Programs & Events
Vocation???...Did you know we all have one?

God has given to each one of us a distinct task.
God delivers His call to our hearts and also through our actions in life.
Discernment can be described as those times when you try to listen to this Call, with the help of the Holy Spirit to determine what YOUR vocation is.
Maybe you never thought about a vocation.
If your discernment has led you to think God might be calling you to a vocation in the Catholic Church as a Diocesan Priest or in the Consecrated Life as a Sister or Brother, the Norwich Diocesan Vocation Office offers several opportunities for you to explore and discern.
The following list of events and activities are designed to help you in Your discernment process. If you would like to attend one or more of the events or activities listed below CLICK HERE to register.
1. Evenings of Discerment
Discernment is a process of discovering God's will for you. "What does God want me to be?" is the basic question of discernment.
Do you think God is calling you to be a priest, a diocesan priest? Has a family member, a relative, a friend, another priest, a work associate or anyone else ever suggested you might make a good priest? Have you ever felt that ever so gentle tug from Christ to consider following Him in this unique way? Maybe the thought has simply crossed your mind now and then.
In the words of the late Pope John Paul II, "DO NOT BE AFRAID".
Come; join Fr. Greg Galvin and others who are also seeking an answer to the same question. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with prayer and reflection. A brief film (approx. 18 min.) will be shown and discussed and the evening will end at 7:45 pm after the opportunity for questions and answers.
Please register using the form - registration for each Evening of Discernment must be received 24 hours prior to the schedule date for planning purposes.
2008 Dates
TBD
2. Prayer, Dinner, & Discussion with Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D. D. Bishop of Norwich
Which Direction Will You Take? Have You Ever Thought About a Vocation to the Priesthood or Consecrated Life as a Sister or Brother? If you are discerning a possible vocation in the Catholic Church as a Priest, Sister or Brother, you are invited to this special evening of prayer and an informal dinner with the Bishop of Norwich. There will be an opportunity to speak with Bishop Cote and others who will help you find the right path in life. This is an occasion to help answer your questions and bring you a step closer to knowing whether you are being called to the priesthood or consecrated life.
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: 274 Broadway, Norwich, CT
Pre-Registration Required
3. Attend an Ordination to the Priesthood
TBD
St. Patrick Cathedral
213 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360
Please call the Chancery and speak to Annette (860) 887-9294 if you plan to attend
4. Plan to attend a Discernment Retreat at St. Edmunds Enders Island at Mystic
This special retreat affords you the opportunity to find answers, consider your future, and think about serving Christ as one of His priests. You will have the opportunity to listen to presentations, have time to reflect, pray the rosary, go to confession and attend the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Who: If you are 17 years of age or older
When: TBD
Time: TBD
5. Altar Servers Appreciation Day
The Day begins with Mass with Bishop Cote, followed by Sports Activities, Games, Lunch, and Refreshments. Plan to join other Altar Servers from throughout the Diocese for a Day of Companionship and Fun!
Where: St. Bernard High School, Uncasville, CT
When: June 24, 2008
6. Spend a day with a Priest, Brother or Sister
A mutually convenient time with a Priest, Brother, or Sister will be arranged. Learn firsthand how they live each day. See what a typical day in the life of a religious looks like.
7. Visit to a Seminary
Are you considering a vocation as a Diocesan Priest? Be a part of this activity to meet Seminarians who are currently studying for the priesthood while learning what seminary life is all about. Please contact Father Mark (860-887-9294) for more information and to schedule a seminary visit.