The Diocese of Scranton Vocations Office is hosting its Ezra 10:4 Retreat for men discerning the priesthood March 21-22 at Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center in Nanticoke.
This preached retreat, named after the Book of Ezra verse that says, “Rise, then, for this is your duty! We are with you, so have courage and act!” is led by Fr. Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation, Vocation Director, and Director of Seminarians.
Men 18+ who are interested in discerning a vocation to priesthood are invited to attend. For those who have come to the Ezra 10:4 Retreat before, brand new talks and discussion will be offered,
so you are encouraged to come again!
This retreat will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, the opportunity for Spiritual Direction, talks, group discussion, fellowship, rooming accommodations, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. This retreat is FREE to attend. For more information, please email vocations@dioceseofscranton.org.
Check-in: 6-7pm Friday, March 21
Check-out: After Vigil Mass on Saturday, March 22
Build your house on rock.
“Everyone who listens to these words and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”
-Matthew 7:24
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about resisting worry and anxiety, trusting in the power of prayer, and sacrificing the treasures of this world for the treasures of heaven – all of which still resonate with young people today who are seeking God’s will and trying to discover the great plan he has for their lives. By rooting yourself in Christ’s words and acting on them as you discern your vocation, you too can build your life on steady, solid rock.
God has given you a vocation to serve him in a way that no one else can. This vocation may be to serve him as a diocesan priest. If you have built your life on Christ’s words, you can discover how God is inviting you to love and serve him and how he’s asking you to help others do the same.
- Have you ever felt called to follow a plan greater than your own?
- When you hear God’s word, are you filled with a desire to share it?
- Do you want to lay down your life to minister to God’s people?
- Are you drawn to the diocesan priesthood?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, God may be calling you to serve his people as a priest. Where do you go from here?
- First and foremost, listen to God’s voice in prayer. As Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him,” so ask him for the grace to discern your vocation.
- Connect with your parish priest and become active in the life of your faith community through the sacraments, service, and fellowship.
- Check out the material available on this site and our social media accounts for more information about events and discernment tips.
- Reach out to our vocation director, Fr. Alex Roche, for a conversation.
- Trust that your God has a plan for you, that he sustains you through it all, and that he is inviting you to build your house on rock.
To get in touch with the Vocations Office, please email info@dioceseofscranton.org or contact Father Alex Roche, our Diocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians.
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