No pressure, just honest talk to help discern God’s call
Contact Deacon Steve Kramer, D.Min., at discerning@shsst.edu or 414-858-4767 to have a conversation.
We have a long history of forming men over 30 with diverse backgrounds for the priesthood. After ordination, our graduates serve in dioceses and religious orders throughout the United States and the world.
Deacon Steve Kramer was interviewed on the Jesuitical podcast from American Media regarding how the Church is in need of younger deacons and older priests. To listen to the podcast, titled, “The church needs younger deacons–and older priests” click HERE!
Watch the priestly ordination video of
our 2023 alumnus, Fr. Matt Solarz, from
the Diocese of Great Falls – Billings
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Have questions about becoming a priest later in life? You are not alone. Click here to see answers to frequently asked questions.
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Priests of the Sacred Heart, “Dehonians,” vocations: http://dehoniansusa.org/vocations
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The Archdiocese of Milwaukee vocations: https://www.thinkpriest.org/Think-Priest.htm, https://www.archmil.org/Vocations.htm
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Office of Deacon Formation, Archdiocese of Milwaukee: https://www.archmil.org/offices/Diaconate.htm
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Religious discernment for women: https://www.archmil.org/Vocations/Womens-Religious.htm
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Religious discernment for men: https://www.archmil.org/Vocations/mens-religious.htm
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Lay ministry options: Contact Susan McNeil, Director, Office of Lay Ministry at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: https://www.archmil.org/ArchContacts/Susan-McNeil.htm
Fr. Luis Inacio (Diocese of Hamilton)
“I carry in my heart a grateful memory and a deep recognition that everyone contributed greatly to my stay and academic training. Tomorrow when I become a priest [May 6, 2023], a humble servant in the Lord’s vineyard, I will try to be an image of all those who helped me to become a priest. “
Fr. Javier Portillo, CMJ
“Buenas tardes.
Soy el Padre Javier Portillo de la Comunidad Misionera de Jesús, superior del Hermano Cristian Alfonso que está haciendo el programa de Inglés. Quiero agradecer por la oportunidad que nos están brindando. Cristian manifiesta lo contento que está con las clases, con los profesores, y con todas las personas ahí del seminario. Gracias por darle la oportunidad de estudiar un poco más, será de mucho provecho para él y para la Comunidad.
Dios les bendiga.”
Translation:
“Good afternoon.
I am Father Javier Portillo from the Missionary Community of Jesus, superior of Brother Cristian Alfonso who is doing the English program. I want to thank you for the opportunity you are giving us. Cristian expresses how happy he is with the classes, with the professors, and with all the people there from the seminary. Thank you for giving him the opportunity to study a little more, it will be very useful for him and for the Community.
God bless you.”
Fr. Wilbert Colas (Diocese of El Paso, Texas)
“I give thanks to God for the fact that I am a true product of Sacred Heart Seminary. Everywhere I go I have to represent the school because without the school I don’t know where I would be today. I’m very grateful. And, I’m very proud of the school. I’m very proud of the school and I’m doing my best in ministry, even though it’s not easy but every day is a new day, and every day is a new opportunity, and every day is a new challenge. But, the fact is that I put God in my life, and Christ is in front of me and I am behind him, and he is guiding me. I am very happy in ministry. I give thanks to everybody from Milwaukee, first of all, you, teacher Dominic, Vicki that I had for English. You are very special to me and so are all of the teachers from the school. Thank you to everyone, and say hello to everybody from me, and also to your family.”
Fr. Daniel Schwendeman
“The support and encouragement I received from faculty and staff and brother seminarians exceeded my expectations. I always felt that everyone wanted me to succeed. Sacred Heart provided me with a safe environment where I could grow as an individual and as a future priest. Because of that, my four years at Sacred Heart remain among the happiest in my life.”
Fr. Giannmaria Canu (Italy)
“Every day I receive a message with a word shared by my friends who belong to the movement of “focolarini”. This morning, watching my phone, I found a prophetic ‘daily word’: “nothing is small if you work with love.” When I arrived in America, I was suddenly surprised because of the size of everything: streets, houses, cars, rooms, and people too, all bigger than my small Italy and even bigger than my small island of Sardinia. But after a few days, things appeared really different: I began to appreciate the climate of family in the Sacred Heart house, I was touched by the kindness of teachers, I enjoyed the friendliness of classmates and seminarians, I spent whole lunches talking with Fr. Rector, professors, superiors and staff of SHSST. It was a wonderful experience of God, an experience of closeness, and therefore also of smallness, littleness and evangelical poverty magically (graciously) everything small becomes big, huge, giant. Thank God for this marvelous “great experience of smallness.”
Fr. Ronald Cerda Meza, Diocese of Juigalpa (Nicaragua)
“…Since I arrived until the last day, I did not feel like a student more than one summer course, I felt really welcome, I felt as a family, either with the parents and siblings of the Sacred Heart Community, for which I especially appreciate to Fr. Yvon and Br. Duane; in the same way by the teachers, to the point of sharing with some members of their families and so I take this opportunity to thank Vicki and her husband, Kelly and her family. Really, it was a wonderful day and I felt at home, very happy… (Read more)”
“Native Speakers of Angels’ Language”, Sr. Krista Mijatović
“…In general, the atmosphere at SHSST is very encouraging. Maybe students won’t remember everything they learned in classes, but certainly, they won’t forget the way they were treated. So much respect!… (Read more)”
Most Rev. Richard Gagnon Archbishop of Winnipeg
“The Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Canada, has sent a number of seminarians to Sacred Heart over the years and has been very satisfied with the quality of education and formation available at Sacred Heart.”
Fr. John Clote, OFM Conv., Shrine Administrator, National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe (SHSST Class of 2016)
“Preparing solid and effective priests for the 21st Century in the Catholic Church has many challenges. The academic, spiritual, and pastoral formation I received at Sacred Heart solidified in me a sound concept of the priesthood. My time at Sacred Heart increased in me an authentic zeal for evangelization and commitment to sound interpretation and application of Scripture. It has prepared both my heart and mind. I have made lasting friendships among the students representing the many dioceses. Each year I spent at Sacred Heart I became more appreciative and edified by my experience. Today, as an administrator of a large national shrine, I regularly call upon the competence instilled in me by my instructors and peers. This institution has given me the skills and heart to serve the people of God with genuine concern and charity.”
Fr. Bruce Brylinski, Director of Pre- and Post-Novitiate, Glenmary Home Missioners
“My first experience of Sacred Heart was through my Glenmary students. When I asked them how they were doing, they said they were happy. They were happy with classes, they were happy with teachers, they were happy with spiritual direction. Even the surroundings brought contentment. Overall, it was a good place to be a seminarian….
“All around Sacred Heart is a good fit. Glenmary students are finding Sacred Heart to be a positive experience. They can depend on Sacred Heart to guide them on the path of priesthood. And I can be assured that my students are getting an education that will make them happy.”
Fr. Leo Blasi, Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays, KS (SHSST Class of 2017)
“I was blessed to have the opportunity to do my seminary training for the Diocese of Salina Kansas at SHSST. My experience there was top notch, both because of my classmates and because of the faculty and staff…. Deacon Kramer has clearly brought the Homiletics Department to the highest level; the adjustments that he has made to the education model have made it so that when students have completed the curriculum they feel very comfortable at the pulpit or in front of a class. Truly a blessing to my ministry.
“I would recommend SHSST to anyone, but especially to those who are looking at a vocation to the priesthood later in life.”
Fr. Michael Martin, Associate Pastor, St. Augustine Church, Louisville, KY and Holy Name of Mary Church, Lebanon, KY (SHSST Class of 2017)
“When I decided to discern priesthood with the Archdiocese of Louisville I knew exactly where I wanted to attend seminary: it was Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. From the moment I walked in the door, I knew I was where I belonged.
“I am truly grateful to Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology; I am a priest today because of the excellent education and training they gave me. I am truly blessed by having been a seminarian at Sacred Heart, and I love being a priest for the people of God. I am living proof that God never gives up!
“Thank you, Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology!”
Rev. John Brosmer, Diocese of Evansville, Indiana
Alumnus
I know I received the best formation at Sacred Heart School of Theology. But I received more than that. SHST was the right place for me to be because it’s a community that supports each other. During the six years I was there I experienced several deep losses, members of my immediate family died. The SHST community really supported and encouraged me and gave me the confidence I needed to continue my pursuit of priesthood.
Rev. James Heiser, Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming
Alumnus
Accomplishing my goal of ordination to the priesthood would not have been possible were it not for each and every individual at Sacred Heart School of Theology. Teachers, students, staff have been a wonderful part of my life for the past four short years. And now, as my presence in their lives decreases, I pray that the life and love that is Jesus Christ increases for all of them. For me — I will meet my goal on June 24 when I will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cheyenne. Blessings.
Rev. James Pemberton, Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas
Alumnus
Alma Mater is a Latin phrase that is, for the most part, used with very little reflection on the true meaning of the words. Not so for me. When I think of Sacred Heart School of Theology as my Dear Mother, the words describe my feelings exactly. Sacred Heart has indeed been a mother to me and has formed me with the love and care that any mother would show her child. Sacred Heart not only has reinforced my orthodoxy, but also given me a fresh and broader view of Church. Spiritually, I have gained a more mature perspective, thanks to Sacred Heart’s formation program. I will be eternally grateful to my bishop for sending me to Sacred Heart for my priestly formation. It was a blessing.
Jan Braun
Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I recently heard SHST alumnus Fr. Don Malin, Colorado Springs. Colorado, give a homily for vocations at Mary Queen of Heaven, and what a good homily he gave. Your seminary turns out great priests!! Keep up the good work. Bless you for all you do. Just thought you might be intersted in the good news about one of your graduates.
Rev. Andrew J. Corona, Diocese of Gary, Indiana
Alumnus
In a recent visit to Sacred Heart School of Theology, I once again had time to visit with familiar faces and to meet the new people who now walk the halls of SHST. I am always energized and inspired by the new students as I listen to the stories and aspirations they share about their lives and their journeys towards priesthood. It recalls the same dream I once had, and have now fulfilled in serving God and God’s people. I always tell people that the years I spent at SHST were the happiest of my life . This is not to say that I wasn’t appropriately challenged during my formation. The school prepared me very well to meet the needs of the greater church. Sacred Heart School of Theology is a caring community that wants you to succeed. Their emphasis on pastoral care is outstanding and has prepared me very well in all aspects of my ministry.
Rev. Richard Broussard, Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana
Alumnus
I love my ministry. The most satisfyng aspect of it is being there for people when they are in need. Being a priest allows me to help them. Sacred Heart prepared me well for this part of priesthood.
Rev. Thomas Dieter, Diocese of Joliet, Illinois
Alumnus
When I began my ministry in the Diocese of Joliet, I felt so well prepared to deal with the many responsibilities of being a parish priest. But some-times, when things weren’t going well, it was my memories of Sacred Heart that kept me going. I’ve returned to Sacred Heart for alumni week for 22 years. The seminary rejuvenates my spirit.
Matthew Castiglione
Diocese of Albany — parishioner
I am a member of the Diocese of Albany and personally know several men who are alumni of Sacred Heart. These men, and all those in the diocese that have graduated from SHST I believe, as do many, are well-prepared priests, and not just as presiders and homilists (I have never heard a bad homily from a Sacred Heart graduate) but everything that comprises the role of an ordained priest.
Thank you for preparing these men for service, and I am praying for all your seminarians at Sacred Heart school of Theology. Please continue to fill the United States and Canada with these men to lead our faith communities.
Rev. Robert Guerra, Diocese of Victoria, Texas
Alumnus
When I graduated from Sacred Heart, I was very well prepared for the responsibilities of priesthood. I am confident when I preside at various liturgies and comfortable preaching because of the training I received. The faculty knew how to help me understand the theology and Scripture I was studying. And the spiritual formation program and my spiritual directors helped me understand what it means to be a priest. I love what I’m doing!
Rev. Joseph Manerowski, Diocese of Albany, New York
Alumnus
I appreciate many things about my experience at Sacred Heart School of Theology — the beautiful chapels, so conducive to prayer and community worship, and the campus, wooded and quiet, yet close to Milwaukee and Chicago. I’ve been in ministry for a while and am a pastor now. I realize how valuable the pastoral education program was. It gave me practical experiences to learn from. And I keep going back to my class notes. I can still hear the voices of some of my gifted professors. I know I was fully prepared for all aspects of priesthood, liturgy, preaching, counseling and administration, and I’m grateful.
John Monday
Alumnus, Master of Arts in Theology
I studied for eight years to get my undergraduate degree and at the end of that time, I never wanted to read another book again. After I completed my studies in the Milwaukee archdiocesan deacon program, I was spent and tired of reading. Later, when I studied for the faculties to preach – same thing. After I had completed my preparation for the faculties of witnessing marriages – the same thing happened.
Something different happened to me at Sacred Heart. I learned so many valuable things that I use in my daily ministry. And I still use the SHST library for homily preparation. Beyond that though, studying there developed in me a hunger that I find I must keep feeding. A little over a year after I graduated, I developed my own reading program which has me studying almost every day. SHST has opened doors for me, and I am grateful.
Rev. Lewis W. Eberhart, 2004 Alumnus
Catholic Chaplain at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor Michigan
Thank you all for the education I received while at Cardinal Stritch and Sacred Heart. I especially am indebted to Fr. Hugh Birdsall for his Pastoral Communication classes, I utilize what he taught me daily in patient and staff interactions, it also made CPE classes a breeze.
“Unsung Hero: A Reflection on Cultural Barriers and Stereotypes” by a former ECSP student
“Sacred Heart Thrives in Assisting with ‘Second Vocations'”
Click HERE to read the article from the Catholic Herald about the faith journey of our seminarian, Dcn. Dan Kostelc.
Listen to this podcast about Fr. Christopher Klusman, a graduate of Sacred Heart, about his vocation story and ministry among the deaf community. Click here: CNA Newsroom: “More Than Words”
“A Long and Winding Road to the Priesthood”
Click HERE to read a story from the Catholic Harold featuring our alumni, Fr. Dennis Saran, and the path that lead him to the priesthood.
“Priests Share Their Stories of Hearing Vocation Call Later in Life”
Click HERE to read an article from The Messenger featuring three of our alumni from the Diocese of Belleville sharing their later vocation stories.
God is Calling – ‘Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening’
Deacon Steve Kramer, director of homiletics and director of recruitment at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, is available for an informal meeting where anyone could ask about anything related to feeling called to a vocation. Sacred Heart’s former Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Monica Misey, interviewed Deacon Kramer, to start the conversation. To read the interview, God is Calling – ‘Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening‘ click here.
“Better late than never for a religious vocation”
View another later vocation story here! Catholic Philly Later Vocation Story
Rev. Oliver Omega from the Archdiocese of Winnipeg was baptized and raised catholic. His family migrated to Canada from the Philippines. Rev. Omega had spent 16 years of his life working as a physiotherapist in Canada when he received the call to priesthood. Rev. Omega’s advice to any new or continuing seminarians is to never neglect prayer life despite the workload as a student.
Rev. Patrick LaPointe from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee spent 8 years as a Permanent Deacon. After the passing of his wife Rev. LaPointe discerned and received the call to spend the rest of his life as a priest. Rev. LaPointe’s favorite parts of his time at Sacred Heart were living in the remodeled facilities, and interacting with classmates’ teachers, and staff.
