Dozens of men come to Albany Diocese to weigh vocation

Nearly 40 men from throughout New York State who are considering the priesthood gathered at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center in Niskayuna last week for a two-day retreat led by the Albany diocesan Vocations Team.

The retreatants included four men from the Diocese: Brian Slezak, Matthew Castiglione, Steve Caruso and Dan Quinn. Another, James Michael Taylor of Georgia, will be attending seminary through the Albany Diocese.

The Vocations Team consists of Revs. James Walsh and David LeFort, and Sister Rosemary Cuneo, CR. The retreat included

prayer services, a liturgy celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, speakers, workshops and discussions.

During the retreat, The Evangelist spoke with the men about why they attended:

* Mr. Slezak, 22, a parishioner of St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Rotterdam Junction, came to meet other discerners.

"I'm glad I came," he told The Evangelist. "I see it as an opportunity to look at the priesthood before taking the next step, which will probably be serious discernment."

* Mr. Castiglione, 21, a parishioner of Sacred Heart parish in Gloversville, attended to glean more information about the priesthood.

"This seems like a good opportunity for all of us to enlighten each other and learn from people already in the ministry," he said. "I'm also very glad to see others from around the state."

* Mr. Caruso, 22, a recent graduate of Louisiana State University in New Orleans, attends St. John the Baptist parish in Schenectady. He came not only to learn for himself but also to find out how to encourage other men to weigh the priesthood.

"I've been considering becoming a priest on my own, and I've wanted to share this with others," he noted.

* Mr. Quinn, a parishioner of Holy Trinity in Johnstown, said that "I've been interested in the priesthood for about four years, mostly all through college. I think I'm ready to apply for serious discernment, to take the next step for myself."

* Mr. Taylor came to Albany from the Archdiocese of Georgia, looking for the opportunity to become a military chaplain. When he entered the University of Georgia and joined the ROTC, he felt a call to the priesthood and a desire to become a chaplain.

"Over the past four years, I've been thinking more and more about the priesthood," he said. "Father Walsh and other vocation directors have visited my college, and I became interested in serving in Albany because I was looking for a bishop interested in allowing me to continue my military commitment in the future.

"I've visited the Albany Diocese a few times. I've met a lot of people, including many of the priests, and I like what I've seen. I'm looking forward to being a priest here."

(1/12/06) [[In-content Ad]]