Continuing a tradition of his predecessor, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien will serve as retreat master for a Jan. 4-5 gathering of men who are thinking about becoming archdiocesan priests.
To be held at St. Mary’s Seminary Center for Continuing Formation, Roland Park, the retreat is designed for men between the ages of 18-50. Archbishop O’Brien will share his own vocation story, and there will be talks about the priesthood, a celebration of Mass and eucharistic adoration. Participants will also pray the rosary, share meals and view a DVD about the priesthood.
“It’s really designed to help men discern where God is leading them,” said Father Gerard Francik, archdiocesan vocations director. “Seminarians will be there to answer questions, and the participants will have a chance to interact one-on-one with the archbishop.”
Father Francik said this year’s retreat is expected to be one of the largest in recent years.
“We’ve already had 30 names submitted to us,” he said. “That’s the best response we’ve had in a long time.”
Those who are interested in participating should talk to their pastor or pastoral life director or contact Father Francik or Andrew Veveiros in the vocations office at 410-547-5426 or vocations@archbalt.org.