The Diocese of Scranton Vocations Office is hosting its Ezra 10:4 Retreat for men discerning the priesthood, October 16-17 at Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center in Nanticoke.
This preached retreat, named after the Book of Ezra verse that says, “Rise, then, for this is your duty! We are with you, so have courage and act!” is led by Fr. Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation, Vocation Director, and Director of Seminarians.
Men 18+ who are interested in discerning a vocation to priesthood are invited to attend. For those who have come to the Ezra 10:4 Retreat before, brand new talks and discussion will be offered, so you are encouraged to come again!
This retreat will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, talks, group discussion, fellowship, rooming accommodations, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. This retreat is FREE to attend. For more information, please email vocations@dioceseofscranton.org. Deadline to register is Friday, October 9.
Check-in: 6-7 p.m. Friday, October 16
Check-out: After Vigil Mass on Saturday, October 17
“May you know the hope that belongs to his call.” ~ Ephesians 1:18
Our world today is in need of transformative hope – hope that flows from Jesus Christ into his Church, and through her sacramental and pastoral nourishment, back out into the world. Those who serve the Church as channels of this hope – through their vocation – experience what Pope Leo XIV describes as, “An intimate dialogue with the One who calls and invites us to respond, despite the deafening noise of the world, with true joy and generosity.”
Discerning and discovering one’s vocation requires maturing in friendship with the Lord who calls us to himself in a variety of different vocations. Our Holy Father says, “Through the intimacy of his friendship, you will discover how to give of yourselves, whether through marriage, the priesthood, the permanent diaconate, or consecrated life.”
By the fall of 2026, the Diocese of Scranton anticipates having 16 men in Formation for the Priesthood, the highest number of seminarians in decades. We rejoice in this great gift given by God to both our local church and to these young men and their families.
For as we know, “Every vocation is an immeasurable gift for the Church and for those who receive it with joy.” -Pope Leo XIV
God has given you a vocation to serve him in a way that no one else can. This vocation may be to serve him as a diocesan priest. If you place your trust in the Lord, you too can discover the hope, friendship, and abundant gifts found in loving and serving God and then share what you’ve received with a world in need of the One who is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
- Have you ever felt called to follow a plan greater than your own?
- When you hear God’s word, are you filled with a desire to share it?
- Do you want to lay down your life to minister to God’s people?
- Are you drawn to the diocesan priesthood?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, God may be calling you to serve his people as a priest. Where do you go from here?
- First and foremost, listen to God’s voice in prayer. As the Catechism tells us, “Hope is expressed and nourished in prayer, especially in the Our Father, the summary of everything that hope leads us to desire” (CCC 1820).
- Connect with your parish priest and become active in the life of your faith community through the sacraments, service, and fellowship.
- Check out the material available on this site and our social media accounts for more information about events and discernment tips.
- Reach out to our vocation director, Fr. Ryan Glenn, for a conversation.
- Trust that your God has a plan for you, that he sustains you through it all, and that he is inviting you to know the hope that is found in his call.
To get in touch with the Vocations Office, please email vocations@dioceseofscranton.org or contact Father Ryan Glenn, our Diocesan Director of Vocations.
We are here to support you every step of the way!
What is Diocesan Priesthood?
Men & Women Religious
Seminarian Resource Page
Permanent Diaconate
