Fall Vocation Discernment Weekend Held in San Diego

The Augustinians hold two vocation discernment retreats per year for men interested in learning more about our way of life.

This past weekend, four men were hosted from Friday through Sunday as they learned more about the Augustinian charism as well as our aposotolates and ministries.

Students in formation planned and organized the weekend, which included Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and a Holy Hour. Further, the discerners were brought to St. Patrick's Parish to learn about parish ministry from current pastor Fr. Carlos Medina, OSA, as well as a to hear a talk from Fr. Jim Retzner, OSA on his years as as hospital chaplain.

The group then went to a local restaurant for social time and many of the local San Diego friars joined in on the fun. After lunch, the discerners were taken on a tour of St. Augustine High School by Fr. Maxime Villeneuve, OSA where they learned more about the educational apostolate and the many opportunities for ordained and non-ordained friars in school ministry.

Prior Provincial Fr. Gary Sanders, OSA and Formation Director Fr. Greg Heidenblut, OSA gave talks on the formation program and our province. The discerners closed the weekend with Mass in the St. Augustine High School chapel and a final interview with vocation director Fr. Tom Whelan, OSA.