"Along with God's universal call to live and witness to the proclamation of salvation there are particular vocations with specific responsibilities within the Church; these are fruit of a special grace and require an additional moral and spiritual commitment. They are the vocations to priesthood, the religious life, to the work of the missions and to the contemplative life." (World Day of Prayer for Vocations 1996, Pope John Paul II)

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Articles by
Pope John Paul ll:
Pope John Paul II
on his priestly vocation

Pope John Paul II to parents:
Facing up to the vocations
of their children

Article by
Archbishop
John J. Myers:
Promoting Vocations
to the Priesthood

Email:
Fr. Brian Plate
platebri@rcan.org

Contact Us
Vocations Office
Archdiocese of Newark
171 Clifton Avenue ~ PO Box 9500
Newark, NJ 07104-0500
Phone: (973) 497 4365
Fax: (973) 497 4369

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THE HOUSE OF DISCERNMENT
EMMAUS DISCERNMENT GROUP
EMMAUS DISCERNMENT RETREAT
THE COLLEGE SEMINARY
BETHANY DISCERNMENT GROUP FOR WOMEN

A CANDIDATE FOR THE HOUSE OF DISCERNMENT?
The Emmaus House is a discernment residence for men who believe that the Lord may be calling them to the priesthood but who, for various reasons, may not be prepared to enter the seminary. Located in Newark, the Emmaus House provides a good environment for prayer, discernment, and pastoral activity.

Why have an Emmaus House? Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic exhortation on the formation of priests, Pastores Dabo Vobis, states, "The new generation of those called to the ministerial priesthood display different characteristics in comparison to those of their immediate predecessors. In addition, they live in a world which in many respects is new and undergoing rapid and continual evolution. All of this cannot be ignored when it comes to programming and carrying out the various phases of formation. . ." (Pastores Dabo Vobis, no.3).

The Emmaus House formation experience seeks to address the changing realities faced by men discerning a call to the ministerial priesthood today. This "new generation" of candidates does not always fit neatly into traditional formation categories. Therefore, the Emmaus House recognizes the individual needs and concerns of its men, while feeding them from a rich spiritual tradition. The objective is to provide candidates with the tools necessary for eventual entrance into a formal seminary system.

There are several classifications of candidates who may benefit from this opportunity:

For further information regarding The Emmaus House:
Please call the Vocations Office at (973) 497-4365 or e-mail us.

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A CANDIDATE FOR THE EMMAUS DISCERNMENT GROUP?
"In the course of their lively exchange, Jesus approached and began to walk along with them." (Luke 24:15). This scripture quote is a simple reminder to us that, as Christians, we never travel the road of faith alone. The Lord Jesus always walks with us.  

Men discerning a possible call to priesthood need the reassurance that Jesus will be with them through each step of their journey, wherever that may lead. There are many steps and phases a man travels through as he discerns his call from the Lord. These steps range from a minor curiosity about a church vocation to more serious desires to actually serve as a priest.

If you are 18 years of age, mildly curious or even a bit more serious about the call to priesthood, the Emmaus Discernment Group may be for you! The Emmaus Discernment Group provides a comfortable and relaxed place to share your feelings about the possible call to priesthood with other men who are also examining the call. Emmaus discusses issues central to the call and does so within the context of prayer, discussion and support.

Monthly Emmaus meetings seek to explore issues of concern:

This "no-pressure" Emmaus environment helps men work through their fears of looking at a priestly commitment. If you think that this Emmaus Discernment Group may be for you, please call the Vocations Office at (973) 497-4365 or e-mail us.

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HOW ABOUT THE EMMAUS DISCERNMENT RETREAT?
Jesus said to them, "Come by yourselves to an out-of-the-way place and rest awhile." (Mark 6:31) The Lord's invitation to rest a little illustrates the necessity to quiet oneself to hear the voice of God. Spiritual retreats are an excellent opportunity to go to "an out-of-the-way place" to listen to the guiding spirit of God.

Are you currently giving serious consideration to what you want to do with your life? Do you find that the everyday hustle and bustle of life often takes much of your time, leaving too little time for serious thought, prayer, and meditation? Do distractions stand in the way of your obtaining a sense of peace in the direction of your life? If so, The Emmaus Retreat Experience is for you.

The Emmaus Retreat Experience is for men over 18 years of age who are open to the possibility that the Lord may be calling them to a church vocation. Archbishop Myers will be the Director of the Retreat and will address the important topic of discernment and hearing the Lord's call in today's busy and confusing world. If you wish to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to spend quality time discerning your future, please call the Vocations Office at (973) 497-4365 or e-mail us.

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A CANDIDATE FOR THE COLLEGE SEMINARY?
The College Seminary at Seton Hall University is a house of formation offering the time, environment and fraternal support that are necessary as a young man discerns the possibility of a priestly vocation. Drawing from the academic resources of Seton Hall University, the experience of College Seminary life is one of spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth.

For a young man considering the priesthood, the College Seminary offers the opportunity to cultivate those qualities as he pursues a bachelor's degree. Upon graduation, a college seminarian will be well-prepared in attitudes, skills, and motivation to enter a theologate to continue his priestly formation. He will see service to others and growth in charity as vital measures of his spiritual life.

Located within walking distance of the main campus of Seton Hall University, Saint Andrew's Hall is the residence for seminarians, their rector and spiritual director. The community shares the common goal of growth in Christ and the desire for lifelong service to the Lord and his Church. An atmosphere of friendship, prayer, and study contribute to the discernment of each seminarian. Presently, there are rooms for 35 students, as well as a chapel, library, study and recreation rooms.

All seminarians are enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest academic component of Seton Hall University, and receive a thorough education in the liberal arts for studying theology after graduation. At the heart of the Seminary is the spiritual program. It consists of two facets: the Church's Liturgy and personal spiritual direction. Once a week, students meet in one of several small "formation groups" that deal with questions of personal growth, ministry or spiritual life. Finally, during the course of college, each student participates in apostolic activities such as catechetical work, youth and hospital ministry, pastoral care of the elderly, ministry to the urban population, to the poor or in suburban parish work.

For further information regarding the College Seminary at Seton Hall University, please call the Vocations Office at (973) 497-4365 or e-mail us.

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BETHANY DISCERNMENT GROUP FOR WOMEN -- "As they continued their journey Jesus entered a village, called Bethany where Martha and Mary welcomed him." (Luke 10:38) Martha and Mary welcomed Jesus into their lives. Are you a woman searching to deepen your baptismal call and considering the possibility of a vocation to the religious life? Bethany Discernment Group is for women in the Archdiocese ages 18 and older who meet monthly. This discernment group provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to share your feelings about the possible call to religious life through prayer, discussion and support. Monthly Bethany meetings seek to explore the following issues of concern:

If you are interested in joining Bethany in your discernment please call the Vocations Office at (973) 497-4365 or e-mail us.