Diocesan House of Discernment

 

By Stephen Decarlo

            “Don’t be afraid; Hence forth from now on you will be fishers of men” (Luke 5: 10). Jesus’ call toward Simon Peter to follow him in order to preach the good news of God is still the same call which Jesus uses to call young men to serve him by becoming priests, deacons, and religious.

            Unfortunately, although the call does get through to a few, as is highlighted by having five seminarians studying to be priests for our very own diocese, this call can be a one of confusion, uncertainty, and if a person does hear God’s call to serve him in this way. This is where the Diocesan House of Discernment comes in to help.

            This program is one that is designed to help young men between the ages of 18-30 for discerning a possible call to the priesthood. It aims to do that primarily through Spiritual Discernment, which comes in the form of daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, private prayer, the rosary, meditation, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and more. Spiritual direction also takes place which will be a great asset for those discerning a possible priestly vocation.

            As of now, there are four candidates enrolled in the House. We are: Paul Long of Sacred Heart Parish in Trout Creek, Stefan Thompson of the Parish of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grafton, Eric Mason of St. Anne’s Parish in Peterborough, and Stephen Decarlo of Sacred Heart Parish in Peterborough, and a fifth resident moving quite soon. This creates an atmosphere of community and fraternity which assists in the discernment process. We gather together for prayer, mass, meals, recreation, conferences, and pilgrimages to nearby churches. We come from all over the diocese and gather around for this common cause.

            We also assist with the VEYO office activities, house maintenance, liturgical services, parish functions at Sacred Heart, school, hospital, and parish visits, youth ministry, and much more. As well, we are provided with some university study of theology, philosophy, church law and structure, spirituality, etc, that not only prepares us intellectuality for possible entry into the seminary, but to enrich us spiritually for the Catholic Church and to bring us further into love with God and Jesus.

            On September 4th, the Most Reverend Bishop Nicola De Angelis provided the House of Discernment residents, seminarians, Sacred Heart rectory staff, Fr. Norbert, and last but certainly not least, a few priests of our diocese to a wonderful meal of (brace yourself!) bear! In spite of the unfamiliarity of this delicacy, it was made very delicious by our very talented and most truly blessed cook Lorraine.

            God calls us at different times in certain ways. I am only at the tender age of eighteen but I am feeling a possible call to the priesthood regardless of my youth and inexperience. All of us are under the age of twenty-four yet we have received the courage to respond to God’s call. I am personally having a lot of fun and enjoyment with the discernment process in a rather short time that I am here (six days as of this writing) and I am growing in deeper love and faith with God and our Lord Jesus Christ. So if you have even the slightest hint of a calling to the priesthood, don’t be afraid to contact the Vocations Office.

            If you are interested in looking for more information about this House, simply visit on the net at: http://www.veyopeterboro.org/vocations/house_discernment.html  or simply just drop in at 208 Romaine St. and talk to us residents, house staff, or Father Norbert himself.

            Please pray for us residents, the seminarians, our bishop, diocese, Fr. Norbert, our priests and religious, and for an increase of those who will say “Yes!” to God’s call.