The Diocese of Raleigh Office of Vocations hosted two inspiring events this summer for young men discerning a potential calling to the Catholic priesthood. These events, the Priesthood Pilgrimage and the Quo Vadis Retreat, provided opportunities for participants to deepen their relationship with God, connect with priests and seminarians, and reflect on their vocational path.
“Each of us needs to open our hearts to see how God is inviting us to love and serve him,” said Vocations Director Father Michael Schuetz. “Both of these events were designed to help young men fall more in love with God and explore whether the priesthood may be their calling. As the summer concludes, we look forward to supporting our seminarians who are returning to studies and welcoming a new class of seminarians. Please pray for our seminarians and for all of those discerning their vocation.”
Priesthood Pilgrimage
The second annual Priesthood Pilgrimage in late June welcomed young men aged 18 and older to see firsthand the priesthood’s dynamic role within the diocese, visiting significant parishes and engaging with clergy and seminarians. Their stops included:
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh
Dedicated in 2017, this cathedral serves as the seat of the Diocese of Raleigh, built on the historic grounds of Nazareth Orphanage, founded in 1899 by Father Thomas F. Price. Bishop Luis Zarama celebrated Mass with the group in the chapel before their departure to Newton Grove.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Newton Grove (June 28)
Dedicated in 1874, this parish was once served by Father Thomas F. Price from 1889 to 1895. The visit highlighted the historical significance of the parish and its role in the diocese’s legacy.
Old Saint Paul Church, New Bern (June 29)
The oldest Catholic church in North Carolina, dedicated in 1844, where Father Thomas F. Price served from 1887 to 1896 as the first native-born North Carolinian ordained to the diocesan priesthood.
Quo Vadis Retreat
Held in late July at Camp Dixie in Fayetteville, NC, the Quo Vadis Retreat brought together high school students from across the diocese to help them deepen their relationship with God, the foundation of any vocation. The Latin phrase “Quo Vadis” (“Where are you going?”) draws from a story in the Gospel, symbolizing reflection on life’s purpose.
Retreat highlights included:
- Spiritual growth – Participants engaged in prayer and reflection time to strengthen their faith.
- Community and mentorship – Priests and seminarians provided guidance, inspiration and support.
- Fun! – The retreat included recreational activities like soccer, mini-golf, sand volleyball, swimming and “the blob” on the lake.
The retreat encouraged young men to discern God’s call to live as holy, faithful and joyful men, whether through priesthood or other vocations.
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