“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
-Matthew 18:20
The St. Cecilia Men’s Group is a brotherhood of Catholic men committed to growing together in faith, friendship, and support. Through prayer, reflection, and open discussion, the group offers a welcoming space to strengthen one’s relationship with God and with one another. Meeting every other Monday from 7:00–9:00 PM, these gatherings—similar to a Bible study—provide encouragement, accountability, and genuine connection. All men of the parish are invited to be part of this faith-filled brotherhood. Meeting at La Rosa’s in Independence, we hope to see you there! For more information, contact Dave Bene at 859-322-1669
The following books have been used by our men’s prayer group as a source of discussion and reference during meetings. The questions at the end of each chapter help guide group discussion. While it has helped shape past conversations, it is not required, and participation does not depend on having a copy. If you’re interested, it can be found at the Amazon link below.
Prayer for Vocations
Please pray one Memorare prayer every day for the increase in holiness and an abundance of priestly vocations for the Diocese of Covington.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us.
Michael Schulte
3rd Year Configuration Stage
Joseph O’Bryan
2nd Year Discipleship Stage
Jacob Schuetter
Propaedeutic Stage
William Fuller
3rd Year Configuration Stage
Evan Ihrig
1st Year Discipleship Stage
Joseph Dierker
Propaedeutic Stage
Propaedeutic Stage
1 year
The beginning stage of seminary discernment and formation. Lays the foundation of a new way of life through prayer, study, fraternity, and appropriate docility for formation.
Discipleship Stage
3–4 years
Second stage of formation. Growth in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the life of mediation, contemplation, philosophical study and the training of the man’s character in Christian virtue.
Configuration Stage
Approximately 4 years total, including 3.5 years of study and formation followed by 6 months of parish ministry as a deacon.
In the configuration Stage, the seminarian prepares more immediately for Holy Orders. His relationship with Christ becomes more intimate and personal. Reception of Candidacy, and conferral of the ministries of lector and acolyte occur during this stage.
Vocational Synthesis Stage
6 months of full-time parish ministry after diaconate ordination.
The final stage of formation, beginning after diaconate ordination. The deacon integrates his formation into the life of ministry through full-time pastoral service, usually in a parish, in preparation for priestly ordination.
Total time: approximately 8½–9½ years from the beginning of formation to priestly ordination, depending on the length of the discipleship stage.
More information can be found on the Diocese of Covington’s official Vocation’s page HERE
