The St. John Paul II Shepherd’s Guild is made up of people like you who support young men discerning the priesthood.
The 27 seminarians in the Diocese of Fort Worth come from different walks of life and are at different places in their seminary journey such as:
- Preparatory Stage or Propaedeutic Stage: Ten men are in the early years of discernment and study for the priesthood. They are beginning their first or second year of studies at St. Joseph seminary in Louisiana. This stage aims to provide seminarians the foundation they need for a new way of life by developing habits of prayer, study, fraternity, trust and appropriate docility to formation.
- Discipleship and Formation Stage: 14 men are in their discipleship state which is a systematic and rigorous formation that has at its core the goal of growing in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through a life of meditation and contemplation, as well as formation in virtue. The study of philosophy occurs during this stage.
- Pastoral Year: Two men are serving at two parishes in the Diocese this year allowing them to encounter Christ in the people of God. Watch here.
- Ordination Year: Deacon Isaac McCracken will be ordained in May of 2025. Your support with help with ordination expenses.
A membership in the St. John Paul II Shepherd’s Guild will continue to strengthen the culture of vocations in the Diocese of Fort Worth through the following:
- Spiritual Opportunities: Generosity of prayer is an important way to deepen our faith and foster vocations. Join Guild members in daily prayer for our seminarians and at prayer events held across the Diocese.
- Educational Opportunities: Be an ambassador for vocations in our Diocese as you learn about the Program of Priestly Formation at Shepherd’s Guild events.
- Financial Support for Seminarians: Financially support the education and formation of our Seminarians as they continue to discern their vocation to the priesthood.
To learn more about a $2,500 annual membership to the St. John Paul II Shepherd's Guild that supports our seminarians and provides one individual or a couple with two annual opportunities to join together in worship and fellowship with Bishop Olson and the seminarians, please visit: https://www.advancementfoundation.org/sjp2-shepherds-guild.
Who We Are
The St. John Paul II Shepherd’s Guild engages lay Catholics in the pastoral work of fostering vocations in the Diocese of Fort Worth. The Shepherd’s Guild hosts spiritual and educational opportunities for members for their understanding of priestly vocations, and provides financial support for our Diocesan seminarians.