Fr. Hoffman to Serrans: Encouraging vocations is encouraging happiness

Fr. Drew Hoffman told attendees at the Serra 2026 Central Region Convention that encouraging vocations helps others find happiness. Speaking at the convention held Sept. 25-26 at the Vail in Wichita, the pastor of St. Paul Catholic Center on the Wichita State University campus shared that his previous views on the priesthood were incorrect.

Hoffman admitted that as a young man, he did not want to be a priest and viewed the calling as a bleak life choice. He told the group that he once believed priests gave up their own happiness to serve others. However, he stated that the deep joy he has experienced in his life as a priest proved his former beliefs wrong.

The convention included presentations from several leaders, including Bishop Carl A. Kemme, Serra International Executive Director John Liston, and Diocese of Wichita Vicar for Evangelization, Discipleship, and Stewardship Fr. Jarrod Lies. Other speakers included Emily Savage of Fiat Ministries, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Janet Eaton, and Scott Carter, the coordinator for the Office of the Beatification of Venerable Emil Kapaun.