Archdiocese of Boston Revives Interest in
Priestly Vocations with Powerful Video Series
Vocations Boston Releases “Scivias” As a Guide for Discernment
Boston, MA — The Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Boston has created a one-of-a-kind video series called Scivias: Know the Ways of the Lord as a vocational discernment guide for men considering the priesthood. Artfully filmed in partnership with CatholicTV, the series is narrated by millennial priest Fr. Michael Zimmerman, who is often seen visiting friends and communities of faith passionate about their own callings to authentically serve the Lord. Premiering on the Vocations Boston YouTube channel and Facebook page on April 13, 2021, Fr. Michael hopes it will help young men recognize how pursuing God’s plan for their lives will fulfill their greatest desires.
The inspiration for Scivias came quickly after Fr. Michael was assigned as Assistant Director at Vocations Boston.
“Most men don’t even know where to begin with asking God what His will is for their lives. They would often say they wanted to be open and asked God to tell them, but they didn’t know how to go further. I’m convinced that God prepares a heart to say “yes” to His plan, before He reveals it. He doesn’t want to scare us or force us, but he wants us to lovingly choose His will for ourselves. But to do that, we have to learn to address the fears and desires of our hearts and respond to God’s voice.”
Complete with both ancient and original music while panning the landscapes of scenic Boston locations such as the dockyards of Charlestown, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, and Blue Hills Reservation, all significant in their own ways to Fr. Michael’s personal upbringing and discernment story, each short episode in the Scivias series lasts an average of 5 minutes. There are a total of 27 videos in the series, and they will be released in 3 parts: 1.) Knowing Yourself 2.) Your Life As A Sacrificial Gift and 3.) Understanding the Life and Ministry of an Ordained Priest.
The series is thoughtfully scripted to balance wisdom from Scripture, the saints, and modern literature with the reflections and experiences of a young priest who can identify with the fears and doubts of men in today’s culture. Fr. Michael explains, “What the Church means by ‘discernment’ is learning how to recognize a calling of God’s voice inviting us to choose the one thing that He wills for us and is best for us among many good options.”
Fr. Eric Cadin is the Director of Vocations Boston and has enjoyed being part of the promotional efforts for Scivias:
“Our hope is that this series will inspire men to act with courage and generosity in giving themselves entirely to the vocation that God has in store for them. In the end, we hope it will help us all to become great saints and save many souls!”
In addition to online streaming options on Facebook and YouTube, those interested in Scivias can sign up for early access and exclusive content such as a special guidebook to aid one in personal prayer and reflection.
For more information on Scivias and a complete press kit, visit here.
Vocations Boston fosters a culture among all men in the Archdiocese of Boston that calls forth their baptismal identity to become generous and holy spiritual fathers who seek after God’s Will as priests, consecrated men, or husbands and fathers.
