Seminarians gather for annual retreat
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Stella Maris Retreat Center, located in the West End section of Long Branch, is the setting for the annual retreat for seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton.
At the close of their summer parish assignments and before they return to the seminary at the end of August, they get together for a week of retreat, fellowship and relaxation.
The seminarians gathered the afternoon of July 30 for Evening Prayer, beginning their journey together. For most of the seminarians this was an opportunity to spend time with old friends and classmates and to share the new experiences they had in their summer pastoral assignments. But this week also provided the opportunity for the men just entering the seminary for the Diocese of Trenton to meet their brother seminarians and classmates. This year eight men will enter the seminary. They come from a variety of backgrounds and will be in various seminaries and class years.
Father Daniel Ryan, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, was the director for the retreat. In his reflections, which he presented twice a day, Father Ryan focused on the themes first of knowing oneself, knowing one’s diocese, knowing one’s parish and knowing the people. Through sharing various anecdotes and experiences from his own experience as a pastor, Father Ryan challenged the seminarians to deeper awareness of the Church they are called to serve.
The highlight of the retreat came Aug. 2 with the visit of Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., who joined the seminarians for Mass, lunch and fellowship. In his address to the seminarians, the bishop shared some of the plans for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress in October and various programs that he is planning for the diocese. He was accompanied by Father Alberto Tamayo, his vice chancellor and priest secretary.
Overall, the week of retreat allowed the seminarians of the diocese an opportunity to develop a sense of shared mission and friendship that will serve as support, both during their time as seminarians and, hopefully, as they serve as future priests for the diocese.
Rev. Mr. Garry Koch, who was ordained a transitional deacon for the diocese May 19, currently serves in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parishes, Spring Lake.
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Stella Maris Retreat Center, located in the West End section of Long Branch, is the setting for the annual retreat for seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton.
At the close of their summer parish assignments and before they return to the seminary at the end of August, they get together for a week of retreat, fellowship and relaxation.
The seminarians gathered the afternoon of July 30 for Evening Prayer, beginning their journey together. For most of the seminarians this was an opportunity to spend time with old friends and classmates and to share the new experiences they had in their summer pastoral assignments. But this week also provided the opportunity for the men just entering the seminary for the Diocese of Trenton to meet their brother seminarians and classmates. This year eight men will enter the seminary. They come from a variety of backgrounds and will be in various seminaries and class years.
Father Daniel Ryan, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, was the director for the retreat. In his reflections, which he presented twice a day, Father Ryan focused on the themes first of knowing oneself, knowing one’s diocese, knowing one’s parish and knowing the people. Through sharing various anecdotes and experiences from his own experience as a pastor, Father Ryan challenged the seminarians to deeper awareness of the Church they are called to serve.
The highlight of the retreat came Aug. 2 with the visit of Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., who joined the seminarians for Mass, lunch and fellowship. In his address to the seminarians, the bishop shared some of the plans for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress in October and various programs that he is planning for the diocese. He was accompanied by Father Alberto Tamayo, his vice chancellor and priest secretary.
Overall, the week of retreat allowed the seminarians of the diocese an opportunity to develop a sense of shared mission and friendship that will serve as support, both during their time as seminarians and, hopefully, as they serve as future priests for the diocese.
Rev. Mr. Garry Koch, who was ordained a transitional deacon for the diocese May 19, currently serves in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parishes, Spring Lake.
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