Called by name—a weekend of discernment at St. Mark Seminary
By Allison Mosier12/02/2025
Every vocation begins with a question—quiet, persistent and deeply personal. “What is God calling me to do with my life?” For many young men across the Diocese of Erie, that question surfaces during moments of prayer, service or silence, long before they ever speak the word “priesthood” out loud. Recognizing the courage it takes to explore such a calling, St. Mark Seminary is once again opening its doors for a discernment weekend December 6–7, offering college-age Catholic men an opportunity to listen more closely to the voice of God.
Discernment is not about deciding quickly. It is about creating space for God to reveal his plan step by step. Over the course of the weekend, participants will experience prayer, fraternity, conversation with seminarians and faculty and a glimpse into the daily life of formation. For some, this weekend becomes a moment of clarity. For others, it confirms a desire to continue asking questions. For all, it is an opportunity to encounter Christ in a new and personal way.
The significance of this invitation extends beyond St. Mark Seminary. The church depends on men who are willing to explore the possibility that God may be calling them to the priesthood—men willing to serve, to shepherd and to stand with the People of God. The Diocese of Erie has been blessed for generations by priests whose lives were shaped by quiet moments of discernment, encouragement from mentors and opportunities like this one.
Today, our parishes, families and communities still rely on that “yes.” And even those who discover that God is calling them to a different vocation walk away from discernment weekends strengthened in faith, rooted in prayer and more confident in the path God has chosen for them.
As we prepare for this upcoming weekend, we ask everyone in our diocesan family to join us in praying for those listening for the Lord’s call. Please take a moment to offer Bishop Persico’s Prayer for Vocations, praying that hearts may be open, courage may be abundant and God’s will may be done.
If you or someone you know may be discerning, consider sharing this opportunity—and continue to pray for vocations in our church.
To learn more—or to begin a conversation about your own discernment—please contact Father Scott Jabo, Vocation Director, at 814-824-1198 or swjabo@eriercd.org. To register to attend Discernment Weekend visit https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/58362/sessions/162057/sections/97610/tickets.
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