FREMONT—The men of the Diocese of Toledo who are in formation to discern a calling to the priesthood spent a recent weekend together at Our Lady of the Pines in Fremont.

These men spent Aug. 7-10 together in retreat led by Fr. Adam Hertzfeld, diocesan director of docations. The weekend included plenty of time for prayer and reflection, as well as free time to relax and get to know one another.

Matthew Frisbee, right, enjoys time with his parents Matthew and Emily Frisbee during the seminarian retreat in August. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Vocations)Matthew Frisbee, right, enjoys time with his parents Matthew and Emily Frisbee during the seminarian retreat in August. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Vocations)

The gathering closed with Mass at St. Ann’s in Fremont with Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Donnelly presiding. Also in attendance were the seminarians’ families and members of the Diocesan Seminarian Admission/Formation Board.  After Mass, lunch was provided by the members of the Fremont and Tiffin Serra Clubs. It was a wonderful opportunity for seminarians and their families to relax together before the men head back to seminary for another academic year.

Please hold each of these men in prayer as they continue their studies and their journey to discern God’s call in their lives.

There are currently 24 men in our diocese in formation for diocesan priesthood. These men are studying at six different seminaries: Pontifical North American College in Rome, Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Mount St. Mary Seminary in Cincinnati, St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana, St. Joseph College Seminary in Chicago, and Holy Apostles College Seminary in Connecticut. Because they are so spread apart during the academic year, the summer retreat offers an opportunity for the seminarians to spend time together, learn together and offer support for one another.