By Mary Stadnyk |Associate Editor
With 34 diocesan seminarians pursuing studies in four different seminaries, every opportunity to bring these men together as a unit is very important because it helps them to develop fraternal bonds that are meant to deepen and grow after ordination.

For a number of years, the diocese’s future priests have enjoyed attending the annual weeklong seminarian retreat in Stella Maris Retreat Center, Elberon, where they have time for rest and reflection and learning more about their vocation as prospective priests.

This year’s retreat, held July 22-26, was attended by those seminarians who are currently pursuing studies for the priesthood, and the seven new seminarians who are beginning their studies in the fall. The retreats are also beneficial because they are led by priests of the diocese who share about their chosen vocation based on their own knowledge and lived experiences.

Joining the gathering at Stella Maris were Msgr. Eugene Rebeck, who was the retreat facilitator, and Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, and coordinator of Sacred Heart House of Priestly Formation.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., was present July 25 and celebrated Mass for the seminarians in the retreat center chapel, shared lunch and met with the men in small groups to address questions about the priesthood and offer words of support and encouragement as they prepare to embark on a new year of studies.

In his homily during the Mass celebrating the feast of St. James the Apostle, Bishop O’Connell reflected on the messages conveyed in the day’s First Reading (2Cor4: 7-15) and Gospel (Mt. 20:20-28).

“We have all received and given gifts.

And sometimes the package, the wrappings can appear nicer than what they contain,” said Bishop O’Connell. “Today’s First Reading however, puts the emphasis where it belongs on the ‘treasure’ contained within, as St. Paul writes, in ‘earthen vessels.’” “The ‘treasure,’ of course, is Jesus Christ and we are the ‘earthen vessels’,” the bishop said. “As future priests, you must remember that. The package is never more important than what it contains.”

Looking to the Gospel, Bishop O’Connell said that, “It is understandable that the mother of James and John seeks the best for her sons. But Jesus is quick to point out the importance of service as the true source of greatness.”

“Your vocation is to be a priest, not a seminarian,” Bishop O’Connell emphasized. “But, as the seminarian, you must use these years of formation to prepare yourself to have something profound to offer God’s people: Jesus Christ, his Gospel, the deposit of faith, the living tradition of the Church.”

Throughout the week, the seminarians attended conferences facilitated by Msgr. Rebeck, who centered his talks on the theme of “Living the Life of a Parish Priest.” Msgr. Rebeck spoke from the heart as he shared highlights from his own 48 years serving as a parish priest, including the 28 years he was pastor of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, from 1985 until his retirement in June. Msgr. Rebeck addressed the importance of priests maintaining an active prayer life, being present, humility and preaching.

Other topics addressed throughout the week included that of “Critical Conversations” by Rev. Mr. John Butler, a former attorney who was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop O’Connell in May, and Maureen Fitzsimmons, victim assistance coordinator in the diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection. The presentation addressed challenges that new priests may face while working in a parish setting, including that of setting boundaries in their interaction with others and dealing with loneliness.

Occasions such as the summer retreat for seminarians are beneficial because they have the “opportunity to pray, reflect on their vocation and most importantly, see themselves as a group of men who are studying to be priests for the diocese.”