Vocations | Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Seminarians in white in the chapel — House of Studies, Fairfield, Pennsylvania

General Information

A life of devotion, community and vows

Those drawn to this religious community possess a personal devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and commit to fraternal communal living through vows of Chastity, Poverty, Obedience and Perseverance.

A high school diploma is required. The maximum age for entrance is 40, though exceptions may be made based on education and experience. Our House of Studies is located in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. Seminarians study at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Formation programs are adapted to each individual's circumstances.

The process begins by contacting the Vocation Director, followed by visits with the community and a formal application. Upon acceptance, candidates enter a postulancy program lasting six months to one year, followed by a one year novitiate. After the novitiate, candidates profess vows and receive the religious habit. Temporary vows are renewed annually for three to five years before perpetual profession as full members of the congregation.

Vocation Director

Rev. Peter DiTomasso, m.ss.cc

St. Gaetano Errico House of Studies
350 Tract Road, Fairfield, PA 17320
717-457-0114
FrPeterDitomasso@missionofsacredhearts.org

Discernment

Is this the life God is asking of me?

"The first call to give one's life to God in the service of others as a priest or brother may come very early or somewhat later." Discernment is the time to ask honest questions.

Am I drawn to a particular charism or devotion that is intrinsic to my personal spirituality?
Is a life lived within a community of brother priests in fraternal charity and selfless giving one that I believe I want to enter?
Do I understand the demands of the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and perseverance?
Am I willing to be formed for service to God and the Church?

Talk these questions through with a Vocation Director or Spiritual Director. The discernment process has no specific time limit and one is encouraged to research several religious institutes before moving to the application process.

Talk to the Vocation Director

Formation

The stages toward final vows

Formation describes the developmental stages leading to final vows and to ordination as a priest or profession as a brother. Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be U.S. citizens or have permanent residence status. The application includes a life experience questionnaire, sacramental documents, a psychological evaluation and a physical examination.

Six months minimum

Postulancy

The initial stage where the candidate and the community learn about each other. A Postulant is required to live at the formation house and share in our daily life. A minimum of six months is required before acceptance into the Novitiate.

One year

Novitiate

One year of deeper spiritual study and immersion in the charism of the congregation.

Temporary vows, then perpetual

Profession

Following successful completion of the Novitiate, candidates make a profession of vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and perseverance and receive the religious habit. Temporary vows are renewed for three years before perpetual profession.

For candidates to the priesthood

Education

Studies in philosophy and theology culminating in an MA or M.Div. degree. Seminarians attend Mt. St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland while residing at the House of Studies in Fairfield.

Lay Association

A place for the lay faithful since 1846

In 1846 our founder, St. Gaetano Errico, petitioned the Holy Father to establish a "Pious Union of Jesus and Mary" for lay faithful who sought a deeper involvement in devotion to the Sacred Hearts and in support of the congregation.

Today two groups meet near our Linwood and Fairfield communities. The Linwood group meets monthly, opening with prayer, sharing among members and a guest speaker, and closing with Mass. Members study the life and charism of St. Gaetano Errico.

Ask about the Linwood group

God continues to call workers to serve the Family of God