In the Gospels, we are treated to memorable words and actions of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles. The disciples no doubt were amazed, startled, encouraged, attracted and also fearful at times as they journeyed with the One who called them by name. However, what we do not see are the hidden moments in their journey together during Jesus’ three-year public ministry. Part of the charm of the streaming series The Chosen is how the show artistically enters into these hidden moments. There would have been many meals and stories shared around the campfire. Laughter would have been a common sound heard by any passersby.

These hidden moments were foundational to the Apostles’ sense of identity and mission. They knew they were loved by Jesus. They were formed by him in these hidden moments along with the moments that we are blessed to read about in the Word of God. Jesus invested in them: he gave them his time, attention and energy. The Apostles were led on a journey by Jesus, able to listen to him and to ask him questions, hear his stories and be encouraged by his loving presence.

Many young men are experiencing a crisis of loneliness and isolation, fueled by social media. Some are even turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for virtual friendships. With this crisis of isolation comes a crisis of mission, an uncertainty about the meaning of one’s life. Young men are seeking community, accompaniment and formation.

As part of our efforts to live out Pillar 1 of our Diocesan Plan (Love and Support a Unified Presbyterate on Mission), we are revamping our efforts to promote vocations to the priesthood. We have developed a new website (saginawvocations.org) where you can learn more. A team of priests has been formed, and one of the foundational elements of the plan is the beginning of discernment groups. These groups meet weekly for six weeks with a priest facilitator to learn about the priesthood and to hear him share his experiences. It is very hard to discern what you do not know. These help to bridge that gap.

We have only had a few discernment groups so far, but our hope is that these will be a constitutive element of our vocation efforts moving forward. The few we have run have been incredibly fruitful for the lives of the men. The groups are centered around a program called the Melchizedek Project, using Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s book, Priests for the Third Millennium.

The primary goal is to create a climate where more men can enter seminary and discern the priesthood in a more intentional way and be formed to serve the Church as priests. The secondary goal is to invest in the faith of young men. It is likely that many men who enter these groups will not become seminarians. However, their participation in these groups, being able to speak with priests and be open to God’s call in their life, will only lead to blessing in their lives and blessing to the Church. They would benefit any man who is actively practicing his faith, who loves Jesus and who is sincerely open to God’s will in his life, whatever that might be. I invite any man who is interested in receiving support in discerning his vocation to reach out to me at alaframboise@diosag.org if he would like to participate in one of these groups.

I see these discernment groups being like the campfire conversations that Jesus had with the apostles. There was a hidden but powerful formation that took place in those moments, and I believe the same can happen with these groups. Jesus is renewing his Church through his love! May he kindle the faith of men in our Diocese!

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Father Andy Laframboise is pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Reese and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Vassar and director of priestly vocations. He holds a licentiate in Sacred Theology in Marriage and Family Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.

 

This week's Dad Talk will explore the significance of the Baptism of the Lord as depicted in the Gospels, highlighting unique aspects of each Gospel account. It delves into the prophecies of Isaiah, the theological implications of Jesus' baptism, and the universal call of baptism and our responsibilities that come with being heirs in Christ. Please share with a friend, and God bless!

 

Spotify - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/RDghmVJIPZb

 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dad-talk-the-baptism-of-the-lord-cycle-a/id1795067269?i=1000744650291

 

Riverside - https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/8fa107688dd2b29034d6

 

We had three short readings for January 1st's Holy Day of Obligation, but they pack a theological wallop. As we honor Mary, today's Dad Talk will focus on how our relationship with God our Father changed as a result of the incarnation. Please share with a friend, and God bless! Dad

 

Spotify - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/c6pjM2W5zZb

 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dad-talk-solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god-cycle-a/id1795067269?i=1000743443107

 

Riverside - https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/6fa56be3f1b2f4b9087a

 

This Solemnity's readings include one of the most famous passages in the Gospels: the visit of the three magi. There are many mysteries to unpack in this story—including how the Church Fathers ask us to imitate the magi at every Mass we attend—all in today's Dad Talk. God bless! Dad

 

Spotify - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/0yyniBLPDZb

 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dad-talk-solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-cycle-a/id1795067269?i=1000743654098

 

Riverside - https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/9d12d451432121e10704

My Brother Knights,

 

As we await the arrival of 2026, I have been reflecting on the last year.  It has been an honor to witness the amazing accomplishments of our Knights throughout the State of Michigan.  There are so many good things happening!  Membership has slowed recently but we are still on a good pace.  There is a growing interest by younger men to strengthen their faith and be more engaged in the Church.  COR activities are being embraced by many councils, resulting in meaningful adult male faith formation.  Many councils have already made good progress toward the Star Council Award with great execution and reporting of their diverse programs.  We continue to install more ultrasound machines and support pregnancy centers through the ASAP program.  Knights and their families from around the state have gathered to support important events like the Michigan March for Life and for fraternal events like the Detroit Tigers outing.  Many knights including Color Corps members have participated in Special Olympics athletic events and fundraisers.  Michigan was even recognized at the Supreme Convention with an international award in the Life category.  We have fed the hungry, put thousands of coats on kids and donated tens of thousands to support vocations.  Our state leadership team has done a great job to provide training and mentorship, giving councils and council officers the tools they need to be successful.  Mandy and I have personally experienced true Charity in the thousands of occasions you have reached out to offer prayer, encouragement and support.  This is a great fraternity!    

 

For the past six months I have asked you to ASPIRE to do just "a little bit more" and many of you have, improving your councils, districts, dioceses and the State.  Now as we turn into the last six months of the fraternal year I ask you to focus on the RESPONSIBILITY we have as Knights of Columbus, especially as Knights of Columbus leaders.  We are called as Catholics, to evangelize.  We have many opportunities to do this through our vocation as Knights!  We can bring men and their families closer to God through the programs we offer and the resources we have to share.  Our insurance benefits help them protect their families and invest in their future financial security.  Our efforts lead to real conversion by welcoming others to join us.  Take that responsibility seriously.

 

My hope for the New Year is that you will have the courage to invite more Catholic men to join our order.  It is a surprisingly low percentage of registered parishioners who are KofC members.  It may not seem that way as you look around your church but many of those we need to invite, are not regularly attending Mass.  These are the men that can really benefit from membership.  Extend the invitation.  Online membership makes it quick and easy.  Let's start 2026 with a surge of membership growth.  We can have a record year of membership intake if we don't wait for the end to try and get it done.

 

Mandy and I wish you and your family a happy New Year and all the blessings you deserve; maybe even a few you don't.  I hope to see many of you soon at the upcoming diocesan meetings.

 

Peace be with you!

 

 

There is no better way for a District Deputy to end the year than to present an award to his home council. Pictured are DD404, John Huyge presenting a DOUBLE STAR AWARD to PGK Dennis Dreyer at St Peters Church in Douglas, MI. Dennis and the members of council 8687 more than doubled (nearly tripled) their quota for the last fraternal year and provided immeasurable service and charity in the Saugatuck, Douglas and Fennville communities. Congratulations men !!

 

VIVAT JESUS

JRH