opportunity for discernment

to this trip and talking about it since November 2022. Their enthusiasm continued throughout the whole trip. I even noticed on the bus ride back that there was a deep sense of fraternity and joy among them.”

The group’s bus departed from St. John Paul II High School at approximately 7 a.m. on March 31 and arrived at the seminary in the early evening. In addition to being exposed to the liturgical life of the seminary (Mass, confessions, Liturgy of the Hours, Stations of the Cross, Marian Procession), the retreatants were able to sit in on classes and participate in an Emmaus walk. They also had the opportunity to play different sports, hear about the dimensions of formation, listen to testimonies from different seminarians about their experiences, and enjoy some tasty Louisiana food.

Stephen Beadle, a seminarian from the Diocese of Corpus Christi who currently studies there, was able to give them a tour of the library, dorms, monastic refectory and the social gathering area.

The experience of stepping into seminary life for a weekend made an indelible impression on these young men. While some were open to the possibility of priesthood before the trip, others discovered that it was not their calling. Still, others continue to be open to the possibility. However, this trip was very influential