VALPARAISO – Many questions were raised and a lot of answers were found at the Vocasti Me Day of Discernment, where 16 male teens joined in discussion, prayer, games and fellowship.
At St. Paul parish on July 14, coordinators of the diocesan vocations office-sponsored event helped youthful participants gain insight about vocations, but explained that they did not expect commitments on the spot regarding potential calls to the priesthood.
The event, titled with the Latin phrase meaning “You have called me,” focused on helping discerners to communicate with God, while understanding that their vocational journey would be supported by mentors and resources.
“This is not really about getting them to discern about that decision (regarding the priesthood) but just getting them to pray about that decision – so that they know how to approach their relationship with God, and be open to the next steps,” said Father Nathaniel Edquist, who took the reins of as diocesan vocations director on July 1.
He continued, “It’s nice to have this type of crowd: 15-16 boys and five seminarians plus (assistant vocations director) Father Roque (Meraz). We really wanted to be focused on small groups because that’s how people grow in their faith; if everything was set in one big group, it would be more intimidating.”
Eucharistic Adoration and the presentation of videos showing how priests serve in the Catholic Church yielded to discussions and question-and-answer periods led by the ordained and those advancing in seminary.
“It’s wonderful,” said 17-year-old Colin Cyzon, an Our Lady of Grace parishioner who is entering his senior year at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Ill. “I came here because, as with a lot of things in recent months, I’ve been nudged to make some decisions. Through the prayer today – while my stance before has been almost waiting to be dragged for a choice – (now I'm at a stage of discernment where) instead of waiting for choices to be made for me, (I'm trying) to seek to make those decisions myself.”
Father Edquist joined transitional Deacon Steven Caraher in responding to the teens’ inquiries on topics from secular universities versus seminary colleges to seminarians “second guessing” their calls.
Cyzon said he is preoccupied with readying for the marching season during which he will play the baritone and euphonium. Speaking about the “militaristic” aspects of the musical performances, he was reminded about transitional Deacon Zachary Glick, who hails from Our Lady of Grace and is a member of the U.S. Air Force.
Deacon Glick was present with seminarians Ivan Alatorre and Alexander Kouris to lead discussions and, later, pray with discerners on an outdoor Rosary walk.
Cyzon was thankful for a “wonderful woman who had sent my name to the vocation office.” The church-goer at the Discalced Carmelite Fathers Shrine in Munster, where he attends Mass, led him to say, “Oh, yes,” to the call to attend the Vocasti Me gathering.
Returning to Marian Catholic with leadership responsibilities as one of four Dominican preachers, he said the Church is full of beauty and music and will keep him coming back.
“My favorite part about being Catholic is probably the rich tradition that comes with it. I’m a lover of music and there’s a strong liturgical tradition in the Church – whether it’s Gregorian chant or polyphony,” explained Cyzon. “If I stay secular – if I’m going to stay a lay person, I’m going to be deeply involved with parish liturgy, hopefully as a liturgical director.”
According to Father Edquist, Jesus calls’ can prompt people to change their original plans, as “the Lord takes you in many different directions,” he said.
After a discussion, the facilitators and discerners headed outdoors where spike ball, ladder toss, basketball and football games awaited.
Timothy Wadley, 14, of Holy Family Parish in LaPorte is an athletic-minded youth who hopes to play soccer and basketball for the Blazers as he enters his freshman year at Marquette Catholic High School in Michigan City.
“I’m here to get more opportunities to meet more people to experience God through them,” Wadley said after a game of half-court basketball. “So far, it’s been a pretty great opportunity and the reflections are really great and I’m glad I came. “
Wadley said he gained something from the friendly fellowship but “definitely learned a lot” in realizing “You can change your opinion through someone else’s responses and how you can relate.”
From Valparaiso, three Scott brothers participated in the Day of Discernment. Ranger Scott, 19, a Valparaiso University student, pensively listened to discussions. Shepherd Scott, 17, the casual and outgoing sibling, was the conversation leader.
By the end of the event, Porter Scott, 16, said, “I’d say this was alright; we played a lot of sports, and had fun and learned about God … we had some good food.”
The brothers, who attend Mass with their parents and other siblings at the Salvatorian Fathers Shrine in Merrillville, ultimately kept a focus on the future.
“I'm not really sure yet, but obviously I want to come to events like these to work on finding (my) calling, to try to really discern what God wants you to do with your life, what path he wants you to take,” said Shepherd Scott.
One strategy Father Edquist reflected on was the emphasis on “meeting them where they’re at.”
Conversing with the boys produced many “graces,” he said, such as questions “that get their hearts stirring about their vocation(s).”
Because many of the teens raised questions about remaining single, getting married or pursuing the religious life, Father Edquist said it takes the right stuff for a young man to be a leader.
“To be a spiritual father or a biological father requires strength. It’s the same type of strength – it’s just a different way of living out that,” said Father Edquist.
Vocasti Me facilitators said the gathering was far from a “sign on the dotted line” event, but a role modeling opportunity to share with others who may be called.
“We want to show that the calls and feelings that they experience to follow Christ are not foreign … I feel it’s very natural,” explained seminarian Ethan Vinyard.
Vinyard continued, “They get to see our humanity – I’m a sinner, I’m broken -but I’m still trying to follow Christ, however well I do that, or however well I don’t. He still called me and I still desire to answer.”
For more information about religious vocations in the Diocese of Gary, visit garyvocations.com or call 769-9292 ext. 221.