By Carly York, Correspondent

A new, fun and informal approach to encouraging vocations to the priesthood was introduced in the Diocese of Trenton.

Father Michael Wallack, newly appointed diocesan director of vocations, along with Father Brian Woodrow, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, decided to host a volleyball game between current priests versus men who are thinking about the priesthood as a “great way” to break the ice.

While inclement weather prohibited the first planned volleyball game on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Parish Oct. 8, there were young men who came for the 5:15 p.m. Vigil Mass, enjoyed a meal and then got answers to their questions from diocesan vocation leaders, including Father Wallack, Father Woodrow and Father Daniel Swift, assistant director for vocations and pastor of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford.

Father Wallack said the evening was also an opportunity for the Diocese to see who is thinking about the priesthood, noting how the event was publicized primarily through parish bulletin announcements or priests directly inviting men from their respective parishes.  While “Joe,” from St. Paul Parish, Princeton, learned about the evening through the bulletin, “Alex,” a high school student, and “Noah,” a college student, were invited by Father Swift. “Vincent” was encouraged by his pastor from a Monmouth County parish to attend.

Father Wallack, who will celebrate his 12th anniversary as a priest in December, said that the gathering, and future events are a way for the vocations office to seek potential priests within the Diocese, and to “stress fellowship and prayer” for those considering the priesthood.

The participants were interested to hear Father Swift, who has been ordained a priest for 26 years, tell a fun and encouraging story about his first year in the seminary, which seemed to put one of the young inquirers more at ease.

 “What can the average parishioner in the Diocese do to encourage vocations,” one man asked. If someone feels prompted “to ask a guy if he is considering the priesthood – do it!” Father Wallack said, noting that he advocates opening a local dialogue about the priesthood.

He also explained that “vocations are born in the family.”

“When a son sees his parents faithfully modeling the Sacrament of Marriage, and he sees his parents saying ‘yes’ to the Lord, he will know that he can also say ‘yes’ to the Lord if he is called.

Father Wallack also stressed the importance of the faithful from throughout the Diocese to regularly pray for vocations.

The next informational gathering, which will feature an indoor soccer game, is scheduled for Jan. 21. To learn more about the Office of Vocations, contact Father Wallack at: [email protected].