Formation of Diocesan Seminarians: A Pastoral Care of the Diocesan Vocation Office

Bishop Murphy delivered this address to the National Conference of Diocesan Vocational Directors in Kansas City, MO. The main thrust of his remarks is that the seminary and the local diocese should establish a corporate enterprise – one that values open dialogue, mutual discourse and shared responsibility. In his view, “Today, a diocese is not allowed the luxury of absolving itself from the involvement with the formation of priesthood candidates. … In turn, the seminary must welcome and expect the participative role of a diocese or of parishes with a diocese where a seminary is present.”