Franciscan University to Host Special Formation Monday Panel on Discernment, Vocation, and Hearing God’s Voice

STEUBENVILLE, OHIO-Franciscan University of Steubenville will conclude the academic year with a special Formation Monday event on Monday, April 20, featuring four well-known Catholic content creators in a panel discussion on discernment, vocation, dating, spiritual growth, and how to recognize and follow the voice of God.

The event, titled "Is God Calling Me? How to Discern His Voice"will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is open to Franciscan University students in person. The discussion will be moderated by Jake Khym, dean of Human and Spiritual Formation at Franciscan University. It will also be livestreamed to a public audience on the University's YouTube channel, with both in-person and online participants invited to submit questions during the live Q&A.

Hosted through Franciscan University's Human and Spiritual Formation Program, the evening reflects the University's ongoing commitment to provide students with practical, faith-filled guidance for life beyond the classroom.

"Every student at Franciscan is on a journey of discovering who they are as a son or daughter of God, what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how God is specifically calling each to live out his or her unique identity," Khym said. "Since these things matter deeply for thriving and experiencing true joy, we wanted to bring in some well-known men and women from various walks of life to help our students recognize and trust the voice of God so they can answer his call."

Panelists for the evening include Father Matt Wheeler, a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and pastor serving students at the University of Southern California; Sister Patricia Young, ASCJ, a member of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Catholic educator; Mari Wagner, Catholic wife, podcaster, and co-founder of the lifestyle brand West Coast Catholic; and Dr. Matt Breuninger, psychologist and author of Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life's Hurts.

Together, the panelists will offer perspectives from the priesthood, religious life, marriage and family life, and professional counseling, giving students and the online audience a broad and practical look at how God calls men and women to holiness in every vocation.

Formation Monday is a signature initiative of Franciscan University's Office of Franciscan Life and Human and Spiritual Formation. Held throughout the academic year, the gatherings offer intentional opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to grow in the areas of relationships, identity, prayer, liturgy, mission, and vocational discernment.

"Formation is happening all the time whether we realize it or not. It's a part of being human," Khym said. "At Franciscan, we try to be very intentional with the formation we offer students, not only in academics, but in the human and spiritual aspects of life as well. Our mission is to educate, evangelize, and send forth joyful disciples in the power of the Holy Spirit."

In addition to Formation Mondays, Khym works across the University to strengthen Catholic formation efforts for students, faculty, staff, and friars, helping ensure that personal and spiritual development remain central to the Franciscan experience.

To watch the livestream on April 20, visit: https://bit.ly/formationmonday

A promotional image for the event can be found here.