BELMONT — After a one-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Charlotte’s summer vocations camps for young men and women resumed in June.
Participation was kept limited, and both were quickly filled to capacity with about 150 participants all eager to deepen their relationship with Christ.
Approximately 67 young men participated in Quo Vadis Days June 14-18, held at Belmont Abbey College.
The goal of Quo Vadis Days is to challenge young men to ask the fundamental question, “quo vadis,” or “where are you going?” while equipping them with the tools and opportunity to discern God’s will for their life.
Priests and seminarians of the diocese interacted with the young men during the week-long camp, which featured talks by clergy, seminarians and others about vocations to the priesthood, marriage and fatherhood.
The young men visited St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly, not far from Belmont Abbey College. They also traveled to St. Mark Church in Huntersville to attend a Solemn High Mass and enjoyed a cookout sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
“Quo Vadis Days gives the young men of our diocese the chance to take a break from their ordinary routines in order to ask Our Lord that very important question: ‘What do you want me to do with my life?’” said Father Brian Becker, diocesan vocations promoter.
Besides spending plenty of time at Mass and in prayer and discussions, participants also had fun with a Quo Vadis Cup soccer tournament.
“Vocations to religious life and to the priesthood involve fraternity and fun as well,” Father Becker said. “This is why we want the men to have a great experience – not only of the goodness of prayer and the Church’s liturgy, but also of forming bonds with their brothers and having fun together.”
Coordinated by the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, the Duc In Altum vocations camp held June 21-25 filled up this year with 60 participants. Twenty more were given the option to participate in the talks virtually through video conferencing.
Duc In Altum, Latin for “put out into the deep,” is designed to encourage young women to explore God’s will for their lives. Participants spend the week in prayer, attending Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, joining in group discussions and lectures, and playing games, music and more.
This year participants heard about the beauty of consecrated life from women religious professed with the Servidoras; the Community of St. John; the Daughters of St. Paul; the Dominicans, and the Missionaries of Charity.
Marie Bellet, a wife, mother and Nashville songwriter, also gave witness to the beauty of Catholic motherhood and performed a concert. Catholic laywomen from all stages of life gave their testament to the call to holiness in every state.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter. Photos provided by St. Joseph College Seminary and the Daughters of the Virgin Mother community
Pictured: The Quo Vadis Days and Duc In Altum summer vocations camps were held on the campus of Belmont Abbey College over two weeks in June. Approximately 150 young men and women aged 15-19 attended the week-long retreats. Clergy and religious visited with the youth and shared information and insights with them about their vocations in the Church.
