Vocation discernment gathering embodies joyful hope of Gaudete Sunday
December 15, 2025 at 1:11 p.m.
Gaudete Sunday — a time for rejoicing in the nearness of Christ’s coming -– provided the ideal setting for a special event highlighting the joyful hope of those whom God may be calling to join his holy priesthood.
PHOTO GALLERY: Vocation Discernment Mass, dinner
In the quiet chapel of Incarnation Church, Ewing, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated Mass Dec. 13 (the vigil of Gaudete Sunday) with 10 young men who have been discerning a call to the priesthood. Giving witness to the fraternity of the priesthood and the Church’s commitment to nurturing new vocations were Father Jean Felicien, secretary to the Bishop and vice chancellor; Father Garry Koch, pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Holmdel, and Father Daniel Swift, pastor of St. Mary of the Lakes in Medford — both assistant vocation directors.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined by several priests of the Diocese of Trenton, celebrated Mass in Incarnation Church, Ewing, Dec. 13, for men discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Courtesy photoAt the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop O’Connell invited each of the young men to introduce themselves and speak about the first stirrings of their vocation. Their testimonies — rooted in prayer, service and a desire to follow Christ — offered a glimpse into some of the many ways that God continues to call his people to serve as shepherds of his Church.
The group then gathered in the residence of Father Christopher Colavito, diocesan vocation director, for dinner and fellowship. In the warmth of conversation and shared laughter, discernment took on a communal dimension, reminding all present that the journey toward priesthood is not walked alone but in the company of others who have responded to that call.
“I enjoyed meeting these young men from all over the Diocese," reflected Bishop O'Connell. "I was inspired by their vocation stories and encouraged them to continue praying and pursuing their vocation.”
Father Colavito, who also serves as Catholic chaplain for The College of New Jersey as well as diocesan director of diaconate formation, has been accompanying these men individually, offering guidance and encouragement in their discernment.
In addition, Father Colavito is dedicated to building vocations awareness and establishing connections around the Diocese. Over the past year, he has visited scores of parishes and schools, inviting young men and their families to consider the possibility of a priestly vocation.
“Vocations to the priesthood should be a concern of every Catholic," observed Bishop O'Connell. "Father Colavito has done an outstanding job of presenting the priesthood to interested candidates throughout the Diocese."
Bishop O’Connell continued, “This Gaudete Sunday gathering was more than a pleasant evening — it was a sign of hope for the future of the Diocese of Trenton. In the joy of the Mass and the fellowship that followed, the seeds of vocation were nurtured. These young men, inspired by Christ and supported by their shepherds, represent the promise of tomorrow’s priests who will one day celebrate the sacraments, preach the Gospel and walk with the faithful through life’s joys and challenges.”
Men discerning a vocation to the priesthood gather for dinner with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and priests of the Diocese of Trenton following Mass Dec. 13.Courtesy photoRelated Stories
Monday, December 15, 2025
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Gaudete Sunday — a time for rejoicing in the nearness of Christ’s coming -– provided the ideal setting for a special event highlighting the joyful hope of those whom God may be calling to join his holy priesthood.
PHOTO GALLERY: Vocation Discernment Mass, dinner
In the quiet chapel of Incarnation Church, Ewing, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated Mass Dec. 13 (the vigil of Gaudete Sunday) with 10 young men who have been discerning a call to the priesthood. Giving witness to the fraternity of the priesthood and the Church’s commitment to nurturing new vocations were Father Jean Felicien, secretary to the Bishop and vice chancellor; Father Garry Koch, pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Holmdel, and Father Daniel Swift, pastor of St. Mary of the Lakes in Medford — both assistant vocation directors.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined by several priests of the Diocese of Trenton, celebrated Mass in Incarnation Church, Ewing, Dec. 13, for men discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Courtesy photoAt the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop O’Connell invited each of the young men to introduce themselves and speak about the first stirrings of their vocation. Their testimonies — rooted in prayer, service and a desire to follow Christ — offered a glimpse into some of the many ways that God continues to call his people to serve as shepherds of his Church.
The group then gathered in the residence of Father Christopher Colavito, diocesan vocation director, for dinner and fellowship. In the warmth of conversation and shared laughter, discernment took on a communal dimension, reminding all present that the journey toward priesthood is not walked alone but in the company of others who have responded to that call.
“I enjoyed meeting these young men from all over the Diocese," reflected Bishop O'Connell. "I was inspired by their vocation stories and encouraged them to continue praying and pursuing their vocation.”
Father Colavito, who also serves as Catholic chaplain for The College of New Jersey as well as diocesan director of diaconate formation, has been accompanying these men individually, offering guidance and encouragement in their discernment.
In addition, Father Colavito is dedicated to building vocations awareness and establishing connections around the Diocese. Over the past year, he has visited scores of parishes and schools, inviting young men and their families to consider the possibility of a priestly vocation.
“Vocations to the priesthood should be a concern of every Catholic," observed Bishop O'Connell. "Father Colavito has done an outstanding job of presenting the priesthood to interested candidates throughout the Diocese."
Bishop O’Connell continued, “This Gaudete Sunday gathering was more than a pleasant evening — it was a sign of hope for the future of the Diocese of Trenton. In the joy of the Mass and the fellowship that followed, the seeds of vocation were nurtured. These young men, inspired by Christ and supported by their shepherds, represent the promise of tomorrow’s priests who will one day celebrate the sacraments, preach the Gospel and walk with the faithful through life’s joys and challenges.”
Men discerning a vocation to the priesthood gather for dinner with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and priests of the Diocese of Trenton following Mass Dec. 13.Courtesy photo