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Welcome to our Serra Spotlight page! Each month we will post a new article featuring topics or individuals of interest to Serrans and supporters of Catholic religious vocations.
Deacon Isaac Hilger's Vocation Reflection
Deacon Isaac Hilger's Vocation Reflection
By Teresa Selby Fink
May 1, 2026
As Reno County seminarian, Deacon Isaac Hilger’s priestly ordination draws near, he was kind enough to send us a reflection regarding his journey to the priesthood, and his words are a beautiful testament to listening for God’s Will in his life. His primary desire has always been to serve others and do the work of Christ.
Can you tell me a little about your vocation story, specifically, when you first felt called to become a priest?
One of the many graces that come from baptism is our soul is given a Christian character. We are in a way set apart from the world, for the mission given to us by Christ at the end of Mathew’s Gospel to spread the gospel and make believers of all nations. It is believed that in this character is also the beginnings of each of our specific Vocation. Though I could not have known exactly what that was when I was baptized as an infant, the Holy Spirit was already at work in my life.
My first inkling of what the Lord had in store for me was when I was in the second grade at St. Joe Ost Catholic School. As we learned about the sacraments and the saints I was fascinated by the idea of a consecrated life. how so many of the Saints were consecrated people who devoted their whole lives to Christ. I greatly anticipated my own participation in the Sacraments and the Lord did not let me down. I can remember the weightlessness after my First Confession, the healing remedy of being able to tell Jesus my sins with true contrition and hear His words through my Pastor telling me that I was forgiven. Then in receiving my First Communion, being able to wonder at the great mystery of the Blessed Sacrament. I recall seeing my Pastor consecrate the Eucharist and thinking to myself how amazing that was, How I could do that and how I wanted to do that. So then that is all I wanted to be, at least for the first few months after making my first communion.
As I grew and went through grade school and High School, that dream faded quickly, as I found out that there was a lot of schooling necessary for priestly formation, and I didn’t consider myself to be very smart. Further, I also saw the beauty of married life. As the youngest of 13, I had many siblings and the example of my parents to look up to. I saw two people who were able to love each other and their family through thick and thin. I also saw the fire of newlyweds in my siblings who were then being married off. All this in mind, I had given myself reasons that I shouldn’t be a priest and should just do what seemed to be the “normal thing.” Yet I can also remember in all this time having a constant urge to ask the Lord what He wanted, to pray for God’s will to be done in me.
My own plan after high school was to join the military, this would be the way I could serve our nation and, in some way, get a leg up on life, since college seemed to me like an impossible track for me. But this plan was halted in my senior year of high school when, after eight years of battling cancer, my mom passed away at the age of 60. Even in the last month of her life, my life came to a halt. Much time was spent waiting, unsure of what would come next, many prayers for a miracle soon changed to prayers for a happy death, and for the strength of my family who would be left. God answered these prayers on the morning of Mom’s passing, time moved very slowly many tears were shed, yet amidst the grief was a sense of peace and resignation. As the mortuary processed her body out of the house, my family standing on the front porch noticed one of the most beautiful sunrises, something I held deep in my heart. After some time of simply existing, it was time for Mass, time to celebrate the passion death and resection of our Lord. Looking back, I can’t imagine anything more appropriate.
After mom’s death one that was so peaceful and beautiful, I wish I could say my devotion and prayer life deepened and I knew exactly what God wanted, but this was not to be. Thanks to my upbringing I never drifted too far from the Faith but in my grief, I searched for happiness in many places that only left me empty and longing for something real, something good, true and beautiful. I thank God that his grace sustained me and drew me back as after graduation I now had to decide how I would need to become a man, and one that could give myself to another.
In the year after high school I knew I could not promise the military my best in such a fragile state, some advice that was given to me, not to make any big decisions in that first year after losing a loved one. So, I found work in the small City of Andale as a Maintenance Operator. This job was right up my alley as I have the desire to serve people, and each day brought new Drew to which I could work with my own hands to solve. It was during Lent of that year that I decided to “do it right” daily Mass, time in prayer, among other offerings became my priority. Here, is the point in time, when I was single and still searching for what my life was going to be, is when I decided to discern more seriously what God wanted me to do.
So, after a few weeks of debating with myself I called the vocations office and began the application for seminary. The first step to a very long journey. As I began this discernment, it was heavy on the back of my mind that I would probably not be accepted, or if I was, that I wouldn’t last long in formation. By God’s good grace I was able to pas the classes, learn to really pray, learn more about God and myself, and receive some of the best human formation a guy could ask for. Each time that I would go back in prayer (not just in my own head but in prayer) asking the Lord what his will was for me I found that I was where He wanted me, and so many times in ministry I found Priesthood is what I truly desired as well.
Which seminary are you attending?
I began in the House of Formation in Wichita, the year I started was the second year that the program had been around. Mine was the first class to go through all 4 years of the program. I remember my time at the house of formation as a time of great growth mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Great friendships were made that I’m sure will spend our lifetime with those who stayed in and those who discerned to leave. I found new confidence in my ability to learn, and to teach, and above all I learned that in the unique way that God made me I will be able to serve the people of God with the talents that I’ve been given.
After my four years at the House, I was sent to Mundelein Seminary in Chicago for theological studies and four more years of formation. The blessing of going to Major seminary are many among them is becoming connected to future priest from all over the country, and leaving the diocese helps one grow in appreciation for the good things going on back home! An unique part of Mundelein’s formation is the internship semester in the second year. At this point of my formation I was feeling quite burnt out and considering once again leaving formation, but in the time on internship I found two very important truths...1. Ministry as a priest is not the same as being in seminary. 2 My heart had never been more full than when I was able to serve full-time in a parish. On internship, I became convicted that the Priesthood is my vocation and not long after this experience did I stop looking back at the life I could live in some other vocation and set my sights on being a Priest.
What are you most looking forward to as a priest?
As I look forward to becoming a priest I find that I am most looking forward to doing the things that lead me to want to be a Priest, that is above all, to standing in the person of Christ to offer God’s forgiveness of sin and making present His sacred body and blood for the people of God. As I have always felt the call to serve others, to do the work of Christ, I look forward to giving all of myself to this work in a full and very real way.
How would you encourage other young men who are considering a vocation to the priesthood?
I would say to anyone who is considering their vocation, to seek first the Kingdom of God. If you feel any inclination to priesthood or religious life, then don’t hesitate to discern more seriously. Time in formation is not lost. Whatever you discern is God’s will for you. You will not regret the time spent learning more about yourself and our Lord!
"Leo from Chicago"
"Leo from Chicago"
The Vatican documentary on Pope Leo XIV's United States roots, featuring sit-down interviews with his brothers, John and Louis Prevost, and others.
A Decade of Global Prayer
A Decade of Global Prayer
by Teresa Selby Fink
October 1, 2025
Jesus promises us in Matthew 18:20, “…where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
So, we can trust that He is in our midst on the last Saturday of each month when our global Serra Club community joins together to pray a rosary for vocations. And He has been present for this rosary each month since August 2015.
The rosary begins at 8:00 a.m. Central time—again, on the last Saturday of the month—and anyone who wishes to join in can do so by going to: https://serrainternational.org/resources/.
According to Serra Club International, past Serra International President Tim O‘Neill (from Serra Club of Omaha) came up with the idea of the global rosary. And he coordinates and leads the rosary each month even to this day.
This rosary is a monthly reminder that Serra Club is truly an international club. It’s also a reminder that when we pray with one voice, our voice is powerful.
May we members of Serra International continue to lift that powerful voice up in prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life for decades to come. And may God’s Will be done in each person He has called into His Service.
Serra International Celebrates 90th Year at Convention
Serra International Celebrates 90th Year at Convention
by Mari Mesh
August 1, 2025
Serra International celebrated its 90th year with the Serra International Convention in Kansas City.
Ana and Bill Rumback, Mari Mesh, and Dian Pauly were able to attend the convention this past June, along with several Serrans from the three other Serra Clubs in the Wichita Diocese, plus Father Ken Shuckman, Wichita Diocese Serran Chaplain.
We enjoyed fellowship, spiritual (daily Mass, adoration hours, global rosary), and outstanding presentations from renowned speakers alongside our fellow Serrans from around the world. We came back with ideas to grow our membership while following the mission.
Below are just a few of the speakers.
Most Rev. James V. Johnston, Bishop, Diocese of Kansas City, Saint Joseph: The official start of the Serra International convention began with a Mass at the Cathedral with Bishop James V. Johnston as the celebrant. He emphasized the importance of the Serra International effect on vocations during the homily.
Cardinal Thomas T. Collins, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto: Cardinal Collins is the Episcopal Advisor for Serra International. He was appointed Archbishop of Edmonton in 1999 and subsequently became Archbishop of Toronto in 2007. Cardinal Collins spoke of his experience with the recent Conclave in which Pope Leo XIV was elected.
Bishop Thomas Daly, DD, Diocese of Spokane, WA: Bishop Daly is the national chaplain for Serra International. He shared his spiritual journey, beginning with his baptism in San Francisco, followed by his grade school and high school Catholic education, and eventually into St. Patrick Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California, where he received his formation. After becoming a priest, he highlighted his enduring commitment to Catholic education as a faculty member at Marin Catholic High School in Kenfield, California, for over 10 years. He currently serves as chairman of the USCCB Committee on Catholic Education. Pope Francis named him the seventh Bishop of Spokane on March 12, 2015.
Stephen Minnis, President, Benedictine College: Since Minnis became President of Benedictine College in 2004, Benedictine has been named one of the top 20 Catholic Universities. Minnis spoke of his journey to grow Benedictine College, which included the college formally consecrating itself to Mary in 2013, asking her to bless and intercede on its behalf. It was at this point that enrollment increased from 1000 to over 2000 students.
Rev. Paul Sheller, OSB, Director of Spiritual Formation, Conception Seminary College: Rev. Paul Sheller spoke about his current role as Director of Spiritual Formation at Conception Seminary College, which serves the same role as the House of Formation.
St. Joseph House of Formation in Wichita Bears Much Fruit
St. Joseph House of Formation in Wichita Bears Much Fruit
by Teresa Selby Fink
July 1, 2025
The Diocese of Wichita was slated to be honored “as a standout model for seminary formation” by the Dicastery for the Clergy at a global vocations event attended by Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, June 26, 2025, according to a recent report by Vatican News.
What makes our diocesan model for forming future priests stand out?
One standout feature is the St. Joseph House of Formation.
But what is that, and where is it located?
The St. Joseph House of Formation is a local program for the formation of diocesan seminarians, housed on the campus of its namesake parish in Wichita, Kansas. An April 2017 article in the Catholic Advance stated that Bishop Carl A. Kemme initially approved it as a two-year program, during which the seminarians would learn firsthand about parish ministry and begin their undergraduate studies at Newman University. After those two years, each seminarian still discerning his vocation would attend a diocesan-selected seminary, where he would complete his Philosophy degree and then remain for four more years of discernment and formation.
Newman University reported in 2018 that the program was so successful in its first year that a third year of local study was added to its model. And in the spring of 2019, the university reported it was opening a new School of Catholic Studies that fall—including formation studies—and the diocese extended its formation program to four years. Consequently, future Wichita seminarians would complete their Philosophy degree at Newman University before being sent to a diocesan-selected seminary for their final four years of discernment and formation.
A 2024 diocesan article indicated that having the program housed on the St. Joseph campus has been a blessing beyond measure. It has expanded well beyond initial expectations—not just in years, but in the number of seminarians participating. As it grew, more housing became available on or near the campus each time the need arose. Now, three dormitories house seminarians.
In a 2024 YouTube video, current House of Formation director, Rev. Chad Arnold, stated he’s witnessed other blessings associated with this program as well. One such blessing has been the relationships the men develop with their fellow seminarians as they live and work together. Knowing and being friends with so many of their fellow seminarians is not typical in American dioceses.
A second blessing has been the relationships they develop with the bishop during his regular visits with them throughout their four years at the house. By the time they head on for their final for years of formation, they know the bishop well and he knows them, which is also not typical in American dioceses.
A third blessing has been the proximity to each seminarian’s family of origin, allowing the seminarians to attend special family events much easier than they would if they were living in a seminary several states away.
And finally, a fourth blessing has been the retention of seminarians. More seminarians remain in formation for longer periods of time than they did before the St. Joseph House of Formation was established.
It’s easy to see why the St. Joseph House of Formation was celebrated “as a standout model of seminary formation” in Rome last week. Its blessings are many, not just for those involved in the program, but for the entire diocese. By the Grace and Will of God, may those blessings continue for many years to come.
Sources:
https://mag.newmanu.edu/st-joseph-house-formation-partnership-success/
Unveiling the Sacrament of Holy Orders
Unveiling the Sacrament of Holy Orders
By Teresa Selby Fink
June 1, 2025
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, seven seminarians in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wichita were ordained as transitional deacons. And on Saturday, May 24, 2025, three transitional deacons were ordained as diocesan priests.
But what does it mean to be ordained?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ordained is the past tense form of the transitive verb ordain, and it means “to invest officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or priestly authority.”
In paragraph 1538 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it says “Today the word ‘ordination’ is reserved for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, presbyters, or deacons, and goes beyond a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community, for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a ‘sacred power’ (sacra potestas) which can only come from Christ Himself through His Church.”
That sacramental act—the laying on of hands and the consecratory prayer by the bishop are the matter and form of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. That act is conferred during a special Mass known as an Ordination Mass.
What does the Ordination Mass look like?
It typically takes place in the Diocesan Cathedral, or in the home parish of one of the candidates being ordained, or in another important parish in the diocese. Or, if the priests being ordained are members of a religious community, the Ordination Mass takes place in that community’s church.
The bishop is the minister of the sacrament and, therefore, the main celebrant for the Ordination Mass. All the priests in the diocese are invited to concelebrate with him.
Like any Mass, it begins with the procession. According to the Roman Pontifical, “A deacon carries the Book of Gospels and is followed by other deacons, if present. They are followed by those to be ordained, then the concelebrating priests, and, finally, the Bishop and, slightly behind him, the two deacons who assist him.” (In the Wichita diocese, two priests assist the bishop.) Upon reaching the altar, they offer a sign of reverence and go to their assigned places.
The Mass continues in its usual way through the Liturgy of the Word, after which the ordination of the priests begins. On behalf of the faithful in the diocese, those being ordained are presented to the bishop for ordination by a priest assigned to help in the formation of the candidates. He asks for confirmation that there are no doubts concerning the candidates’ readiness to be ordained. After receiving that confirmation, he proceeds with his homily.
Proceeding the homily, the candidates are called by name and they present themselves together to the bishop. They promise him they will remain close to Christ each day, will fulfill their duties as priests of the Roman Catholic Church, and will respect and be obedient to him and his successors. The candidates then prostrate themselves on the altar during the recitation of the Litany of the Saints.
When the litany is done, each candidate individually kneels in front of the bishop for the laying on of hands. The candidates then kneel side-by-side on the altar and each priest of the diocese lays their hands on them as well to signify their incorporation into the priesthood. That is followed immediately by the Prayer of Ordination. Part of the prayer reads, “Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to these, your servants, the dignity of the priesthood; renew deep within them the Spirit of holiness; may they henceforth possess this office which comes from you, O God, and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of their manner of life, may they instill right conduct.” The Roman Pontificat states that these words “…pertain to the nature of the reality effected and are consequently required for the validity of the act.”
The new priests are then invested by a priest mentor with a priestly stole and chasuble. Once invested, each new priest kneels individually in front of the bishop again for the anointing of hands with the holy chrism oil. And after the bishop receives the Offertory gifts, they kneel in front of him once more for the handing over of the bread and wine. They then stand for the kiss of peace by the bishop and all the priests of the diocese.
The Mass proceeds with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the new priests concelebrate this liturgy with the bishop by reading parts of the Eucharistic prayer. They then act as ministers of Holy Communion for the faithful who are receiving Him.
During the final blessing of the Mass, the bishop bestows one more blessing on the newly ordained priests, and they immediately precede him during the recessional procession.
Ordination Masses—whether for a deacon, a priest, or a bishop—are beautiful to behold. They are abundant in grace and rich in the history and tradition of the Catholic Church. It is this writer’s opinion that every Catholic should experience at least one Ordination Mass in their lifetime, even if they don’t know the candidates being ordained.
Catholic Deacons: Servants of Christ and His Church
Catholic Deacons: Servants of Christ and His Church
By Teresa Selby Fink
May 1, 2025
When you hear of a man being ordained a deacon, you may have the following questions in mind:
What is a deacon?
What does a deacon do?
Who can be ordained a deacon?
Will they always remain a deacon?
How does their ordination differ from a priestly ordination?
How long has the Catholic Church been ordaining deacons?
Does our diocese ordain both permanent and transitional deacons?
Do I know any seminarians who will be ordained a deacon this spring?
According to an article about permanent deacons released by Catholic Courier in September 2024, the word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, which translates to "servant." The meaning of the word applies to a transitional deacon as well. Diaconate ordination leaves a permanent mark on a man's soul, and makes him "a servant of the Church."
A deacon's purpose is threefold, whether he is a transitional or permanent deacon. He is to serve the church through acts of word (e.g., reading the gospel and giving a homily, leading the faithful in prayers), sacrament (e.g., performing baptisms, witnessing marriages), and charity (e.g., gathering resources to assist those in need).
A Catholic man may be ordained a deacon after years of extensive study, prayer, formation, and the approval of his bishop.
Permanent deacons tend to be more advanced in age than transitional deacons, and may be married. Their diocese may require them to obtain a master's degree or graduate certificate in a particular field of study before their ordination.
Transitional deacons are most often in their late twenties or early thirties, they have more leeway in the undergraduate and graduate degrees they earn, and are not married.
Once ordained a deacon—permanent or transitional—a man may not marry without a special dispensation from Rome.
Permanent deacons remain a deacon for as long as their name indicates—permanently.
Transitional deacons typically remain a deacon for just one year as they continue their study, prayer, and formation for the priesthood. Simply stated, once their priestly ordination occurs, they are no longer a deacon.
According to article 29 in Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, Lumen Gentium, when a bishop ordains a deacon, he lays his hands on him "not unto the priesthood, but unto a ministry of service." This puts a deacon lower than a priest, but higher than a lay person in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
Deacons have been a part of the Church hierarchy since the days of the early Church. In chapter six of the Acts of the Apostles, St. Steven, the first martyr, along with six other men, was chosen to be a deacon by Peter and the Apostles. They needed assistance ministering to the Church as the number of believers grew. As that number grew, so did the number of deacons.
The Catholic Courier article mentioned above indicates the number of permanent deacons began to decline in the fifth century. But their numbers increased again in the mid-twentieth during the Second Vatican Council.
A diocese is not required to offer permanent diaconate ordination, so the Wichita diocese focuses on formation of the seminarians who will be ordained as transitional deacons and then priests.
Reno County seminarian, Isaac Hilger, is scheduled to be ordained as a transitional deacon on May 22, 2025. Please pray for him as he continues his discernment to the priesthood.
https://catholiccourier.com/articles/why-do-catholics-have-permanent-deacons/
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/dogmatic-constitution-on-the-church-1513
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