FAQs
Yes. Archbishop Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles asked us, the Avila Institute, to build the High Calling Program to assist men in their initial stage of discernment formation. In each diocese we serve, we do so with the bishop’s approval.
One academic year (Mid-September – May).
No. While many men do go on to the seminary, others don’t. At its center, the High Calling Program assists men in discerning whether or not they are ready to take the next step to apply to the seminary.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, we had 96 men enroll from all over the country. This number will fluctuate from one year to the next.
No, but we encourage the regular study of Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to help prepare you in mind and heart for our modules.
No.
Yes! Besides engaging in meaningful discussions with fellow discerners in class, High Calling students have access to community forums and can “friend” and chat with fellow discerners through our online platform. High Calling is more than an academic program; it is a vibrant community of men who take their discernment of God’s call in their lives seriously and help each other embrace that call.
The High Calling Program costs $5,000. The diocese or religious community typically covers this fee. Also, as we are eager to assist men in their discernment to the priesthood, scholarships are available up to 100 percent in select cases.