Busloads of young men from around the archdiocese traveled to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers for Vocations Day on Saturday, March 22, to take possibly their first steps toward the priesthood.

The day began with an opening prayer, followed by workshops on life as a seminarian and priest, including learning more about the sacraments. While parents, chaperones, and clergy were encouraged to attend the day with the approximately 175 participating 12-17-year-olds, the boys and young men seeking discernment went to the workshops by themselves.

“Don’t be afraid if that’s what your child says to you. I promise you there’s nothing to be afraid of. God will give him all the graces that he needs to do whatever vocation he is called to. As I said, I have another son whose third son is due in two weeks, and I’ve watched him grow in his vocation as a husband and a father. To me, it’s different sides of the same coin,” said Janine Kristensen, mother of Jack Kristensen, now a seminarian, although not at St. Joseph’s Seminary.

“If that’s what God is asking him to do, then I need to support him and be there for him, to answer questions he has, if he’s sad, or if he’s joyful, to share all that with him. That’s my job,” Kristensen said.

Attendees reconvened in the main chapel for Mass with Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Cardinal Dolan recalled that the site on which St. Joseph’s Seminary now stands once served as a headquarters for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. He compared Washington’s life of service as a general and president to the calling that priests also hear.

“You see how he was called to serve as the commander of our revolutionary army, how that call defined him throughout his life,” he said. “He gave up, he sacrificed, for his sense of duty, and his responsibility to serve a greater being.”

Concelebrants of the Mass included Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Espaillat, Vicar General Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, Father George Sears, vocations director for the archdiocese, Father Michael Connolly, and Father Ryan Muldoon.

After Mass, as participants broke for lunch, Cardinal Dolan joined about a dozen discerners – young men who are applying to or have already been accepted into seminary – to answer their questions and encourage them, along with Father Sears.

Before a final afternoon reflection, seminarian Ian Mendoza, currently in his pastoral year, shared some thoughts regarding his personal discernment experience.

“During high school, I didn’t take these programs seriously. I talked about them with friends and parents, finding them interesting but merely a means of support. It wasn’t until my last year of high school that I realized their importance and decided to participate,” said Mendoza, whose father is a deacon, elder brother is a priest, and younger brother is also a seminarian.

“Seminary education is beautiful but challenging. It presents spiritual questions, especially regarding trust and career changes. I feel fortunate to have a supportive community where we discuss serious matters and provide encouragement to one another. These friendships have been a great source of guidance,” he said.

The day ended with Eucharistic adoration and prayer. Young men interested in vocations can learn more at www.nypriest.com.