For over 175 years, Saint Francis de Sales Seminary has formed the minds, hearts and souls of men of all ages discerning their call to the Catholic priesthood. Today, it blends its rich history with new vigor in a priestly formation model designed for the realities of the 21st century.
Fifty-nine seminarians are currently in formation from within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and the Dioceses of Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, and Superior. Seminarians receive academic formation through theology classes at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners. They receive spiritual, human, and pastoral formation at the historic Saint Francis de Sales Seminary campus.
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Permanent Deacon Ministry Formation offers discernment and an admission/selection process for men exploring a vocational calling to the diaconate, and provides specific, multi-cultural formation in the theological, spiritual, pastoral and human dimensions of ordained ministry preparation. The four-year program is tailored to men seeking a deeper, permanent response to be of service to God’s people through ministry in the Church. There are approximately 155 permanent deacons currently serving in the archdiocese.
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Deacon Services Ministry supports the needs of ordained deacons in personal, spiritual, ministerial and personnel matters. It assists in assigning and transferring deacons, in consultation with parishes, where deacons are needed. This ministry fosters the formation program for deacons and engages the Archdiocesan Council of Deacons, assisting with planning the annual deacons’ assembly, publishing a quarterly newsletter, supporting spiritual enrichment for deacons’ wives, and representing the Archdiocese on the regional and national levels regarding matters affecting deacons.
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The Office of Missionary Planning and Leadership supports parish lay leadership. The Office serves parishes in living out this mission through leadership training, transition and organizational coaching, strategic missionary planning, data collection and analysis, the Building Committee proxy process, and norms and manuals for Pastoral Councils, Finance Councils, Trustees, and Parish Committees.
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Vocation Ministry fosters and supports the work of identifying, encouraging, discipling, and inviting qualified candidates to serve as parish priests within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This relational ministry offers opportunities for young men to encounter the Lord through discernment groups, spiritual initiatives, and retreat-based programing. Additionally, Vocation Ministry promotes Women’s Religious and Consecrated life. It also offers supportive services to parish vocation teams and committees, pastors, parish staffs, and all who desire to support a culture of vocations.
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Ministry to Senior Priests provides support to priests adjusting to life as a retired priest. This ministry assists them navigating Medicare, health care, housing issues and spiritual needs. This ministry ensures that Senior Priests remain connected to the Archbishop, Auxiliary Bishops, and other priests in active ministry through various forms of engagement. The Vicar for Senior Clergy offers assistance to the family members of Senior Clergy as various transitions take place.
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