Having spent years as a high school and college chaplain, Father Christopher Colavito understands the power of social media and is using it to foster relationships with those who may be called to the priesthood.
“The younger people, 18- to 30-year-olds, are on Instagram,” he said.
Knowing this, Father Colavito created and maintains the Instagram account @trentonmakespriests as part of his initiative to reach those who may have a vocation. The account currently has more than 1,000 followers and is used not only to communicate information, but also to share a more personal side of the priesthood — a side that is not often portrayed.
“I try to post every other day or so. And use Instagram stories. The videos have been doing great and have received a lot of views. I recently made a short video of the introduction of the seminarians at the Diocesan Youth Conference (held February 3 at Red Bank Catholic High School.) I want people to see the diversity of the priesthood, beyond the liturgical part of it. We encourage our seminarians to have additional personal interests and friendships. I want them to see that.”
During his vocation talks, he encourages listeners to take out their phones and follow the account, where he often receives messages from those who may be discerning a vocation.
“Initially this is the main way young adults are able to contact me, since they may not have (my) phone number or email address yet,” he said.
He also is planning on adding more content to the diocesan vocations website,
godiscallingyou.org, which he finds is a good tool not only for those who may be discing the priesthood, but also pastors and family members.
The website contains a message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., about discernment opportunities available throughout the year, as well as stories from men currently in the seminary.
“I see the website for parents and pastors who may be looking for information. But to reach the young people, they’re on social media. So, I make sure to post everything to there, too.”
„Follow the Office of Vocations on Instagram at @trentonmakespriests.