Project Andrew offers invitation to discern personal vocation

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Jan. 10, 2008

Personal invitations can be very powerful.

Priests of the Diocese of Sioux City are encouraged to invite young men to a gathering this month where they can explore not only the possibility of the priesthood, but take a prayerful look at what God has in store for them.

According to Father Brad Pelzel, diocesan director of vocations, the Diocese of Sioux City is sponsoring two Project Andrew gatherings this month.

Priests of the diocese are encouraged to bring at least two young men from their parish to the gathering so they can learn more about the priesthood and learn about the value of discernment. Parents are also welcome to attend.

The first gathering will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 at St. Joseph Church in Sioux City.

The second gathering is slated for 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 at Corpus Christi in Fort Dodge.

In the fall, two other sites - in northern and southern regions of the diocese - will be offered.

Each gathering will include a prayer service, dinner and a talk by Father Pelzel.

"I want to have every priest stand and give a brief example of one of his greatest joys of being a priest," he said.

By hearing the personal responses from the priests, the men will realize the blessings of a vocation.

"We will not twist their arms, but we want to ask them to pray to God to help them determine what he wants them to be," said Father Pelzel. "For the overwhelming number of people, their vocational call is to be married."

Regardless if people are called to the married, single or religious vocation, he said despite the path they are better off if they approach their vocation prayerfully.

What are they working for?

Some of the qualities that priests will look for in potential attendees are those who are involved in the church, possess self-confidence and are prayerful.

It has been about four years since the diocese has offered this program. Father Pelzel opted to start the program back up because not only did he think it was an effective tool to raise awareness about the priesthood, but it was proven beneficial.

"A number of the guys who are at seminary said their idea of being a priest was born out of Operation Andrew or they were considering the idea and once they encountered it, they gave it serious consideration," said Father Pelzel.

The evening will end with comments by Bishop R. Walker Nickless.

Priests are asked to provide Father Pelzel with the names of those who plan to attend.

If someone is interested in attending, they may contact their pastor or Father Pelzel directly. You can e-mail Father Pelzel at vocations@scdiocese.org or call him at (712) 233-7522.