Answering the Call: “Come and See” Retreats at Saint John’s Seminary

Saint John’s Seminary recently welcomed young men for a “Come and See” retreat representing three dioceses: the Archdiocese of Boston, the Diocese of Fall River, and the Diocese of Springfield. The weekend offered participants an opportunity to experience firsthand the life of the Seminary community through prayer, fraternity, and discernment.

The retreat schedule immersed the men in the rhythm of seminary life. The evening began with Holy Hour at 5:00 PM, led by Fr. Briody, followed by dinner with the seminarians. Afterward, discerners were given a brief tour of the Seminary in small groups led by current seminarians, offering a glimpse into daily life and formation.

At 7:00 PM, the men joined the community for the first Stations of the Cross of the Lenten season, also led by Fr. Briody—a powerful moment of prayer as the Church enters more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion. Following the Stations, Archbishop Henning delivered a talk on discernment, encouraging the men to listen attentively to the voice of the Lord and to trust in His providence.

The evening continued with fraternal time in the Common Room, where seminarians and discerners shared conversation and fellowship. The day concluded with Night Prayer at 10:00 PM, led by Fr. Cadin, entrusting the fruits of the day to the Lord.

Throughout the weekend, the men also joined the seminary community for Mass and additional opportunities for prayer and reflection, experiencing the centrality of Christ in the life of a future priest.

Father David Aufiero, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Springfield Office of Vocations, emphasized that attending a discernment group or retreat is not a commitment to enter the seminary, but simply an invitation to “come and see.”

“When a young man or an older man considers a discernment group or a retreat, they are not committing to joining the seminary or the priesthood,” Father Aufiero explained. “They are simply taking some time to ‘Come and See’ what it is like.”

He also noted that men who are dating are not expected to make immediate life changes simply to attend a retreat or discernment group. The Diocese’s discernment groups meet weekly via Zoom for six weeks, providing participants with the opportunity to build relationships with the vocation director and local priests, ask questions, and walk alongside other men discerning God’s call.

Through prayer, fraternity, and encounter, these “Come and See” weekends continue to reflect Saint John’s Seminary’s commitment to fostering a culture of vocations and accompanying men as they seek to discern the Lord’s will with generosity and trust.