What Are You Looking For?

Bishop’s Annual Vocation Picnic Helps Individuals Contemplate Their True Vocation

By Eileen Jevis Staff writer

In John’s Gospel (1:38) Jesus is departing, after meeting his cousin John and being baptized by him. He notices two disciples following Him. Jesus turns around and asks what most people would in that situation: “What are you looking for?”

Nick Longo, youth minister at Holy Family Church in Fairmount, was one of the guest speakers at the Tenth Hour, the annual vocations picnic held on Thursday, July 20 at Christ the King Retreat House. Referring to the Gospel passage, Longo posed the question, “what are you looking for?” to the young adults who were present.

Shannon Whoriskey, a parishioner at St. James Parish in Johnson City, attended the picnic. Having recently returned from the Steubenville Youth Conference, she said she was inspired and energized to learn more about religious life. “Nick Longo’s question, ‘what are you looking for,’ was thought-provoking and encouraged us to consider the desires that God has placed in our hearts,” said Whoriskey.

Whoriskey sat next to Sister Pamela Conte, a member of the leadership team for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. “She explained her own calling and how to be open to the desires God places on your soul. She’s given me much to pray and think about.”

The Steubenville Conference also ignited the desire to enter ordained life for John Brusa III, who is studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. In a few weeks, Brusa will return to his studies for the academic year and is on track to be ordained a transitional deacon in spring 2024. Growing up, Brusa said his goal was to become a meteorologist. However, shortly after high school he attended a second Steubenville conference and then witnessed a priestly ordination. He began going to daily Mass. “By the end of the summer I was certain that the Lord was calling me to apply for the seminary,” he said.

“Discernment is making a decision with God,” explained Father Jason Hage, director of vocation promotion for the Diocese. “Individuals contemplating a call to serve Christ receive messages at different times in their lives and through different experiences that inspire and impact them.”

Father Nate Brooks was on hand at the picnic to offer information and guidance to young men considering the priesthood. He is the administrator of the Church of the Nativity with worship sites in Lafayette, Tully and Pompey. He is also the coordinator of The Fisherman’s Club – a program sponsored by the Office of Vocation Promotion. The program offers college-age and young adult men who are thinking about the priesthood the chance to come together to pray, have a conversation, and share a meal. “It’s an opportunity for those present to interact with a priest and other guys who are discerning in an informal setting, so that they know they are not alone,” explained Father Nate.

Father Nate said that there are misconceptions about the life of a priest. “People think as priests, we are always busy and never get to have any fun; that we are constantly moving from one thing to the next.” While there are things to do, there is always time to be with friends and family, he explained, and he finds having healthy friendships and interactions with others is very beneficial to his priestly life.

Those who attend the Fisherman’s Club will learn they are not alone as they contemplate priesthood. “When you are alone in your discernment, it’s harder,” explained Father Nate. “You may feel like you’re on a raft and no one is there to help guide you. I am there to help – to be a voice and point them in the right direction. I can even help them in their prayer life and share the joy I feel in my life as a priest.”

“It’s the most meaningful life anyone could hope for,” added Father Hage. “You wake up and have a purpose. We are in love with the Lord, and we love to share that love with others. “You go to bed content every night because it’s so meaningful and impactful.”

For more information on vocations, visit https://vocations-syracuse.org/. For more information on the Fisherman’s Club, contact Father Nathan Brooks at nbrooks@syrdio.org