by Victor Paredes
The bishop’s vocation retreat is a wonderful opportunity to bond with others and find your vocation. I have been on this retreat three times now, and each experience has been amazing.
The first time I decided to go was because other altar servers from my parish, the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Bensonhurst, were going. I had never been on a retreat before, and I didn’t know what to expect.
After experiencing it for the first time, I had no regrets.
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone discerning their vocation or if you just want to spend time with the Lord and with friends. It strikes a great balance between deepening your faith and still being a young man. It’s also a great way to meet new people from different parishes and build new friendships.
Upon arriving at the seminary, we felt very welcome, and entering our rooms on the first day felt like a brand new start. The schedule is a good balance between moments of prayer and free time. Each day has morning and evening prayer, which gives us time to sing hymns and take turns reading and serving at the different liturgies.
During the weekend, we also have the opportunity to attend Mass on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as opportunities for Holy Hour and confession.
During the Holy Hour, I reflected on my life. I believe that if you let yourself be vulnerable to God in adoration, you can strengthen your faith and come out of the retreat a better Christian. However, even with all the spiritual aspects of the retreat, there was plenty of time to do other activities.
The area around the seminary is very beautiful. The Marian Garden is one of my favorite spots. There was also a gym where we could spend our free time growing in friendship with one another. We also had time to talk to seminarians and Bishop Brennan and were able to ask questions about our faith, as well as any other questions we had. The seminarians told us where they came from and about their lives before they entered the seminary. It showed that God has his way of calling people to the priesthood.
The best part about everyone’s story is that they can be similar, and you can relate. It showed that no matter how lost you may be in life, God will always be there to save you and give you purpose so long as you open the door for him to enter your life.
I came away from the retreat learning that, no matter what, everyone has their own vocation, which God will reveal to us when he chooses.
Victor Paredes is an altar server and sacristan at the Basilica of Regina Pacis, Bensonhurst.