Ushaw Discernment Retreat Weekend
Reflections on a Discernment Weekend
Here, two of the enquirers who took part in a weekend held at Ushaw for anyone thinking seriously about the priesthood, write about their experience of the weekend and reflect on how it has helped them.
Reflection 1
"As I left home for the discernment weekend there were the expected feelings of nervousness and excitement, also the fear of the unknown, of not knowing what to expect. These feelings combined with a difficult journey meant I arrived at Ushaw a bit 'up-a-height'.
Straight away I was put at ease by the warmth of welcome and the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. The opening session gave the impression that this weekend was about taking time out to think. This was especially welcome for me at the moment, being in the middle of my 'A' levels.
The weekend would allow you to meet like minded individuals. I would be spending a weekend with people who were possibly in the same boat as me, experiencing similar thoughts, feelings and emotions. It was great to talk openly to lads of my own age about feelings we are having and our own ideas of discernment and calling.
The weekend showed me I was not alone. I felt completely relaxed and at home. The group discussions allowed me to hear other men talking about their lives, and about the feelings they were experiencing. This in turn led me to explore deeper the feelings within myself.
All the sessions were informative and enlightening, the deep spirituality of many pf the people and the surroundings allowed me to experience a weekend completely different to any other I have ever spent."
Reflection 2
"Before arriving I hoped that the weekend would help me to ´discern´ whether
I was genuinely interested in training for the Priesthood or was I just
attracted to the idea of being in a ´learning´ environment again, especially
in such a beautiful setting as Ushaw.
After settling into my room, I examined the schedule for the weekend which
gave plenty of opportunity to meet the current seminarians and staff.
I had not expected that one of the most valuable experiences I would have
during the weekend involved the people I would meet who, like me, were
considering this same path. They came from all over the North of England and
ages varied widely from teenagers to those in their late fifties I think.
At 35 years of age I was in the Upper-Quartile age group. In addition a
variety of occupations were represented from Company Director to the
unemployed.
The majority of the weekend was spent pondering relevant parts of scripture
connected to the Priesthood in groups led by a seminarian. We were able to
share our thoughts in a confidential environment. We spoke about what we
hoped for from the Vocation of Priesthood and our reservations about
entering into it.
The Rector of Ushaw College, Father Terry made me feel very comfortable and
I admired his openness in talking about his experiences within the Church.
Looking back now, a week later, I feel more strongly that my vocation lies
in the Priesthood, however I am fearful of this route. I plan to return to
Ushaw in October for the 3-day ´Discernment Retreat´ when I hope things have
become clearer.¨