Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

The Diocese of Tucson's Office of Vocations has launched a new initiative aimed at helping men discern their vocations. Called Kino Discernment Nights, these monthly dinners provide an opportunity for unmarried men under 50 to gather, share a meal, and engage in discussions about the priesthood and religious life.

Named after Venerable Padre Kino, the patron of the desert borderlands, these evenings seek to emphasize the universal call to holiness. Catholics have the choice between sacramental marriage, consecrated single life, and religious life as priests, sisters, and brothers. The central question is which vocation best leads individuals to unity with God in heaven.

"We had a great start to our Kino Discernment Nights at St. Augustine Cathedral," said Fr. Alan Valencia, Director of Vocations. "Our first discussion focused on that pivotal moment in our lives when we were moved to ask the big question: is God calling me to be a priest?"

Fr. Alan highlighted the significance of recognizing the specific moment when one first hears God's call. "It is a moment when we notice God's tremendous love staring at us deep into our soul and gently calling us to follow Him into the depths and to the heights."

The Kino Discernment Nights are open to men at all stages of discernment, whether they are just starting to consider the priesthood or have already submitted an application to attend seminary. Fr. Alan encourages all men to explore the possibility of priesthood and religious life, urging them not to assume they are called to married life.

"I want to invite all men currently discerning priesthood to join us in our next Kino Discernment Night for some prayer, dinner, good fellowship, and thought-provoking conversations about priesthood and discernment," he said.

The upcoming Kino Discernment Nights will be held on February 26th, April 22nd, and June 3rd. Men interested in attending are requested to RSVP to Sophia Herrera at sherrera@diocesetucson.org.

Through these gatherings, the Diocese of Tucson hopes to foster a sense of fraternity among men discerning their vocations, providing them with a supportive environment to explore their calling and deepen their faith. Kino Discernment Nights offer an opportunity for men to come together, share their experiences and insights, and grow in their understanding of what it means to follow God's call.

As the Diocese of Tucson continues to encourage men to discern their vocations, the Kino Discernment Nights serve as a valuable resource for those seeking guidance and community on their journey towards priesthood or religious life.