CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church hosted a vocations retreat for more than 20 middle school and high school students July 27.
“The goal of the retreat was to help young people to understand that God has a specific vocation for each one of them, a call to make a gift of self to God and to our neighbor,” said Father Peter Ascik, parochial vicar.
Attendees heard talks on the topics of “What is a vocation?” and “What kinds of vocations are there?” and personal vocation stories from men and women who are living different vocations, including priesthood, marriage and religious life.
Other priests of the diocese as well as seminarians and women religious attended the event. “We hope to have more vocations events for young people at St. Matthew in the future,” Father Ascik added.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
HACKENSACK, N.J. — Capuchin Brother Luis Vallhonrat, the son of Flor and the late Manuel Villhonrat, made his first profession of vows July 27 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hackensack, N.J. Born in Queens, N.Y., he was raised In Charlotte and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church before entering the Capuchins in 2016.
His mother attends St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. Pictured, he pronounces his vows and is received by the order’s provincial, Father Remo DiSalvatore.
— Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz