By Marco Ceccarelli
Young men discerning their vocation in life, and who think they may be called to the priesthood, have been invited to a number of vocation reflection days facilitated by Salvatorian Fathers Australia over 2016.
Held at the Salvatorian Community House in Currambine, the reflection days are aimed at males between the ages of 18 to 35 and will be led by a vibrant group of Salvatorians trained in spiritual guidance and direction.
Leading the initiative is the highly motivated 31-year-old Father Greg Skulski SDS, a Polish Salvatorian priest who was called to the priesthood at the age of 19. Fr Greg spent seven years in a seminary in Poland discerning whether becoming a priest was truly the path for him.
“The vocation days have been arranged to help young men find their way in life by deepening their faith, learning more about the Salvatorian Order and developing new friendships,” Fr Greg said.
“I strongly encourage young men to take advantage of this special opportunity. I attended days like this during my youth in Poland. It is here that I began to see the life of a priest as something wonderful, rich and very rewarding,” he added.
Held over five weekends throughout the year, the reflection days offer young men an opportunity to live in a community environment while developing their faith and receiving help to discern their vocation in life.
Beginning on the Saturday afternoon, the days continue until the following Sunday and the Salvatorian Fathers can be contacted at any time between one reflection day and another.
“We already have some young men who come regularly. We are hoping more come along with the understanding that they are not committing to the priesthood but merely discerning whether this could be their way of life.
“This could be marriage, single life or priesthood,” Fr Greg said.
“For me, these seven years of seminary and five years of priesthood have really been a gift from God. The best parts of my ministry are celebrating the Eucharist and hearing people’s confessions. I see that the Holy Spirit works through me to help others.
“I had to find a way in my life. By entering the Order, I found this way. Of course it is not easy at times, but knowing that you are part of a community and there is someone who you can talk to that will support you, that makes it much easier,” Fr Greg added.
Aside from being in charge of the Vocation Reflection Days, Fr Greg Skulski is also chaplain at Chisholm Catholic College, Perth.
The Vocation Reflection Days will be held on the following weekends:
The Vocation Reflection Days will be held on the following weekends:
6 February – 7 February
30 April – 1 May
11 June – 12 June
3 September – 4 September
12 November – 13 November
For inquiries or to book a place please refer to the following details
T: (08) 9304 2904
M: 0488 111 574
E: vocation@sds.org.au
To log on to the Salvatorian website please visit sds.org.au
Facebook: Salvatorians Australia