Saint John Vianney
House of Discernment

Basics | Discernment Process | Schedule | Application | Our Patron

Mission

The Saint John Vianney House of Discernment assists men typically between the ages of 20-45 in the discernment and development of a priestly vocation, providing them the foundation for subsequent entry into seminary, through a shared community life of prayer and worship; spiritual, personal and intellectual development; and pastoral service.

Goals

To provide a prayerful environment for residents discerning a call to ministerial priesthood.
To assist in a smooth transition from secular life to seminary formation.
To serve as a welcoming bridge for residents who may come to Alaska from diverse cultures.
To provide the spiritual, personal, pastoral, communal and intellectual tools necessary to help a resident discern a call to ministerial priesthood.

Eligible Candidates

Candidates for residency in the house may either be students who are currently enrolled in university, or men who already possess undergraduate/graduate degrees and are working in the local area. Candidates may be from another state or country, desiring to live in Alaska for a year while continuing their discernment with an eye to determining their suitability to the local climate, culture, customs, etc.

Length of Residency

The standard length of stay is one academic year. Once selected, residents would normally enter the house on August 1st and remain until May of the following year. In special circumstances, residents may be accepted at other times during the year, and residency could be extended for a second year. Near the conclusion of this time, a resident would decide if he intends to apply to the Archdiocese to be considered as a full-time seminarian.