Episode #96--"Every Vocation Begins With A Relationship With Christ"--1:1 Conversation with Father Michael Zimmerman

Happy National Vocations Awareness Week! To help raise awareness, I am so very pleased to share this week’s Say Yes to Holiness 1 on 1 Conversation podcast episode that I had with Father Michael Zimmerman, Assistant Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John’s Seminary. Our conversation revolved around responding to God's invitation to holiness, discerning one's vocation, discussion of Fr Michael's innovative use of YouTube to help provide accompaniment to those discerning, some simple things parents can do to make the home a place where discernment naturally occurs, and also some things NOT to say to someone discerning a religious vocation! Fr. Michael Zimmerman was ordained to the priesthood in 2017 and currently serves as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John’s Seminary. With the heart of a teacher, Fr. Michael was inspired to create a systematic discernment program for young men drawing from the wisdom that he received as part of his own formation. During the pandemic lockdown in May 2020, Fr. Michael scripted 27 episodes which are now part of a video series called Scivias. Filmed in a way that captures many of Fr. Michael’s own interests such as rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course the city of Boston (!), Fr. Michael hopes others can identify with his journey and recognize how pursuing God’s plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires. Throughout our conversation, Fr Michael shared his own story of discernment and the reality that every vocation has to begin with a relationship with Christ, which of course, led into a discussion of growing in holiness! I can’t tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Fr. Michael, and I pray you receive much hope, inspiration and encouragement as I did so you may continue doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to continue to deepen your relationship with Christ so you can embrace the fullness of your vocation. You can also check out the podcast interview here on the Say Yes to Holiness YouTube channel For access to all the videos for Scivias and download the accompanying guide, visit: https://vocationsboston.org/parish-vocation-resources#sciviasForm  To read Fr Michael's article, you can go here: "7 Things Not To Say To Someone Discerning A Religious Vocation" To contact Fr Michael, email: [email protected] For more information:  http://www.sayyestoholiness.com  On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayyestoholiness/  On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sayyestoholiness  On Twitter: semcsem  On Clubhouse: csemmens  www.christinasemmens.com