Are you being called?
Find answers to help you discern the Lord’s call for your vocation.
Learn More
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Founded in 1832 by Reverend Francis Patrick Kenrick, third Bishop of Philadelphia, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s mission is to form priests to be shepherds after the heart of Jesus Christ, and permanent deacons, religious and lay men and women for various forms of ministry, service, and discipleship.
VISIT WEBSITENEW LOCATIONRELOCATION EFFORTIMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHAPEL
Resources for the Curious and Interested
Religious orders of men, communities of women religious, and organizations focusing on
Catholic outreach to youth and young adults associated with our monthly speakers.
Franciscan Resources
Learn more about, and hear more from, our patron saint’s religious community:
the Order of Friars Minor
ORDO FRATRUM MINORUM
Franciscan Friars
The Order of Friars Minor was founded by St. Francis of Assisi. The friars give themselves totally to God, their supreme love; through profession of obedience, poverty and chastity, which they are to live in the spirit of Saint Francis.
LEARN MORECommission on the FRANCISCAN
INTELLECTUAL-SPIRITUAL TRADITION
This site is a resource for anyone who is interested in bringing the spiritual heritage of Francis and Clare of Assisi to people today.
LEARN MOREVOCATIONS INFORMATION
Province of the Immaculate Conception,
Order of Friars Minor
Formation is based a personal encounter with the Lord and begins with the call of God and the individual’s decision to walk with St. Francis.
LEARN MOREBREAKING THE HABIT
Video Series
Breaking in the Habit is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in and/or discerning the Franciscan life. Fr. Casey Cole, OFM, started Breaking in the Habit when he was a postulant.
WATCH NOWBIOGRAPHY OF
ST. JUNIPERO SERRA
In character Serra was eager, optimistic, zealous, dynamic, even adamantine. Primarily a man of action, he preferred the active apostolate to the classroom or to writing.
READ ARTICLEST. FRANCIS AND THE WORD OF GOD
by Jovian Weigel, OFM
The Franciscan life is a high calling. But if God has given us this vocation, he will also give us his grace to carry it out.
FRANCISCAN CONNECTIONS
Franciscan Connections is an international Franciscan blog that connects, communicates, and conveys the best of Franciscan learning in the twenty-first century.
LEARN MORESerrra Club of Philadelphia Guest Speaker: FR MICHAEL DELLA PENNA, OFM, Ph.D.
Order of Friars Minor, Province of the Immaculate Conception
Pastor, St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, Boston (North End)
Spiritual Director, Silent Children’s Mission
“Living Junipero Serra’s Inspiration Today: We Are All Missionaries”
July 19, 2022
Vocations Resources for Families
USCCB VOCATIONS RESOURCES
A lack of vocations follows from the breakdown of the family, yet where parents are generous in welcoming life, children will be more likely to be generous when it comes to the question of offering themselves to God.
READ NOWCALLED: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SAYING YES TO GOD
Christian life doesn’t end with a profession of faith or hearing of God’s call. That’s when it begins. This book reflects on realities that are common to anyone who is serious about living a sincere Christian life and trying to follow the message of Jesus in the Gospels.
BUY NOWMOTHER ALFRED AND THE NEED FOR WOMEN RELIGIOUS
Mother Alfred left her home as a young woman; crossed the ocean; became a religious; followed her instincts and sense of mission; and presided over the development of an order of sisters who built and staffed numerous institutions of healing and teaching.
READ NOWHANDBOOK FOR SERRANS
Handbook for Serrans Called to Holiness: A Serran’s Guide to the Spiritual Life is packed full of information about how to live as a Serran, a member of the global apostolate for vocations in the Catholic Church.
BUY NOWMEN OF BRAVE HEART
In this book, Archbishop Jose´ H. Gomez, Archdiocese of San Antonio, discusses the moral and spiritual formation of priests and how they courageously respond to the deepest vocation in life.
BUY NOWPRIESTS FOR THE THIRD MILLENIUM
A book that speaks frankly about the tough issues priests face today, offering Christ-centered solutions, and renewing the joy of being Catholic in the heart of seminarians, priests, and the people they serve.
BUY NOWFOR LOVE ALONE, DVD
An incredibly powerful 16-minute film about women’s religious life. From the creators of Fishers of Men, this film reveals the joys discovered by women who live For Love Alone.
BUY NOWFISHERS OF MEN, DVD
This film is an incredibly inspiring look into the lives of priests and the beauty of a vocation to the priesthood.
BUY NOWDISCERNING RELIGIOUS LIFE
A comprehensive guide to help women discern Religious Life with clarity, confidence, and joy. Foreword by Cardinal Dolan.
BUY NOWVocations Resources for Children and Teens
THE UNSOLVABLE PROBLEM
The Unsolvable Problem introduces kids to Sr. Mary Andy and her lovable convent of sisters, who encounter a big dilemma as they plan a patriotic picnic for the poor. Along the way, kids will learn about convent life, little prayers to Jesus, why to obey the convent bells, and what do when they encounter life’s problems, big and small.
BUY NOWTHE LIGHT IN YOU
In The Light in You, Sister Mary Andy visits Antonio, a lonely neighbor who lives with his dog, Star, in a dark New York City apartment. Cheering him up with simple presents and a listening ear, the Sisters finally offer Antonio the best gift of all: an encounter with Jesus at Midnight Mass.
BUY NOWTHE BIGGEST FAMILY EVER
Sister Mary Andy is getting ready for the day she has been dreaming of for years—her final vows. Like any bride preparing for a wedding, she is excited, happy, and a little worried too. See just how much the Heart of Jesus can hold in Biggest Family Ever!
BUY NOWGREAT MISSIONARIES THROUGH THE AGES
Follow the inspiring adventures of 15 great men and women who traveled to faraway lands, often risking their lives, to share their love for Jesus. Discover how they overcame great challenges to spread the Gospel.
Full of fascinating stories, beautiful illustrations, maps, and historic information, this captivating book will inspire children to be a great missionary too!
THE WOMEN DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH
The Women Doctors of the Church is a beautifully illustrated introduction to four extraordinary women who have helped shape the Church. Written especially for Catholic families, this book brings these amazing women to life for young hearts and minds, reminding us that we are all called to be saints — and maybe even someday Doctors of the Church!
BUY NOWReading, Viewing, Listening, and Reflecting Suggestions
Our readers tell us they appreciate our list of suggested liturgical season and other timely books, videos, and music CDs. See the various lists shared below — a variety of choices for adults, young adults, and children. Many make great gifts, too.
ST. SERRA RESOURCESFALL-WINTER 2025 ODDS & ENDSADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2025SUMMER 2025 PART IISUMMER 2025 ODDS & ENDSSUMMER 2025 PART ILENT & EASTER 2025ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2024CHRISTMAS 2023