Eight men gathered at Mount St. Francis March 4-6 for a vocation discernment weekend retreat. Led by Fr. Paul Schloemer, OFM Conv.  and  Fr. John Bamman, OFM Conv., we hosted men from Minnesota, Indiana, and Kentucky. Also traveling to the Mount to help with the retreat were second-year postulants Tony Martinez and Andrew Hennessy.

The retreat began Friday night with a presentation by Fr. Jim Kent, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial, who shared the story of his discernment journey with the retreatants. Next, Tony and Andrew shared their experiences as young men in the process of discerning their vocation. Other speakers included Dean of the Province (and of the North American Conventuals) 95-year-old Fr. Maurus Hauer, OFM Conv., as well as Friars Fr. Dismas Veeneman, Br. John Maurer, and Fr. David Lenz.

l to r: Tony Martinez and Andrew Hennessy share their stories of pre-novitiate

Fr. Paul  said the retreatants were all across the spectrum in terms of vocation discernment. But five expressed interest in continuing to work with the OLC vocation directors as they make their way through the decision process.

Please continue to pray for vocations, for those already in our formation program, and for the men who are considering joining us.