, and recent Corpus Christi processions at their parishes. Fr. Craig shares that his family has been sick recently and the experience of suffering has deepened his preaching and blessed those in the pews. He points out that vulnerability in preaching seems to have a...

(00:03) Join Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Fr. John Dudek to this episode of "Men of the Hearts." They discuss current events, upcoming weddings, and graduations, sharing personal stories and creating a sense of community. (10:35) Short Vocation Story: Fr. John Dudek was previously married, and has two daughters. After an annulment, he entered seminary and has been assigned to Divine Child parish for two years, serving the school and the parish. He was recently...

(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They introduce us to today’s guest Bishop Quinn. Fr. Craig describes Bishop Quinn as “the happiest man I’ve met in my whole life.” They discuss the importance of their diaconate ordinations. (14:35) “My ego is not my amigo. I better be ready to have it pierced.” They discuss the experience of receiving compliments as priests and how God’s love for them must remind them of their identity, and not...

(00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us to this episode of Men of the Hearts. They introduce us to today’s guest, Fr. Jeff Allan (Chaplain, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital). He shares a “recent grace” of reflecting on the saintly life of a priest friend who recently passed away. (08:50) Vocation Story — Fr. Jeff shares that he first thought of the priesthood as a child. As he grew up, he felt being a priest was “fourth on my list.” He was an altar server as a child....

“Do you know His voice? If you’re not praying, you’re never gonna know your vocation.” Today’s guest Fr. David Pellican joins his host Fr. Craig Giera in discussing Fr. David’s new assignment to study sacramental theology in Rome. Together, they revisit Fr. David’s vocation story, this invitation by Archbishop Vigneron to study for the sake of our future priests and the joyful adventure of freely following God’s plan for your life. (00:03) Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican welcome us...

“It’s not time wasted. There’s no loss in discernment.” Fr. Craig Giera is joined by Fr. Salvatore Palazzolo, a canon lawyer for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Together they dive into Fr. Sal’s vocation story. While studying mechanical engineering, Fr. Sal went through a conversion experience after moving home with his parents. The search for Truth brought Fr. Sal into the faithful practice of his faith, daily Mass, and studying the Church. After hearing the Lord in prayer, and a car accident,...

“Marriage is good. And priesthood is good. And how do you choose between two goods? God will guide you if you faithfully seek him out.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. David Pellican's brother-in-law Mr. John Pratt to discuss discerning a vocation. John considered the priesthood from an early age, but felt the Lord draw him toward marriage. His insights into prayer, desire for true fulfillment and the surrender to God’s will are inspiring. Show Notes: (00:03) Fr....

“I thought my life was going to end when I entered seminary, but it really began once I got there.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. J.J. Mech, rector at Detroit’s Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Together, they discuss the role of art in our churches and encountering the Lord. Fr. J.J. shares his vocation story, his parent’s reaction to him entering seminary, and how he’s been fulfilled and filled with joy in his vocation as a priest. Show Notes: (00:03) Fr....

“It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Cy Whitaker, S.J. This powerful discussion covers the early seeds of a vocation in Fr. Cy’s childhood, the loss of his father, joining the Jesuits at age 40, and his role as a spiritual director at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Be inspired as Fr. Cy describes the priest’s identity as more important than the work he does and as he offers encouragement to all men discerning. Show...

“Find Jesus in the Eucharist. If you want to know what God wants, go to Him.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Perrin Atisha who shares his journey to ordination at age 26 for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. Through a powerful retreat in high school, time in Eucharistic Adoration, his father’s approval of his vocation, and a trip to Iraq, God showed Fr. Perrin that he was called to the priesthood. Now Director of Vocations, Fr. Perrin gives valuable...

“Never be afraid to accept your vocation. Because God will supply what we need.” Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican are joined by Fr. Matthew Hood. Together they discuss Fr. Matt’s journey from asking big questions about the Faith in high school to being ordained a priest. After spending eight years in seminary, Fr. Matt has served the Archdiocese of Detroit in parish and school ministry. He offers advice for men discerning: “If God has given you even the smallest desire for the...

“Don’t be afraid.” Fr. David Pellican welcomes Bishop Robert Fisher, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, to Men of the Hearts. In this episode, they discuss His Excellency’s journey to the priesthood. He first considered the priesthood at age 10, but that thought was pushed away by a desire for marriage and a job in the business world. After serving at a summer camp in college, he felt his faith reawakened. Though not having full clarity, he entered seminary and took it one year...

"Whatever you need to hear the voice of God, if you're open to it, God's gonna talk to you." Join Fr. Craig Giera as he welcomes Fr. John Kopson, who shares his journey to the priesthood. After leaving college seminary with a desire for more certainty in his vocation, Fr. John began working at a nursing home as a Certified Nurse Assistant. After an encounter with a dying priest, Fr. John experienced the Lord give him the grace and clarity he needed to return to the seminary and ultimately, be...

“Can I really be happy doing this?” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr. David Pellican as they welcome Bishop Donald Hanchon, a Detroit native brimming with wisdom for vocational discernment. His Excellency shares his story of feeling called to the priesthood in grade school, attending high school seminary, and the questions and fears he faced along the way. A significant health concern in college seminary threatened his studies and brought him before Jesus in the Eucharist, a moment in which...

If you think the priesthood is boring or mundane, this episode of Men of the Hearts is for you. Monsignor Tim Hogan shares the journey the Lord has brought him from being a medic in the military, to religious life, to diocesan priesthood as a Navy chaplain, including being airdropped from a helicopter to offer Mass on nine different ships. “These people really wanted a chaplain, they wanted Mass, they wanted Confession, they wanted to talk with someone.” Join hosts Fr. Craig Giera and Fr....