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Seminary Live In Weekend - Twice a year, in November and March, there is weekend for high school juniors and seniors at the Pontifical College Josephinum, a seminary college in Columbus, Ohio. Students travel as a group and spend three days enjoying the fellowship of young men just like themselves who are preparing for the priesthood.

A Day at the Archabbey - Beginning in the spring of 2001, we are planning a day trip to St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe. A bus will take young men from throughout the diocese to tour the basilica, monastery and seminary. We will celebrate Mass and dine with the monks and seminarians. We will also make ample use of the colleges athletic facilities.

The Fraternity of Father Gallitzin - You are not alone as you wonder whether God is calling you to the priesthood. You would be surprised at just how many teenagers there are, just like you, who are wondering about the priesthood. The Fraternity of Father Gallitzin is a community of young men discerning God's call to the priesthood.

What will you find in the fraternity?
A welcoming community of your peers; a gathering for prayer and fellowship; Great conversations on God and the Church; opportunities to meet our bishop, priests, and seminarians; direction and help in gollowing God's call; activities and friendship.

What are some of the activities planned in the fraternity?
Regularly scheduled meetings
Special overnight retreats
Live-in weekends at seminaries
Visits to parishes
Pastoral service to the community
Outdoor sports and activities

What does it take to be a member?
A desire to love and serve God
An interest in serving the Church
A longing to know more about your Faith
A need to understand God's call in your life

How do I join this fraternity?
Begin to offer this fraternity prayer each day:

Loving God, like Father Gallitzin, I want to follow you Son, Jesus. I want to bring His message to the world as so many before me have done. My heart leads me to you , but I'm not always sure how to respond. Let me know what it is you are calling me to do and what life you are asking me to live. Give me the strength to share with others the blessings that have enriched my life. Thank you, God, for hearing my prayer.
Amen.

Then contact:
Rev. Allen P. Zeth
Diocesan Director of Vocations
Prince Gallitzin Chapel House
P.O. Box 99
Loretto, PA 15940
Phone: (814) 472-5441 

The Seminary Program...A Period of Priestly Formation
After college, priesthood candidates move to seminary in a graduate school setting as the next pivotal stop along their spiritual journey. The candidate begins either in Pre-Theology or Theology formation based on his previous priestly formation. The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown affirms and supports the training that the seminary provides, and works in unison with the seminary in the formation of its future priests. This joint approach helps insure the unique gifts and talents of each man are brought to their best service in the Lord's work. Men may be assigned to one of the following seminaries for priestly formation, or another seminary at the discretion of the bishop.

St. Vincent Seminary
Latrobe, PA

Pontifical College Josephinum, School of Theology
Columbus, OH

Pontifical North American College
Rome, Italy

Sacred Heart Seminary*
Hales Corners, WI
*specialized program for older priesthood candidates or "second career" vocations

The seminary experience prepares candidates through academics, community life, pastoral placements and spiritual nurturing. Summer pastoral assignments throughout the Diocese complement the experience with practical application and exposure to the true community of the Church-parish life.

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown offers its candidates spiritual, practical and financial assistance throughout their formation. The ordination of candidates - first to the Diaconate and ultimately to the Priesthood - is the last step in the journey of seminary formation and the first step in the service of God and the Church through Word and Sacrament.