"We were really missing a deep prayer life between us…an avenue that we could share our hearts with one another. It’s about creating those moments of vulnerability for us. Our prayer is a lot of times where we’re able to find that."  Learn how Maggie and Art, through deepening their own relationships with the Lord, created moments of vulnerability and growth for their marriage.

Book Reference -  Forty Weeks: An Ignatian Path to Christ with Sacred Story Prayer

"God just wants to love us...In letting Him love you He leads you and the journey is beautiful." The journey isn't always easy but there is always beauty because God is there. Meet Sr. Tonia of the Heart of Jesus a member of the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and hear more about her journey.

Check out the Mercedarian Sisters here: https://mercedariansisters.org/ 

After wrestling all night with God Jacob says "I will not let you go until you bless me." Fr. Max shares how he wrestled with God in his own life and how his vocation is the blessing that came from that wrestling. The joy and passion that Fr. Max has for his vocation and relationship with God can't help but encourage and inspire!

The Church speaks in so many ways. You'll hear from many deacons, priests, and consecrated religious that the Church, through the Body of Christ, was bold in speaking to and encouraging them, told them the goodness they saw in them, and planted the thought of a vocation in their hearts. Meet Deacon Dan Galla and learn how the Church has spoken in his life. 

The importance of supportive family and friends in the life of a discerner cannot be overstated. Today we meet Arthur Bodenschatz, a seminarian for the Diocese of Youngstown studying at Borromeo Seminary in Cleveland, who shares with us the role this community plays in his vocational discernment. 

So many people hesitate taking the first step of discernment because they fear change, because they fear giving up control. This is why this first step often takes so much courage. Listen as Sr. Mary McCormick shares her realization that something would change as she took her first discernment step.

Learn more about the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown

MYTH: Once a person enters seminary their discernment is over. 
FACT: Seminary is a place of further, more concentrated, formation and discernment. 

Listen to Patrick's story as he tells us about how he discerned out of seminary, not once but twice, as he sought the Lord's will for his life.  

Have you ever heard of Consecrated Virginity? Learn more about the Church's oldest vocation through Michelle's story.

Some helpful links with more info:
The Church's Oldest Vocation
US Association of Consecrated Virgins

Michelle's Mass of Consecration
Article on Michelle's Consecration
Michelle's Blog

Embryos (because he's a moral theologian), driving pet peeves, sacrifice, and spiritual fatherhood are just a few of the topics covered in today's episode featuring Fr. Joe Koopman, the moral theologian at Saint Mary Seminary. 

Our podcast crew is back with part 2 of 2 on obstacles. This episode they take a closer look at obstacles that are faced once a decision is made to pursue a particular vocation or one is in a vocation. If you're feeling the struggle in discernment and decision making (you're not alone!) these two episodes are for you!

We'd love to hear from you! Email us at createdandcalledpodcast@gmail.com with any questions, feedback, etc.