Anyone considering vocations devotes prayerful reflection to a life in service to the Lord.
Young people especially can find themselves in various stages of thought to vocations.
That’s where “Pass the Word” in the Diocese of Wilmington helps continue the conversation among peers and mentors alike.
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, 48 young men from the diocese attended the Pass the Word program sponsored by the Vocations Office and focused on discernment for the priesthood.
The program gathered students from our Catholic schools: Aquinas Academy, Archmere Academy, St. Elizabeth High School, St. Mark’s High School, St.Peter & Paul High School and St. Thomas More Academy as well as some who attend public, charter and home schools. Participants were nominated by pastors, principals, teachers and directors of religious ed because they exhibit qualities of leadership, character, strength and faith.
The site for the day’s events was St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore where Bishop Malooly, eight priests and six seminarians guided the group through an experience of prayer, conversation and a look at what a seminary is today. A few young men indicated that they could see themselves as a priest. Others never thought about it, but the invitation interested them enough to attend.
The Vocations Team of Fathers Norm Carroll, Glenn Evers, Charles Dillingham and Jay McKee were in attendance. With the additional help of Fathers Anthony Giamello, John Solomon and Christopher Coffiey the Vocation Office has monthly discernment gatherings for young men in high school or older at St. Mary of the Assumption in Hockession and St. John in Milford. There is also a three-day discernment retreat scheduled for the end of June.
For more information see www.cdow.org/vocations or call 302-573-3113. While we do not have a priesthood ordination this year, all are invited to pray for vocations on Saturday, May 26 at an 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington.
