Course 1
Priesthood 101
Explore the sacred ministry of the priest: what it’s like to say Mass, hear confessions, preach, and be the spiritual father of a parish community.
Course 2
Discernment Basics
Learn to discern a call to the priesthood: signs of a priestly vocation, overcoming fears, and cheerfully discerning celibacy.
Course 3
Priesthood 201
Learn and discuss priestly life: celibacy, the Liturgy of the Hours, obedience, simplicity of life, and the day-to-day ministry and spirituality of a priest.
Course 4
Discernment to Decision
Learn about seminary, the stages of discernment, and how to take the next practical steps toward seminary—or peacefully close the door.
WHAT IS THE MELCHIZEDEK PROJECT?
Discerning Priesthood Together
The Melchizedek Project helps Catholic men explore the priesthood in a small group where they find support and fraternity. Together, they discuss the priesthood, listen for God’s voice, and learn how to answer His call.
Most discernment groups are formed on college campuses, with others held at local parishes and Catholic high schools. Nearly all groups are led by a priest who provides spiritual leadership, often with lay leaders providing support. Groups meet for six weeks in a row, discussing important aspects of the priesthood and how to “diligently discern” one’s vocation.
Discernment in Community
“Often those experiencing a call from the Lord feel isolated. The Melchizedek Project not only gives them good information, but also allows them to form good and holy friendships. It gives a glimpse of priestly fraternity.”
Fr. Kevin Bordelon, Lafayette, LA
MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS
Refreshed
and Re-Imagined
The Melchizedek Project was conceived by Fr. Brett Brannen. He has joined forces with Fr. Michael Pratt, who has developed an excellent approach to running effective discernment groups. Combining expertise means that leaders will have excellent, proven methods for helping men discern a vocation to priesthood.
The recent refresh improves group dynamics
and adds additional content:
Robust training for group leaders
Four options for six-week discernment groups
Two courses use To Save a Thousand Souls
Two courses use Priests for the Third Millennium
New field guides for participants
Leaders who complete the training sessions receive free field guides and discounted books
New Leader Guide
Short intorductory videos to watch in group meetings
Thank you for
this fantastic ministry
“The Melchizedek Project is awesome! Thank you so much for giving us an opportunity to encourage young men to consider what Our Lord is calling them to do regarding their vocation. I thought we were only going to have a few students this year. We actually have ten men that began meeting this week. The book is awesome and the discussion questions are very good. Thank you and may God bless you and this fantastic ministry.”
Fr. Mike Kuhn, Old Dominion University
★★★★★
The Best Approach
to Discernment
The Melchizedek Project began in 2012 and has spread to more than 140 dioceses in the US and worldwide. Many Vocation Directors say it is the single best approach for helping men take the next step toward seminary if they are called.
Discernment Groups
Young Catholic Men
Dioceses
★★★★★
The Best Approach
to Discernment
The Melchizedek Project began in 2012 and has spread to more than 140 dioceses in the US and worldwide. Many Vocation Directors say it is the single best approach for helping men take the next step toward seminary if they are called.
Discernment
Groups
Young
Catholic Men
Dioceses
We’ve had twelve men from our program enter the seminary
“The Melchizedek Project prompts great discussion and helps many of our young men understand discernment, seminary life, and what the Church looks for in candidates for priesthood. The guys tell me all the time how much the book and our program has helped them understand if seminary is a good fit for them. In the last five years, we’ve had twelve men from our program enter the seminary… It is truly making a difference in the lives of our young people seeking to follow God’s will.”
Fr. Mike Scherschel, Chicago
I know my sheep and my sheep know me
Leader Training
Potential group leaders are asked to attend three online training sessions taught by other experienced priest-leaders. These sessions teach important principles about inviting young men, maintaining healthy group dynamics, and leading discussion. We’ll also walk you through the service project and social outing, which are important aspects of building camaraderie. We’ve found that after training, both priests and lay leaders feel much more confident as they start their own groups.
