Fr. Isaiah Schick is joined by his parents at the St. Andrew Dinner just weeks before he moves to Washington, D.C., where he will pursue graduate studies at The Catholic University of America. (Submitted photo)
Jenny Snarski
Catholic Herald staff
The Diocese of Superior’s Vocations Office hosted a St. Andrew Dinner for young men exploring or discerning a priestly vocation on Aug. 12.
More than 80 people gathered at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Medford, 25 of whom were discerners between the ages of 14-33. Also attending were parents of seminarians, priests and those invited by the discerners.
St. Andrew Dinners provide an opportunity for young men and their parents to convene and converse, to hear about the real challenges and blessings of a priestly vocation through mutual witness and encouragement.
One highlight of the evening was the Rite of Candidacy celebrated for seminarian Andrew Smith. He expressed the peace and joy he was feeling; as explained by the diocesan vocations office, the Admission to Candidacy is celebrated when it has been established that the intention of those aspiring to Holy Orders is supported by the necessary qualifications and has achieved sufficient maturity.
Seminarian James Nauertz also shared his story with the guests.
Diocese of Superior Director of Vocations Fr. David Neuschwander attributes the strong attendance to the power of invitation.
“A culture of vocations is growing in our diocese. A culture of priestly fraternity and family support are growing,” he said. “There was an intentional and concerted effort for this St. Andrew Dinner in personal invitations. And as more individuals are being intentionally and personally invited through existing relationships, more discerners, parents of discerners, and parents of seminarians and priests are saying ‘yes.’
He continued, “The Holy Spirit is moving, and God is working through many hearts and voices because more and more people are saying ‘yes’ to him and then inviting others. God is doing great things in our diocese, and he will continue to do so as long as we keep saying ‘yes’ to his invitations!”
Vocations Office update
Gerry Berg, a native of Ladysmith, has been serving as an assistant to Vocations Director Fr. David Neuschwander, working from St. Joseph Parish in Hayward.
Her passion for vocations runs deep and wide.
“As the eldest of 12 children, I was raised by deeply faithful Catholic parents and educated by the Servite Sisters in Ladysmith,” she said. “I attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School from kindergarten through eighth grade, where the sisters became an integral part of my human, social, intellectual and spiritual formation. Together with my parents, they supported my growth in ways that extended far beyond academics throughout these important years.
“That foundation inspired a strong desire to become a Catholic educator and engage more fully in my faith. While earning my bachelor’s degree, I served as a substitute teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows and later completed my student teaching there. I then taught in the Early Childhood Program for a few years.
“After a back injury led me in a new direction, I began working with adults and parents, helping families experiencing poverty build self-sufficiency and gain stability in food security and finances,” Berg commented. “I completed additional degrees while next working in higher education, drawing on my training in education and psychology to teach and counsel families in crisis in both secular and Christian settings. I also consulted with Christan non-profit organizations to help strengthen their infrastructure, staffing, volunteer programs, and outreach efforts. Each of these was an exercise of my faith – to support the least of them” (Matt 25:40).
“I had a rich and fulfilling career, but God was building the path directly to what I currently do. Supporting vocations allows me to fully engage my Catholic faith and use the skills I developed over the years in a most unique and fruitful effort,” she concluded. “One of my children asked me why I am choosing not to retire quite yet. I tell them I am securing our Catholic future one seminarian at a time. I am humbled to be a small part of this amazing effort in our diocese.”
New Vocations initiatives
After a brief hiatus, the “Called North” Facebook page is now current, with new content being regularly posted. The Vocations Office website, callednorth.org, also has a new look with options to sign up for a monthly newsletter with vocations intercessions.
Prayer needs will be shared to the website but are also available by email sent directly to email subscribers’ inboxes.
Berg said, “Through these shared prayers, we hope to strengthen spiritual support for the Office of Vocations, those discerning their vocation, and our seminarians, helping the work of vocations bear even greater fruit.”
Another new initiative is the “Adopt-a-Seminarian Program,” also available on the website. Since Berg introduced this program at the mid-August Parish Catechetical Leader Conference, several requests have already been received.
This program is an annual project encouraging parishes, schools and faith formation groups to pray for one of the diocese’s seminarians during the academic year.
After completing the request form on the website, the participating group would be assigned an adopted seminarian and receive their photo and biography. A guide will also be sent with suggestions for youth engagement if a school or faith formation group.
Groups can support their adopted seminarian by praying for him daily, sending letters and cards. Parishes are also encouraged to dedicate one Mass per month with the intention of praying for the seminarian by name.
“We warmly invite others to participate,” she encouraged. More information and a brochure is available on the website or by reaching out to Gerry at .
One more initiative is in the final planning stages before launching, a pilot program for Parish Vocations Teams.
Berg explained, “Throughout the pilot year, the Office of Vocations will guide and support participating teams as they grow and serve their parish communities. At the end of the year, the teams will reflect on their experiences and help identify the best ways to support additional parishes.
“Each team will choose a focus that meets the needs of its parish, such as priestly vocations, religious life, marriage or a combination of these areas. Teams will build upon the good work already happening in their parishes by connecting and collaborating with existing ministries.”
Using the book “Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry,” by Rhonda Gruenewald, groups can be inspired by ideas and organize what they discern to work best for their local needs and opportunities. Visit callednorth.org/the-parish for more information.
