Next Steps

The Director of Priest Vocations for the Archdiocese of Washington is Fr. Mark Ivany.  Fr. Scott Woods and Fr. Mario Majano are Assistant Directors of Vocations.

The Office of Priest Vocations runs a number of discernment programs and opportunities that might be of interest to those considering a vocation to the priesthood.

For high school-aged young men, Quo Vadis events throughout the year provide an occasion to meet others discerning the priesthood and to learn more about the process. Quo Vadis events take place throughout the Archdiocese. A yearly "Come and See" weekend in November at Saint John Paul II Seminary is an opportunity to experience seminary life, participate in liturgies with the seminary community, meet the seminarians and faculty, learn about vocational discernment, and spend time with other young men considering the priesthood. Most of all, the summertime Quo Vadis Camp includes several days of relaxation, prayer, and talks oriented to high school aged young men discerning their vocation in life. There are no obligations or fees (aside from a nominal fee for the Camp) to come to a Quo Vadis event, and certainly attending an event is not a commitment to enter the seminary. But it is an excellent opportunity to take an honest look at the possibilities seminary life may hold for you.

For college-aged men, discernment events are scheduled throughout the year, in addition to opportunities offered by your Catholic chaplaincy. A special discernment retreat in February at Saint John Paul II Seminary is open to young men considering the priesthood, including juniors and seniors in college.

For men over college age who are actively considering the priesthood, there are discernment Masses and dinners scheduled throughout the year.  These men are particularly encouraged to attend the discernment retreat in February at Saint John Paul II Seminary.

If you and the Vocation Director decide that it is appropriate to apply for seminary formation, you will fill out an application which includes biographical information as well as a number of essays and short answers. The application process includes interviews with priests, references from others who know you, your educational history and transcripts, a background check, and a psychological evaluation, which is arranged and paid for by the Office of Priest Vocations. It is a lengthy, but also fruitful, process for those who are considering the call to the priesthood.

Please contact Fr. Mark Ivany for more information.