Annual Seminarian Convocation
and Evening Prayer

The seminarians of the Fall River Diocese met the first week of August for their annual convocation at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham. Present for the Convocation were Father Edward Correia, Vocation Director, as well as eight of our diocesan seminarians: Gregory Bettencourt, Jason Brilhante, David Deston, Ron Floyd, Peter Fournier, Jay Mello, Dan Nunes, and Bill Sylvia. Seminarian Riley Williams was unable to attend due to his summer assignment to study Italian.

Each day a different diocesan priest celebrated Mass for the seminarians. Fr. Raul Lagoa, pastor of Saint John of God in Somerset came on Monday, while Fr. Arnold Medeiros, pastor of Saint Patrick in Wareham came on Tuesday. Wednesday’s celebrant was Fr. Karl Bissinger, and Thursday the seminarians were joined by Fr. Bruce Neylon, pastor of Saint Stanislaus in Fall River.

Throughout the week the seminarians hosted speakers who discussed various aspects of ministry in our diocese. On Monday, Deacon Bill Martin and his wife Judy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish of North Falmouth talked about how the sacraments of Holy Orders and Marriage are lived out on a daily basis. On Tuesday and Wednesday Doug Rodrigues of the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Office spoke to the seminarians about the work of his office in developing ways to strengthen diocesan resources for the future. Both Doug and the seminarians agreed that their time together was quite fruitful for both sides. On Wednesday night, George and Debbie Cabral spoke about the sacrament of Marriage and how those who have received the sacrament of Holy Orders have strengthened them in their commitment, as well as a presentation on the Teams of Our Lady.

On Tuesday night a cookout was held in which many priests of the diocese came to enjoy a time of fellowship and fraternity. Afterwards, the seminarians and priests came together for a Holy Hour of prayer for vocations.

The seminarians were joined by Bishop Coleman for the day on Thursday. This is an annual opportunity for the bishop to inquire about summer assignments and to encourage the seminarians to persevere in their studies as they return to classes in a few weeks. It also gives the bishop a chance to speak to them as a group about the needs of the diocese and to share his vision of ministry, including the concept of the parish as a "school of prayer."

The annual highlight of the convocation is always on Thursday evening when a prayer service is held at Saint Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth. As is the custom it was attended by many of the seminarians’ families as well as members of vocation prayer teams from around the diocese. Bishop Coleman presided and Father Karl Bissinger gave a reflection in which he thanked those present for their support and underlined the need for vocations. Following the prayer service, refreshments were served in the parish hall and the seminarians each expressed their appreciation to those gathered for their support.