Open to discerning a vocation to the priesthood? Give God a weekend!

 January 29-31, 2021

What: Find out if God is calling you to the priesthood. Meet the priests and seminarians of San Jose. Experience their life and get your questions, doubts, concerns answered.  Meet other men like you who are discerning.

You will have the chance to explore the priesthood and learn about the steps for discernment, values of priestly life, and the structure of seminary formation. It will be a weekend of prayer, discussions, fraternity, recr​eation, and fellowship. Our prayer for you is that by fully engaging in the opportunities provided on this retreat, you will find more clarity on where God is leading you; to help you better understand God’s movement in your heart.

Cost: An open heart and mind.

Requirements: Single Catholic male, 18 years and older, recommended by any priest in the Diocese of San Jose.

This retreat is also normally required for those who are looking to apply to the Diocese of San Jose.

Sign up: Fill out the interest form here and we will contact you. If you do not hear back from us within a few days, please email vocations@dsj.org. Or scan QR code below. 

Friday, January 29

6 PM               Social/Icebreakers – Instructions

6:30 PM          Conference #1: Happiness and Fulfillment – Vocation Story             

7:00 PM          Discussion #1

7:30 PM          Games

8:30 PM          Rosary (one decade)                  

Saturday, January 30

9 AM              Conference #2: The Call of the Holy Spirit

9:30 AM         Discussion #2

11:30 AM       Parish Visits (Lunch while shadowing priest) 2-3 (in person or roundtable/breakout rooms)
                         (Let us know if you will be driving to the Parish.)

5 PM               Dinner (by yourself)

6 PM                Sharing of Priestly Ministry Experience 

6:30 PM          Q+A Session

7 PM               Break and Social with Seminarians led by Team of Seminarians

8 PM               Adoration 

Sunday, January 31

9:00 AM          Morning Prayer and Conference #3 Priestly/Spiritual Plan/Next Step

9:30 AM          Discussion #3

12 PM             Outdoor Mass at St. Thomas Canterbury

1PM                Closing Lunch     2 PM Departure

Priests find meaning and profound personal fulfillment in bringing the living presence of Jesus to God’s people through the sacraments. In turn, people experience the power of Jesus through their priest’s ministry. As “father” of his parish family, the priest is called to be a visible witness of holiness in his commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He offers his life for his people through prayer and ministry.