APRILVocations 19, 2013 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE CATHOLIC STAR HERALD

CNS photo/Paul Haring Men lie prostrate during their to the priesthood by Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in this 2009 file photo. S2 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD Vocations APRIL 19, 2013

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By Bishop Dennis Sullivan

Somewhere between freshman and sophomore year in college, I began to be attracted to the priesthood. The attraction was to what I saw as the priv- ileged presence a has in the lives of people. He is present at times of sad- ness; on occasions of celebration, such as birth and marriage. He is present with those who may be experiencing difficulties, problems; in the ordinary, everyday lives of men and women, he is present. Something about that availabil- ity, that personal presence, strongly attracted me and I wondered would it be possible for me to be a priest? At the same time I was attracted to setting a correct course toward my future career. Doing well in classes and getting the degrees — the bachelors, the masters. Thinking about the future, family life, along with whom I would marry. Taking advantage of the campus social life, extracurricular activities, it was all very exciting. A new social world was opening to me and it was very attractive. I wondered where that would take me. Sometimes I was pulled strongly to career and to marriage, other times, to Photo by James A. McBride the priesthood. It was a struggle. An Bishop Dennis Sullivan speaks with John Vu and Father Romano, director of vocations for the Diocese of internal pulling. Attracted to girls I Camden. would meet, to new friends and yet also attracted to the priesthood to serve God He was a wise man of God who vocation grows slowly and with lots of A man is called by God to the priest- by serving his people. It was bother- explained that he too had passed assistance. First, there has to be a hood. It is a vocation. Hearing God’s some. Uncertain, confusing. through a similar path of uncertainties. choice to give it a try. I gave it a try and call, responding to that call, frequently Finally, I built up enough courage to He helped me understand that there was the rest is history. involves a struggle. Yet, it is God who bare my soul to the priest chaplain at nothing unusual about what I was expe- Any young man who may read this and calls through that confusion. school. I always felt comfortable with riencing. He helped me get it out — to connects with my experience, I invite Eventually, either certainty comes him and so I told him what I was expe- talk about it. Most of all, he helped me you to contact Father Michael Romano; through, or it does not come through. riencing. I shared the attractions — the understand that God calls through the his email is Michael.Romano@camden- First, there are the struggle and the pulling one way and then the other way. struggle — that God speaks into the diocese.org. He will be more than happy pulling. Then, give it a try and the rest The struggles going on within. questioning. Certainty about a religious to speak with you. may be your history. I was the last to know about my own vocation Father Michael M. Romano best for us. Whenever conversations to listen for God’s will in their lives. a high school and parish that created arose about what we would be when we That last part requires trust for both par- such a culture. Upon graduating from Paul VI High grew up, they made clear that they sim- ents and children, but we must always My hope is that this Good Shepherd School in Haddon Township, unbe- ply wanted our happiness. Therefore, remember that God creates his sons and Sunday is an opportunity for the families knownst to me, my principal, Msgr. between the way I was raised and the daughters with a particular purpose in in our diocese to redouble their efforts at Russell Rock, sat my parents down for advice Msgr. Rock gave, my parents mind and that his will is what leads to truly living out their role as a domestic a chat. were there for me when I felt the Lord fulfillment. church, providing good soil so that they “Michael has a vocation to the priest- calling me to consider the priesthood. As the church prepares to celebrate can be seedbeds of vocations producing hood,” he told them. “He just doesn’t The role of the family in society is so the 50th anniversary of the World Day the fruit so needed in our church today. know it yet.” important. Called the domestic church, of Prayer for Vocations this weekend, When I sat my parents down to tell If that statement were not forthright the family is the “seedbed of voca- in this supplement we look at the them I was going to apply to the semi- enough, what he said next remained tions,” said Blessed Pope John Paul II, domestic church and the role families nary, I thought I was going to shock with them. “Once he realizes it, you going so far as to say that the family can play in fostering vocations as well as them. Their response, however, was, have to encourage and support him, for function as a “first seminary” in which how a religious vocation influences the “Finally.” one of the most important things a man the seeds of God’s calling are planted family. We also try to look at our After seeing my perplexed look, they discerning the priesthood needs is the and nourished, so that they can blossom extended “families” and how places told me about their conversation fol- support of his parents.” and grow. like one’s parish or school community lowing my high school graduation. And That certainly rang true in my life, So, the role of parent is significant, can create the culture that helps a they always kept that advice close to both in my desire for their support, but for mothers and fathers are the first young man or woman discern the call their hearts. also in the encouragement they did teachers of their children in the faith, to follow the Lord in the priesthood, give. giving them the tools to learn how to diaconate or consecrated religious life. Father Michael M. Romano is the Growing up, my siblings and I knew pray, how to develop a friendship with Personally, I was fortunate to not only director of vocations for the Diocese of that Mom and Dad desired what was the Lord and encouraging their children have a supportive family, but to attend Camden. S4 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD Vocations APRIL 19, 2013 World Day of Prayer for Vocations is April 21 WASHINGTON—The Vatican has (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, consider if God is calling them to the lesson plans for educators, and retreat set the 50th World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life and Vocations, priesthood or consecrated life." resources for parishes. Vocations for April 21, the fourth echoed the challenge. The U.S. bishops’ website at the URL “We have seen a slight increase in Sunday of Easter, commonly known as “The church’s basic mission is to www.usccb.org/vocations hosts religious vocations in the U.S. over the Good Shepherd Sunday. preach the Gospel and help build a civ- resources to help laity and clergy build past few years. It is our hope to contin- The theme for this year’s celebration ilization of love in our world today,” he a culture of vocations in home and ue this development by helping every is “Vocations as a sign of hope founded said. “We need good holy and parishes. Elements include videos of member of the church to encourage and in faith.” The theme underscores the dedicated men and women committed priests and religious men and women promote vocations to the priesthood hope that vocations to the priesthood to the consecrated life to help build the giving witness to their vocations, and consecrated life,” said Father John and consecrated life bring to the entire Kingdom of God here and now. videos of testimonies from parents Guthrie, associate director of the church. Therefore, we want a stronger culture whose children have answered a voca- Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. of vocations in our own nation to help tion to the priesthood and consecrated and Vocations. Louis, chairman of the U.S. each Catholic realize that we all have a life, prayers and discernment resources “The resources on the website are Conference of Catholic Bishops responsibility to invite young people to for men and women, down-loadable valuable tools in this effort,” he said.

Our Lady Needs You For Her Army CAPE/ATLANTIC The Legion of Mary SERRA CLUB The largest lay organization DISTRICT 35 • DIOCESE OF CAMDEN in the Church. Established in 1921 Over 10 million members world wide.Our aim is to give glory • Our two clubs in Atlantic and Cape May Counties work to God through the actions and lives of our members, through assistance with to help promote and affirm vocations to the priesthood & the spiritual needs of the parish. Over the years thousands of souls have been brought into and back to the church. Answering the Pope’s call for evangelization. other forms of religious life. “The Legion of Mary presents the true face of the .” -Pope John XXIII • Pray that those called by God respond to his voice. Be a missionary without leaving home. For more information call: • For information call 609 - 822-6361 Tom Joe McClintock Lang 856-854-4346 609-398-9037 Forming Priestly Vocations Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Since 1791 St. Mary’s Seminary has been training A world-wide religious men for the priesthood. community serving on four continents; born 222 years Seminarians today come from ago in France amidst dioceses across the country, chaos, transition and including the Diocese of revolution Camden. The men studying here are a sign of hope for That same spirit of hope       the future of the priesthood. hearts continues to We invite those considering a impassion our hearts today vocation to visit the seminary. amidst chaos, transition and revolution in the 21st Please join us in praying for priestly vocations. century.

This is our story. We are Marian women for Christ - Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, Courageous in Faith and S.S., President-Rector Daring in Hope. We are St. Mary’s Seminary & University 5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210

www.stmarys.edu 410-864-3602 ARPIL 19, 2013 Vocations CATHOLIC STAR HERALD — S5 Diaconate formation has been a family vocation By Peter Traum regarding the wives of deacons and deacon candidates. Wives are wel- As I write this, I am anticipating a comed and encouraged to participate in call to holy orders by Bishop Dennis all of the classes and retreats. Several of Sullivan, and if it is God’s will, I will be the wives in my group of candidates ordained a permanent deacon this May. have been able to do just that. Because A deacon is called to proclaim the our daughter had gone through her Gospel; serve God in the liturgies of his entire teenage years during my forma- church, and to demonstrate love to the tion, Nora and I decided that it would people of God through acts of charity be best if she stayed home and took and faith. In essence, a deacon is called care of things there. This was an enor- to be Christ who “did not come to be mous benefit to me. served but to serve and give his life as a Nora has gone through the entire pro- ransom for many” (Mt. 20:28). It is gram with me. She has listened to my with a sense of humility and joy that I concerns, shared her thoughts, prayers look forward to beginning this new and guidance; and has loved me more phase of my relationship with Jesus. and more each day. I could not have The six-year journey of discernment done this without her. and formation that I have been on may I don’t want to leave the impression seem like a long period of time by that the program was all sacrifice and some, but I would not have changed a no gain. We have grown closer as a minute of it. The vocation of a perma- family during the last few years. nent deacon is a lifelong commitment, Emma and I have had the great experi- and I have come to think of these six ence of serving meals together at the years as just the beginning of this com- Peter Traum, who will be ordained a permanent deacon in May, is pictured with Cathedral Kitchen. Jimmy and I shared mitment. But I have not been on this his wife, Nora, and children, Chris, Jimmy and Emma. insights when he was taking a journey alone. My family has travelled Scripture course in college, and Chris along with me. my time spent in class and ministry. have not occurred during the last few and I have had terrific discussions Nora, my wife of 29 years, and our There have been many occasions when years. The three of them have gone about faith. They have watched my three children (Chris, Jimmy and I would come home tired and stressing through all of this without any grum- faith in God deepen and I believe that Emma) have provided an enormous about things that needed to be done bling or complaints. I cannot adequately theirs has as well. amount of support, and truth be told, around the house, only to discover that express how proud I am of each of them. This journey has truly been a family not a small amount of sacrifice. A dea- he had already taken care of things. My greatest source of love and vocation and I believe it will certainly con’s role is that of service, and that The same can be said about Jimmy, encouragement has come from my continue to be so after ordination. certainly has been their role during my who is 24, and Emma who is 19. wonderful wife. Nora has truly been a formation. The three of them have certainly sac- complete partner throughout the entire Peter Traum is a member of the Christian is 27 years old and has hap- rificed as well. I have had to miss some formation process. Church of the Incarnation in Mantua. pily picked up some of the household family functions, and a favorite activity The diaconate community in the He will be ordained a permanent dea- duties that I could not get to because of of ours is family camping trips, which Diocese of Camden is very inclusive con on May 4, 2013. The three ‘E’s of promoting vocations in the family When reflecting on the question, from which genuine exposure can occur. The Third “E” – Eucharist “How do we promote vocations in our We desire our children to witness all Of course, without the Eucharist, family?” it was surprisingly difficult to vocations and to know — personally — what good are Encouragement and find the words to adequately answer individuals who have discerned and now Entrustment? The Eucharist centers this. We narrowed this down to three actively live their vocations. us. It is the most important part of our individual things we do that are mutual- faith. It is what sets us apart from all ly contingent upon each other. The Second “E” – Entrustment other Christians. Christ in the We entrust our family to Mary, Our Eucharist is present, Body, Blood, The First “E” – Exposure Mother. Each child gifted to us by God Soul and Divinity. The Eucharist sus- We first promote vocations by expos- is consecrated to Our Lady. We know tains us and nurtures our very souls. In ing our children to vocations — the Mary wants what God wants for each Holy Communion and adoration we same way we promote sports, music and every one of our children. We are able to experience God in our lives and the arts. We would not expect one believe she is the Mediatrix of all grace in a unique way. This not only pro- of our children to desire, or even con- and we trust she will dispense the vides us grace at that moment but also sider, playing baseball or the piano if graces our children need at exactly the gives us a foundation we rely on we did not first expose them to a base- time they need them. Mary has entrust- throughout our lives. It is our goal to ball game or concert. Likewise, we can- ed important messages to children help our children build up their faith not expect our children to be able to throughout the world, at Lourdes, on this unshakable ground, to give effectively discern their vocations if we Fatima, Rwanda and other places. them the stability the Eucharist pro- do not embrace our responsibility to Given an opportunity, children can vides so that at the very core of their expose them to the all vocations. relate to this and get excited about it being they know Christ. Exposing children to marriage and sin- easily. Heaven doesn’t seem so gle life is easy. Within our extended fam- unreachable and prayer doesn’t seem so While we recognize this equation ilies, examples of these vocations abound. abstract and difficult. Entrusting our may not yield a religious vocation, we True exposure to priesthood and religious children to Mary early on nurtures an are confident this will give our chil- life, however, takes work. It requires individual relationship with each one of dren the tools they need to discern the Matt and Kelley, along with their building relationships with parish and them they will pull from later in life as vocation God has intended for each of eight children, are members of Holy mission priests and religious communities they discern their vocation. them. Child Parish in Runnemede. S6 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD Vocations APRIL 19, 2013

Camden Seminarians

Photo by James A. McBride Bishop Dennis Sullivan poses for a photo with seminarians of the Diocese of Camden at the end of the Chrism at St. Agnes Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish, Blackwood, on March 26. Pictured in the back row, from left. are Cichoski and Edward Kennedy. In the front, from left, are James McCormick, Rev. Mr. Kevin Mohan, Joshua Nevitt, Matthew Corbett, Peter Gallagher and Henry Laigaie.

PAUL VI HIGH SCHOOL gratefully acknowledges its alumni who dedicate their lives to their religious vocations. Rev. Msgr. Dominic Bottino, ’70 • Rev. Timothy Byerley, ’72 • Deacon Peter Powell, ’74 • Sr. Donna Cicalese, SSJ, ’77 Rev. Christopher Bakey, ’79 • Sr. Alicia Perna, SSJ, ’79 • Rev. Robert Hughes, ’81 • Rev. E. Byerley, ’82 Rev. Brian Frain, SJ, ’82 • Rev. Msgr. James Checchio, ’84 • Sr. Leslie Draper, M.P.F., ’93 Rev. Robert Yetman, ’96 • Rev. Christopher Markellos, ’97 • Rev. Michael Romano, ’99 Postulant Kathleen Gilbert, ’03 • Seminarian Peter Gallagher, ’12 • Seminarian Henry Laigaie, ’12 responsibility excellence freedom learning

901 Hopkins Road • Haddonfield, NJ • 856.858.4900 • www.pvihs.org ARPIL 19, 2013 Vocations CATHOLIC STAR HERALD — S7

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www.osbmonks.org click ‘vocations’ or email [email protected] ST. MARY’S ABBEY At DELBARTON S8 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD Vocations APRIL 19, 2013

CNS photo/Paul Haring Seminarians watch during the groundbreaking for a 10-story building at the Pontifical North American College in Rome April 12. The new building will include high- tech classrooms and Mass and homily-practice chapels. From left are: Msgr. James F. Checchio, a priest of the Camden Diocese and the college's rector; donors James and Miriam Mulva of Bartlesville, Okla.; Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark, N.J.; Gabby and Jonathan Mulva, daughter-in-law and son of James and Miriam; and U.S. Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. North American College breaks ground for expansion

By Cindy Wooden building as a gift of God's generosity and the church, education and youth — it's Afterward, Archbishop Myers told Catholic News Service the generosity of “those who hold dear our all tied together here.” CNS, “It's astounding and very moving Catholic faith and the priesthood.” His wife said, “We saw the great for us to find people who love the VATICAN CITY — Fresh soil on James and Miriam Mulva of need,” because students were using church so much and believe in the mis- compact dirt, a small pile of rubble, Bartlesville, Okla., made an $8.5 million classrooms in a basement with no win- sion of the North American College that incense, gold-trimmed liturgical vest- gift to the seminary to fund the new build- dows. “We wanted to give back some- they will make this kind of gift.” ments and the sound of dozens of ing, technology updates throughout the thing, and the caliber of seminarians The archbishop said the require- young men singing “Holy God We existing facility and other improvements. required that caliber of building.” ments of preparing for the priesthood Praise They Name” meant it was The Mulvas told Catholic News Her husband said, “The development have changed, “for the better,” since he groundbreaking day at the Pontifical Service they became familiar with the of seminarians and priests is what started his studies at the NAC 50 years North American College. college more than 20 years ago when makes the church grow and develop.” ago and the building, inaugurated by The seminary, sponsored by the U.S. their newly ordained assistant pastor The main campus of the North Pope Pius XII in 1953, could not keep bishops, officially embarked April 12 arrived from his studies in Rome. The American College is on Vatican proper- up. on a $7 million project to build a 10- priest, now-Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg, ty on the Janiculum Hill overlooking St. Archbishop Myers also noted that story, 36,000-square-foot tower to later served as the vice rector for admin- Peter's Square and Basilica. among the close to 250 seminarians and house high-tech classrooms, practice istration of the North American College The new building will rise on the young priests at the college, there are chapels where the students will learn to and introduced the Mulvas to the rector, south side of the existing building and several from Australia and Canada — preach and celebrate the sacraments, Msgr. James F. Checchio. Msgr. Checchio be connected to it. “we're cousins.” The parishes where the administrative offices and more. is a priest of the Diocese of Camden. The Mulvas' son, Jonathan, joined his students end up will have pastors who Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark, “First we started to support a number parents, Msgr. Checchio, Archbishop are “very well trained, with love for N.J., president of the North American of seminarians with scholarships and Myers and Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien, Lord, first of all — for his way and for College board of governors, presided over that led to some other small projects,” a former rector of the college, in wield- proclaiming his love — love for the the groundbreaking. He described the new Mulva said. “What's important to us is ing shovels at the groundbreaking. church and love for the Holy Father.” ARPIL 19, 2013 Vocations CATHOLIC STAR HERALD — S9 The many inspirations behind a Jesuit vocation

By Tom Bechard in our family are the generations of moms and dads who brought us into Let me tell you a story about my the world and nurtured us in the spirit young brother, Dean Bechard, and the and love of our Lord, Jesus. They are loving family who surrounded him as many, and their tasks as parents are not he heard the call to become a Jesuit easy. We love them with all our hearts, priest. and we could never begin to repay Dean was originally to have been them for all they do for us. Included in ordained with his peers at Fordham this group are our mom and dad, University, but with the knowledge that Marion and Romeo Bechard, who our mom and dad could not travel, influenced Dean’s vocation in the Father Parks, provincial of the New many countless ways that only loving York Province of the Society of Jesus, parents could have done. Our family is intervened on their behalf and appealed blessed to have had them in our pres- to Bishop Stanislaus Brzana, of ence for their nearly 66 years of holy, Ogdensburg, N.Y., who happily con- Christian marriage, and surely their sented to administer the sacrament of presence in Dean’s formative years is holy orders at St. John’s Church in singularly the most powerful influence Plattsburg, N.Y., so that Mom and Dad of all. could be present. I would be remiss not to mention Thanks to Bishop Brzana and Father Tom Bechard, right, is pictured with his younger brother, Dean, who was Dean’s closest Jesuit friends , three of Park’s compassion and intercession, ordained a Jesuit priest in 1991. whom predate his ordination: Father our whole parish community and many Scott Pilarz, Father Jim VanDike, and members of our family and friends can serve, many generations of our George Garrand (pastor of St. Joseph’s Father Ed Salmon, and the fourth — a were able to participate in this holy and family have consistently demonstrated Church, Coopersville — our home dear friend and surrogate grandfather to memorable moment in our family histo- their powerful faith in our Lord, Jesus, town parish). Dean — Cardinal Avery Dulles who ry. and that it is indeed Jesus who has and Our grandfather and grandmother St. died Dec. 12, 2008, at Fordham Accordingly, Dean was ordained at will continue to sustain our family for John — Mat and Kitty — a loving cou- University. I dare say that all four will St. John’s Church on June 16, 1991. generations yet to come. ple with perhaps one of the most beau- continue to serve as powerful influ- His first Mass followed the next day in Certain deceased family members tiful vegetable gardens in the ences throughout Dean’s life. our little parish church, St. Joseph’s in have, in fact, provided an inspiration Champlain Valley, which they gave Over the 20-plus years of Dean’s Coopersville, N.Y., which was filled not only to Dean, but to all our family, away to the poor at harvest time every association with his Jesuit community, I with family, friends and a large contin- through their examples of holiness and fall, generous to a fault, and friends to have come to know that like a good gent of the New York Province of lifestyles filled with faith and a passion the rich and poor alike. lawyer, a Jesuit priest never asks a Jesuits. for all that is good and decent. Permit Our two boyhood pastors — Father question to which he doesn’t already A few months prior to Dean’s ordina- me to recall their memory… Kellogg, who baptized Dean, and know the answer. So it must have been tion, he called and invited me to address Our grandfather, Hector Bechard and Father Rapin who prepared and con- when Dean asked me to disclose — in a the gathering at a banquet which fol- his six brothers — Homer, Joseph, ferred first Communion on Dean, were general way — why a vocation such as lowed his first Mass. During that phone George, Emile, Arsene, and Armond — tremendous influences in our lives, and his could have occurred within our fam- call, Dean asked that my message dis- an apostle-like group of men with sim- Father Rapin in particular was the most ily, that I would be compelled to reveal close — in a general way — why a ple lifestyles, all dairy farmers, all prominent priestly image during Dean’s the love and spirit of our Lord, Jesus, vocation such as his could have strong in their faith, and all loving hus- formative years. which has been and continues to be the occurred within our family. With lots of bands and fathers. Vocations from their Our two sisters, Kathleen and Jane, most dominant influence within our help from our mother, our sister Jane, collective families include several who played powerful roles in nurturing family. Sister Mary Loretta (our dad’s sister), priests and of a variety of orders Dean’s vocation — not only as good Dean currently teaches at the and Sister Germaine (Uncle Homer’s serving in many locations throughout examples of loving sisters, but as Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, daughter), the following is a shortened the U.S., Canada, and foreign countries Dean’s surrogate mothers from the time Italy, and is expected to continue there version of my account of those in our throughout the world. he was born to this very day. Kathleen for the foreseeable future. He’s very family who served as inspirations to Our grandmother, Emma Bechard is the oldest and is 17 years older than special to us and we love him dearly. Dean’s vocation. and her two brothers — Msgr Philios Dean, who is the youngest. All who have known us would have Garrand (vicar general of the Diocese Perhaps the most powerful among Tom Bechard is the Diocesan to agree that as far as back as memories of Ogdensburg, N.Y.), and Father those who have influenced vocations Engineer for the Diocese of Camden. From father to son, who will be a father himself By Deacon Kevin Mohan those to whom I will be sent as a way I lead and live, who the Father is, walk into any situation and know exact- priest. and in turn, who we are. ly what to do, exactly how to love. Lately I have been reflecting on a In both cases, however, St. Paul That’s the bottom line, day-to-day, My hope is that, by means of my life phrase from St. Paul’s letter to the reminds us, the term “father” is analo- isn’t it? A good father is not so much lived as a father, the Christians I serve Ephesians, “I kneel before the Father, gous. The “real” father is our God in concerned with asserting and projecting will also know who they are, who their from whom every family in heaven and heaven — more specifically, the first his own identity; his concern is that his Father is, and how to transform the on earth is named” (3:14-15). person of the Blessed Trinity. children know who they are. In his world as the continuing presence of This verse points me in two direc- Throughout my life, as I received earthly life and ministry, Jesus knew Jesus in our midst. tions. First, I have been able to reflect love from my dad, he was also teaching exactly who he was. Through the father- with gratitude upon the ways my own me about our Heavenly Father. As I ly care of St. Joseph, who all along was Deacon Kevin Mohan is a transition- father (and many priests) have helped look forward to priestly ministry, I real- teaching Jesus (in his humanity) about al deacon. His diaconate assignment and supported me throughout my life. ize that, almost all of a sudden, people his Heavenly Father, Jesus knew how to has been at Our Lady of Guadalupe Second, now that I am an expectant will be calling me “Father,” whether treat people with respect and love, and Parish in Lindenwold. He will be priest, I have begun to think about the they are 6 years old or 60. I hope that I how to hold fast to his principles no ordained a priest for the Diocese of kind of fatherhood I will share with am able to communicate to them, by the matter what. That’s why Jesus could Camden on May 18, 2013. S10 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD Vocations APRIL 19, 2013 Father’s example helps lead to powerful transformation

By James McCormick Season, my dad provided opportunities me. He gave me a life and an example for me to go to confession though, through sacrifice: almsgiving, prayer When speaking about my vocation, again, not by force. He would tell me and fasting. The living example, though or “calling,” I could emphasize many where the line for the confessional was not perfect like God, was an example aspects that have pertained to my enter- and if I thought I needed to confess any tangible to me. I was able to see my dad ing into the seminary. But one in partic- sins, I was free to go. I went only participate in the church, the Body of ular that has closely illustrated a silhou- because I saw the need of my father to Christ, in God, in a manner special to ette of the hand of God in my life is my enter into line with the other penitents. me. father. My father was a student of the I think it was in part because of his Since I was a child, my heart and my Catholic education system in faith and his prayers for me that I had a mind searched for God in the actions of Philadelphia taught by both the IHM powerful transformation in Christ at the my father. I liked to listen to him. He sisters at St. ’s and the age of about 20. He continues to pray pushed me to study harder, practice in Norbertine Fathers at St. John for me in my journey with Christ. I am my passions such as sports, and to listen Neumann. There was even a thought in grateful for my dad’s continuing friend- to God. The closeness of God was in his own life of one day becoming a ship with God. His care for me and oth- the liturgy of the Mass on a weekly priest. ers has been an instrument of support basis. My father even provided, some- The Catholic faith affected his life that has strengthened me in the semi- times during the week, the opportunity and actions. Even in my teenage years nary and encouragement in my faith to go to Holy Mass at the small chapel after confirmation and into my studies and walk with Christ. on Shadow Place in Mantua during in college, my dad always emphasized Lent or Advent. He never forced me to that there was more to live for than this James McCormick is in Second Pre- go outside of obligatory days. He really life on earth alone. There is the next life Theology at emphasized my own responsibility and to look forward to, which is to be with Seminary in South Orange, N.J. He is will to love God, to respond to his God eternally. These were important a member of the Church of the James McCormick is pictured with his grace. Especially during the Lenten years in which my dad would pray for Incarnation in Mantua. father, James. Family, teachers, friends and a parishioner who died

By Peter Gallagher I was blessed at Paul VI High School, Haddon Township, to have a great We as Catholics know the family as “family” who supported my vocation the domestic church. Is there a better even in my freshman year. Each year place for a vocation to be rooted? the call grew stronger, yet at times I God has blessed me with a loving, tried to overlook this fact. Barriers faithful family which lives out our needed to be faced, but through prayer vocation in different ways. My parents and God’s action in my life, I knew I have been married for now 26 years and must follow the words of Jesus, “Not my will but yours be done.” (Lk 22:42) Our chaplain, Father Michael My parish was Romano, is certainly a role model for all the students at Paul VI, but especial- ly for me as one considering the priest- where I hood. His assignment as director of vocations I saw as God’s way of drop- experienced ping a hint for me to follow his call. I enjoyed working with our campus ministry director, Amy Cordasco, espe- God’s greatest cially my senior year writing prayers for the morning announcements and sign for me to running errands. My religion classes were well taught and prepared me for consider the where I am today. Agnes Marchione, the vocal teacher Seminarian Peter Gallagher is pictured with his parents and sisters in the at PVI, also provided an unmatched priesthood. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden. example of love toward her students and for our Lord, and was so supportive have been living examples of faithful couple of parishes in Westchester priestly vocation through word or deed, of my vocational path. Catholics for me. My older sister has County, N.Y. the priests at Christ the King modeled These experiences led me to where I been an active member of the Catholic Enjoying going to church and being virtue and service so beautifully. am today. This family would not be Student Ministry at University of around priests has been a huge benefit My parish was where I experienced complete without the students of PVI Virginia for three years now. My to me. Finding our vocation and living God’s greatest sign for me to consider who were very supportive of my voca- younger sister, at 16, is one of the sen- it out may be a challenge for all the priesthood. At Mass in the fall of tion as graduation approached; it is a ior altar servers at my home parish of Catholics, but with support from fami- my senior year when I was feeling anx- great benefit to have another classmate, Christ the King. My dad’s parents were ly, whether at home, in the parish, or at ious about my college plans, it was Henry Laigaie, in the seminary as well. friendly with many priests, as my school, it becomes much easier. announced near the end of Mass that grandfather had worked as an account- My parish family at Christ the King one parishioner who had been encour- Peter Gallagher is a freshman at The ant for many parishes throughout the helped me discover my priestly voca- aging me for years to become a priest College Seminary of the Immaculate Diocese of Camden, including my great tion at an early age. Fifth grade was had died. I was lost for words, but it Conception, St. Andrew’s Hall at Seton uncle, Msgr. Paul Gallagher. My mom’s when the first thought of priesthood affirmed my resolution to pursue the Hall University. He is a parishioner at mother, at 82, still plays the organ at a came to me. Whether by encouraging a priesthood. Christ the King Parish in Haddonfield. ARPIL 19, 2013 Vocations CATHOLIC STAR HERALD — S11 Parish and high school help foster a vocation

By Matthew Corbett celebration of the sacraments through- out the year. I was thus blessed with a I’m a seminarian in my second year lively environment of prayer, which of theological studies at St. Mary’s was a powerful means of God’s com- YYooour will . . . Seminary in Baltimore. I first entered munication to me. the seminary at St. While in high school at Camden not mine. Andrew’s College Catholic, I was blessed with the oppor- (John 6:38) Seminary in South tunity to begin the day prayerfully, as Orange, N.J., in daily liturgy was offered in the school What is God’s autumn 2007 and chapel. These morning liturgies were studied four years celebrated by our president, Msgr. will for you? there before gradu- Andrew Martin, or the school chaplain. ating in 2011, when If they were unable to be present, I moved on to my Deacon James Rocks would lead us in a Come and See MATTHEW how we answered CORBETT current graduate Communion service, which included studies. the daily prayers and readings, a homi- God’s call to share But my decision to enter the seminary ly, and the reception of Holy His love as Sisters did not come to me suddenly; rather, it Communion. For me, this daily liturgy of Bon Secours. was prompted by good people who was a calming start to what could often were the initial means of God’s voca- escalate into a hectic school day. I espe- tion for me and who continue to moti- cially found the morning homilies to be vate me to this day. I would like to helpful, as they provided a message to describe my experience of two influen- encourage or challenge me during the Come & See Vocation Weekends: tial environments in which I was guid- day. June 14-16, 2013 ed toward seminary formation, namely, At Camden Catholic we also cele- October 4-6, 2013 my home parish of St. Peter’s in brated the liturgy regularly as a school Merchantville and Camden Catholic community in our auditorium, where High School in Cherry Hill, which I occasionally a visiting priest from our SISTERS OF BON SECOURSSECOURS attended from 2003-07. diocese would celebrate. I particularly WWW.BONSECOURSECOURSVOCATIONSOCAATTIONS.ORG Ever since I was a young altar server liked this practice since it provided our [email protected]  1-877-742-0277 at St. Peter’s, I was encouraged to con- student body with many perspectives sider seminary discernment by our pas- on the life of faith from priests of vary- tor, Father Anthony Manuppella, and ing years of experience within our dio- the different parochial vicars who cese. served with him. Alongside their These liturgies, along with seasonal preaching and instruction, their happi- talks, days of prayer, and celebrations ness spoke a message to me — whether of the sacrament of reconciliation were in the sacristy, the school or at dinner in both a source and culmination of a life the rectory, their joyful brotherhood of servant leadership, a lifestyle strong- told me that the work of priestly min- ly promoted by Camden Catholic’s istry, although challenging at times, campus ministry staff, and one which was a fulfilling one. all men and women, in the variety of The liturgical life of my parish was their vocations, are called to assume. also an influential factor in my decision to enter the seminary. Aside from our Matthew Corbett is in second theolo- inspiring Sunday liturgies, we were gy at St. Mary’s Seminary and blessed to have novenas, processions, University in Baltimore, Md. He is a parish missions, days of prayer and rec- parishioner at St. Peter Parish in ollection, and retreats, as well as the Merchantville.

The Canticle of Mary: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord... all generations will call me blessed... Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Are you called to follow Christ through Mary? Join us in the Consecrated Life. Founded in 1850 by Blessed Edmund Bojanowski, we live in community and serve children, the poor, the sick and the elderly. Province of America with mission: Philippines. Also in , Italy, Germany, Moldava, Ukraine, Russia & East Siberia, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, as we spread God’s love in works of mercy. Contact: Little Servant Sisters, 1000 Cropwell Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 (856) 424-1962 [email protected] www.littleservantsisters.com S12 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD Vocations APRIL 19, 2013 The family members who humanize religious life By Maureen Mattson Mass? One fellow student in first grade faith. Like all families, we have experi- asked the teacher if she wore pajamas, enced loss, sickness, and difficult deci- Although every family has vocations or if she had to sleep in her habit. I sions. In my recent life, when I met in it, even family life itself is a voca- always found it so comical, because in with the loss of my dad, my first reac- tion; I have had the unique opportunity my family, we had the inside scoop. tion was, we need “Aunt Nance” to be of growing up in a family that had two As a child, I can remember my broth- here with us. She was there not only to priests and a . ers calling Sister Ann “Aunt Nancy” offer spiritual guidance, but she suf- What does that mean to me? It means and telling her to bring her “play fered with us, mourned with us, and I I was very lucky. I am so proud to have clothes” so we could have a catch after truly believe was Christ in our life at been the great-niece of Father Francis Mass. We even had sleep overs at the that moment. I felt so privileged to have Mahon, SVD, niece of Father John convent. My brother and I would test her in my life then, as always. Byrnes, KHS, and not only the niece, the laundry-shoot every time we were So that’s that. The mystery is solved, but also the godchild of Sister Ann there. they are people. They wear play Byrnes, RSM. For me, this has human- I remember my Uncle Francis cele- Maureen (Mahon) Mattson is pictured clothes, collect trains, and get disap- ized religious life. brating a private Mass with our family with her brother, Brendan Mahon, and pointed when Notre Dame loses. Our To know and love a religious outside and always lowering my head before he their uncle, Father John Byrnes. nuns and priests can be a part of every- of their vocation, knowing them first as left so we could each receive a special one’s families, not just the ones they are an aunt, uncle, sister, brother, daughter blessing. Father Byrnes gave me my important for me that Uncle John give really related to. We need to love our or son adds so much depth to the rela- first Holy Communion and almost did- Franny his first blessing. I know he religious, support them, encourage tionship. Because these people were n’t recognize me because I had gotten would have loved to do the same for my more people to join and remember they such an intimate part of our lives grow- glasses the day before. I looked up and daughter, Bridget. are human. ing up, so too were their vocations. said, “Uncle John. It’s me, Reeni!” We celebrated with them. We knew There was an ever present mystery Later in Father Byrnes’ life, when he what sports teams they rooted for, what Maureen Mattson, with husband, surrounding all the nuns and priests in was so very sick, I brought my son, they collected, their likes and dislikes. Michael, and their two children are my childhood, even in Catholic school. Francis, to him to on the way home As an adult, the religious in my life members of St. Joseph the Worker What do they do after school or after from the hospital, because it was so have been invaluable resources for my Parish in Haddon Township. Study gives insight into future of vocations By Dennis Sadowski represent 350,000 never-married men must be addressed by church leaders “Regular and repeated and consistent Catholic News Service and more than 250,000 never-married given the growing number of Hispanics contact is what's needed most of all,” he women who may have very seriously in the U.S. church. told CNS. WASHINGTON — In a survey of considered a vocation, concluded Catholics age 14 and older, about 12 CARA researchers Mark Gray and WHEN CATHOLICS CONSIDER A VOCATION percent of males and 10 percent of Mary Gautier, who conducted the , there are females said they considered a religious study. generational and race/ethnicity differences. vocation at least “a little seriously,” a In the United States, there are 39,718 study by the Center for Applied priests, 17,816 deacons, 4,518 brothers Percentage of never-married Catholics age 14 and older who have Research in the Apostolate at and 55,045 sisters, according to the considered a religious vocation at least “a little” seriously (males Georgetown University found. 2012 edition of the Official Catholic as clergy/religious brother and females as a religious sister) The findings, released Oct. 9, 2012, Directory. give church leaders a vast array of data The study involved 1,428 people, MALE FEMALE on which to base positive messages about 65 percent of those invited to par- about religious life for teenagers and ticipate. It was conducted online. The young adults, said Father Shawn margin of error is plus or minus 2.6 per- Pre-Vatican II 27% McKnight, executive director of the centage points. (born before 1943) 22% Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life The data collected in the survey and Vocations at the U.S. Conference of shows that personal relationships with Vatican II 15% Catholic Bishops, which commissioned adults — parents, teachers, clergy, men (born 1943-1960) the survey. and women religious, and campus min- 23% “When you consider 12 percent of all isters especially — can be a key factor 7% male youth and 10 percent of all in whether a young person considers a Post-Vatican II women ... just a very small percentage religious vocation. (born 1961-1981) 7% (committing to a vocation) would make Fewer than 10 percent of the respon- a tremendous difference,” Father dents said, however, that anyone ever Millennial 13% McKnight told Catholic News Service. encouraged them to consider religious (born 1982 or later) 8% “The survey offers solid evidence, life. Among those who did receive credible evidence to base our judg- encouragement, both males and ments on how to promote vocations,” females were nearly twice as likely to 14% he added. consider entering religious life, accord- White, Non-Hispanic Broken down, 3 percent of male ing to the study. 9% respondents and 2 percent of female The study also showed that Hispanics respondents indicate they have “very were far less likely to receive encour- 9% Hispanic seriously” considered a vocation, accord- agement to enter religious life than non- 8% ing to the study, “Consideration of Hispanic white respondents. Priesthood and Religious Life Among Respondents of other races are about 14% Never-Married U.S. Catholics.” It was equally as likely as non-Hispanic Other, Non-Hispanic commissioned by the USCCB secretariat. whites to receive encouragement, the 18% Projected over the Catholic popula- study said. tion of the United States, those figures Father McKnight such differences Source: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate ©2012 CNS