Vocations supported at Conception Seminary College’s annual Family Weekend

Discerning a priestly vocation, sometimes over six hours from home, can be challenging for both seminarians and their families. This is why Conception Seminary College hosted its annual Family Weekend October 8-9 for the families of its over 90 seminarians. More than 350 people arrived Friday evening and Saturday afternoon to see their sons and to partake in a time of fellowship and fun. It was an opportunity for families to see Conception Seminary College and to gain a better understanding of what seminary life is like.

The family is the birth place of vocations. It’s no secret that the impact parents have on their children to consider a priestly vocation or a calling to an order or brothers or sisters, is strong. Parental influence on vocations, coupled with Catholic education, is key to promoting vocations in the Church.

The weekend would not have been possible without the participation of the kitchen staff, seminary volunteers, the monks of Conception Abbey, and the staff of Conception Seminary College. The weekend featured a packed schedule with an open house of the student’s dorms, a hayride given by Br. Placid, guided tours of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception by Br. Cyprian, and much more! The most popular event by far was the book sale that was organized by the Conception Seminary College Library. Many parents, relatives, and seminarians left with a handful of books for new reading material! Through everyone’s support, the library was able to raise $4,500; the proceeds will benefit upgrades to the library! Saturday evening ended with evening prayer with the monks and a plentiful banquet. The weekend was an overall success. Thank you to the volunteers and to the families that were able to attend to support their sons. It is truly impossible to foster a priestly vocation without the support of family and friends of our seminarians![rule style=”rule-fadecorder” ]

by Aaron Hooper of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri.