Priesthood begins with prayer, courage, and the joy of taking one faithful next step with the Church.
Explore the call
The first step is simple: pray honestly, stay close to the sacraments, and let the Church help you listen.
A Welcome Message from the Director
Dear Friends in Christ,
As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He called Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John with a simple invitation: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Trusting in His voice, they left behind what was familiar and discovered the joy of following the Lord’s call.
That same invitation is extended to each of us today. Every vocation—whether to marriage, the priesthood, consecrated life, or the generous service of the single life—begins by listening for Christ’s voice and responding with faith. Our invitation is to listen boldly and follow with joy, trusting that God’s plan will always lead us to the fullness of life.
As Director of Vocations, one of my greatest privileges is accompanying young people as they discern where the Lord is leading them. It is inspiring to witness the Holy Spirit at work in hearts that are open to God’s call, and I am grateful to walk alongside them on this journey of discernment.
I hope this website will be a source of encouragement and guidance for all who are seeking God’s will and for those who accompany them. Please know that the Office of Vocations is here to support you with prayer, resources, and personal accompaniment as you seek to answer Christ’s call.
May the Holy Spirit guide you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany you as you listen boldly and follow with joy.
In Christ,
Fr. William “Will” Wainio
Diocesan Director of Vocations
Encourage men with patience, prayer, and confidence in God’s call.
Priesthood
Diocesan priesthood is a mission of prayer, preaching, sacraments, leadership, and fatherhood. If the call is stirring in your heart, this is a place to take the next step.
Sacraments. Mission. Brotherhood.
Discernment Pathway
Discernment grows through prayer, conversation, community, and the grace to keep moving toward the Lord.
Bring your desire, gifts, and hopes before God with an open heart.
Let the vocation director help you name the next good step.
Meet priests, seminarians, and other young men following Christ with joy.
Discernment becomes clearer through prayer, community, and concrete steps.
Meet Our Seminarians
Youngstown’s seminarians are men from our parishes learning to pray, serve, study, and grow together as they listen for the Lord’s call.
Men in formation for Youngstown
Upcoming Events
Featured Series
A vocation podcast with Father William Wainio for joyful conversations about prayer, priesthood, discernment, and listening for the voice of God.
A Personal Invitation
Fr. Wainio is available to help young men take concrete next steps, grow in prayer, and discern with peace.
Rev. William N. Wainio
Diocesan Director of Vocations
Diocese of Youngstown
144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Office: 330-744-8451 ext. 329
Cell: 330-727-8926
Youngstown Vocations
