Summer vocation events planned
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is offering several opportunities for teens and young adults to learn more about the call to religious life and other vocations during a series of free summer camps and special events.
A “24/7 Ministry Day” will be held June 17, giving youth and young adults of both sexes the chance to shadow a deacon, brother, sister or lay ecclesial minister throughout the day.
Two summer camps for boys will also be offered at Holy Trinity in Glen Burnie in June. “Dare to Follow,” a summer camp for boys aged 15-17, will be held June 19 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “Operation Genesis,” a summer camp for boys aged 12-14, will be held June 24 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Seminarians and priests from the archdiocese will host both summer camps, which will include opportunities for prayer, discussion, Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, sports, shared meals and fellowship. The days are focused on general discernment and spiritual growth and participants do not necessarily have to be discerning a call to the priesthood to attend.
Both summer camps include a light breakfast and lunch. The archdiocese will also host “Dare to Follow” on July 22 and “Operation Genesis” on July 24, but the locations have not been finalized.
Andrew Veveiros, associate director of vocations, said the ministry day and summer camps help young people better understand what ministry is all about.
“Often times – especially for priests – people only see them at Sunday Mass,” said Mr. Veveiros. “Ministry Day lets them see them visiting the sick, writing a homily or counseling a couple preparing for marriage.”
The summer camps provide “great opportunities for fellowship,” he said.
“They see the seminarians and priests in a different light,” Mr. Veveiros explained. “It does make the vocation option of priesthood more feasible. It becomes more of an option.”
Those interested in participating in the vocation events are urged to register as soon as possible by calling 410-547-5426 or sending e-mail to vocations@archbalt.org.