It is also challenging and, at times, demanding. The Vincentians are looking for men with the leadership and ministry skills necessary to keep the needs of the poor paramount as the church grows into a new future. An invitation to a young man is an invitation to him to consider joining us in serving the poor and in helping Catholics who are struggling to maintain their faith in areas that are suffering from the declining number of priests. The formation programs for vowed membership in the Midwest Province are created to best respect the needs and values of the Congregation and the male, Roman Catholic candidates. A passion for the evangelization of the poor with ever deepening roots in faith and in love of the Good News.
Most inquiries come now from men in their twenties and thirties.
We are open to discernment with men of all ages, while noting that the length of formation can place restrictions on the possibilities for older men. Usually, we do not engage in active discernment with men during their high school years. Vincentian Priest and Brother Candidates enroll in graduate studies at Aquinas Institute in Saint Louis leading to the Master of Divinity degree. Most of our candidates have completed college before engaging in active discernment with the Congregation. We do not engage in formal discernment with men during their high school years.