On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Holy Guardian Angels, Reading became a hub of discernment as 25 young men and their parents joined Bishop Alfred Schlert for a St. Andrew Dinner.
More than just a meal, the March 22 gathering served as an important step in the Diocese of Allentown’s 65th Anniversary initiatives, focusing on fostering priestly vocations and securing the future of the Church. The event was hosted by Father Allen Hoffa, Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, and organized by Father John Maria, Director of Vocations.
The event was the fruit of the “Called by Name” initiative, a grassroots effort in which local vocation committees empowered parishioners to nominate men age 14 and older who have the potential to be good priests. The nominees were invited to attend the St. Andrew Dinner as a next step in their discernment process.
The afternoon began with Solemn Vespers, featuring the Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. Bishop Schlert emphasized the personal nature of God’s invitation, telling the young men, “The Master is here, and he is calling you.”
Bishop Schlert presented St. Joseph as a primary model for both priests and discerners. He described Joseph as a quiet, just man who speaks no words in Scripture, but whose life was defined by his ability to listen and obey whenever God spoke. The Bishop highlighted Joseph’s courage in protecting the Holy Family, noting that a priest mimics this role as a spiritual father and custodian of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
Furthermore, he referenced Joseph’s title as the “Terror of Demons,” noting how a good father protects and lifts his family. He told the young men that in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, they are as close to Jesus as Joseph was.
After the prayer service, the group divided for specialized sessions. Rob and Andrea Eidle, parents of a priest and a seminarian, met with parents in the chapel to share insights on supporting a son’s discernment. Andrea Eidle observed that discernment is often a choice between two goods rather than a choice between good and evil.
Meanwhile, youth discerners gathered in the school social hall to hear from Father Aaron Scheidel. Sharing his own vocation story, he reminded the group that the seminary is the ultimate place to discern God’s calling. These young men also had the unique opportunity to interact with seminarians, who were seated at each table to lead small-group discussions and share their firsthand experiences.
The groups reunited for dinner. During dessert, Father Brian Miller, Pastor of St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, offered his testimony, describing moments of doubt during his journey. He encouraged the men, saying thatthat if God plants a desire in their hearts, He will also provide the ability to live it out.
Bishop Schlert shared a clear vision for the future of the Diocese. He explained that he looks for men who would make good husbands and fathers, as those same qualities are essential to lead the people of God.
Father Maria stated that this event followed a similar gathering on March 8 at St. Thomas More, Allentown, which also drew approximately 25 young men. He encouraged the participants to remain open to God’s plan.
Father Maria concluded the event by highlighting upcoming opportunities, including the annual Quo Vadis Youth Retreat, scheduled this year from Sunday, June 28 to Wednesday, July 1 at Kutztown University; as well as spring discernment groups at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown; and fall “Come and See” days at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Ambler.
Registration details are available on the Diocese of Allentown website, www.allentowndiocese.org/vocations.
Photos by Waldo Alvarado.
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