The diocesan Vocation Office hosted the annual Bishop’s BBQ, a social gathering at the Center for Pastoral Leadership to welcome young men who are considering a possible vocation. The event included prayer, a cookout, games and an opportunity to chat with priests, deacons and Bishop Edward Malesic.
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“I am so happy to be here with you tonight,” he said, scanning the chapel.
There was a special guest for the Aug 3 event, he said, introducing Bishop Larry Kulick, bishop of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Bishop Malesic’s successor there. Bishop Kulick was in town to participate in the First Catholic Slovak Union’s quadrennial convention and to attend the episcopal ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost the following day.
After evening prayer, the bishop made some brief remarks in Sacred Heart Chapel, sharing highlights of his own vocation story.
“I never intended to be a priest,” he told the gathering. He explained he was majoring in biology in college and planned to work in a medical laboratory in a hospital.
But God had other plans.
After attending a conference with his pastor and a religious sister, each asked him if he had ever considered the priesthood. “I had never thought about the question, but then I couldn’t get it out of my mind,” he said, adding that often is how the seeds of a vocation are planted – by someone asking or inviting another person to consider the priesthood or religious life. There are many vocations, he said, including ordination to the priesthood or diaconate, religious life, single life and marriage.
“Jesus was a real person. If I let him into my heart, I knew he’d touch my life – and he did,” the bishop said.
He talked about a Bible he received freshman year in college, noting he still has it. In fact, he often tells people he has left instructions it is to be buried with him.
“I started reading the Bible and it all made sense,” the bishop said. He also talked about he identified people who founded various other religions, but the Catholic faith traces back to one person: Jesus.
“I loved Jesus because he loved me,” he said.
He reassured attendees that they would have time and help as they discerned their vocation, noting that not all of them will be called to the priesthood. “And that’s fine. But if you, I’ll be thrilled,” he quipped.
“When you say you’re going to enter the seminary, it’s a big deal. But you must do what the Lord is calling you to do and then you will be happy.
“Our role is to listen and say, ‘Thy will be done.’ It’s not always easy to listen, but do that and open your hearts up to whatever your future is,” the bishop added.
Father Mike McCandless, director of the Vocation Office, introduced about a dozen priests and a few permanent deacons from across the diocese who were on hand and willing to chat with attendees about story.
After prayer, the group headed outside for games, a picnic dinner and conversation.