Young men explore the call to priesthood at Quo Vadis Days Retreat
By Kristine Rilling07/08/2025
Eighteen young men from around the Diocese of Erie gathered at St. Mark Seminary in Erie this past week for Quo Vadis Days, a four-day retreat designed to help high school-age participants explore the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood.
Organized by the diocesan Vocation Office, the retreat offered a mix of prayer, formation, recreation and personal testimony. Participants spent time in Eucharistic adoration, attended daily Mass and had opportunities for quiet discernment and spiritual direction. They also heard from diocesan priests and seminarians who shared their stories of saying “yes” to God’s call.
“Quo Vadis Days gives young men a chance to step away from the noise and genuinely discern God’s call,” said Father Scott Jabo. “Spending time with priests and seminarians, those who have simply said 'yes' to the Lord, helps them see that a life of faith can be joyful, purposeful and fulfilling. Whether or not they’re called to the priesthood, I hope they leave knowing they are deeply loved by God and never need to fear answering his call.”
A highlight of the week was a visit from Bishop Lawrence Persico, who joined the retreatants for Mass, dinner and united in fellowship. The bishop was able to answer questions about seminary life, challenges facing the church and what brings him the most joy in his ministry.
At the closing Mass, Father David Renne, vice-rector of St. Mark Seminary, offered words of encouragement and gratitude for the young men’s willingness to spend part of their summer seeking God’s will.
“We have lots of opportunities to explore our interests and discover our gifts and talents” said Father David Renne. “As Catholic men, the question we should be asking ourselves is not what do I want to do with my life, but rather, what does God want me to do with this life he has entrusted to me.”
As the retreat concluded, participants expressed appreciation for the friendships formed, the peace they found in prayer and the honest conversations that helped clarify their thoughts about the future.
“God is working powerfully in your lives,” said Father Jabo. “Where are you going?”
As the retreatants joined their families, they said good-bye to one another knowing that this was the beginning – not the end – to something bigger.
“There is something very special about the friendships formed here,” said Jamie Williams, whose son, Franco Williams, attended the retreat. “It’s a very strong bond.”
The Vocation Office plans to continue offering Quo Vadis Days annually as part of its broader mission to foster a culture of vocations across the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie. To learn more about vocations or future events, visit www.erievocations.org.
View photos from the retreat here.
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