By Elizabeth Zimak | Correspondent
“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
With the words of Psalm 95 echoing in their minds, 60 young adults gathered in the St. David the King Church complex, Princeton Junction, March 7 for the Diocese of Trenton’s annual Young Adult Retreat. This year’s theme, “Hear his Voice,” focused on the importance of listening for God’s voice in all areas of life.
Dan Waddington, diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, stated that the retreat is intentionally held during Lent. “As the Church prepares for Easter, we want these young people to grow in their faith and draw closer to God. This retreat is an opportunity for young adults from across the Diocese to purposely step away from their daily routine.”
‘According to his purpose’
The day’s keynote speaker was Father Brian Meinders, parochial vicar of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Through a retelling of his life story, he demonstrated how beautiful and fulfilling life can be if you answer God’s call.
A cradle Catholic and a native of Ocean County, Father Meinders received his Sacraments as a child and regularly attended Mass with his family. He credits his grandmother for having a profound influence on his faith journey.
“Her whole life was about Jesus,” he said, noting that his grandmother died when he was about 12.
Following his high school graduation, Father Meinders briefly attended college but then opted to pursue an interest in poker which led him to become a professional poker player. He also taught and coached the chess team in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft.
Between his studies of the teachings of the Catholic Church, which he found particularly meaningful, and a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Father Meinders realized that he wanted “to stop simply observing the faith. I wanted to be reconnected to it through the Sacraments.”
Several years later, after much discernment and advice from friends and family, Father Meinders decided to begin studies for the priesthood. He entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2020 and a master of divinity degree in 2023. He was ordained a priest June 1, 2024, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Father Meinders concluded his presentation to the young adults by citing a quote from Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
“All these events that seemingly disrupt our plans can really be invitations for adventure from God – if we accept them,” he said.
Finding God’s Voice
Three breakout sessions expanded on the day’s theme and focused on how to hear God’s voice in prayer, relationships and media.
In presenting the topic “Hear his Voice in Prayer,” Father Richard Osborn, pastor of St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown, shared a quote from St. John Vianney: “God loves to be bothered”.
Father Osborn stressed the importance of bringing our needs, thoughts and desires to God. “We don’t always turn to God when everything is good,” he said. “We [frequently] approach him with our wants, or when we’re suffering. But we need to be turning to him in all of these moments.”
Stefanie Geslak of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, was impacted by Father Osborn’s presentation. “I learned how to be more present with God and reflective in prayer – rather than just presenting him with my problems,” she said. “I plan to be more intentional with my prayer time in the future.”
The breakout topic, “Hear his Voice in Relationships,”presented by Catholic therapist Jennifer Maher, focused on God-centered relationships. Maher observed that all relationships – romantic or otherwise – can be thought of as a “learning experience.”
“God’s calling us to enter into these relationships, whether they last for a long time . . ., because he wants us to discover something about ourselves through them,” she said.
Deacon Gez Ford, who serves in St. David the King Parish, led the session “Hear his Voice in Music and Media.” He encouraged the participants that, if they have a desire to create media, they should always keep God in mind when doing so.
“You need to be surrounded by a community of brothers and sisters who also want to glorify God,” Deacon Ford said, adding that media that glorifies violence or depicts God in a negative light should be avoided.
Joshua Schiariti of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, took away several insights from Deacon Ford’s presentation.
Schiariti recalled, “He brought up three universal questions: What are you called to do – just love; When are we called to do it – right now; Who are you called to do it for – whoever’s right in front of you.”
Attending for the first time, Schiariti was impressed by the day’s turnout. “We’re Catholic – which means we’re universal – so it’s great to see people from other parishes coming together,” he said.
Shannon DesRochers of St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant Borough, agreed. “It’s not all the time that you get to meet young adult Catholics with the same viewpoints,” she said. “Today made me feel connected to a wonderful community.”
