Friars Attend Youth Convention

(from left to right) Friars Eric, Michael, and Stephen  

The Diocese of Syracuse (New York) recently held its Youth Convention. Friars Eric de la Pena, Michael Lorentsen and Stephen Merrigan staffed their province's vocation booth at the convention. Friar Michael Lorentsen is the Conventual Franciscan vocation director for Immaculate Conception Province. He meets with individuals who are discerning their vocation in a region that includes Canada and large portions of the United States east coast. His office is located in Syracuse. Friars Eric and Stephen are both active in ministries at Holy Family Parish in Albany, New York.

Syracuse, New York

At the Youth Convention, the friars had a chance to interact with hundreds of young people who are exploring their vocations. A fair number of the young people they spoke with came from the Conventual Franciscan-staffed parishes of St. Mary in Minoa and St. Francis of Assisi in Bridgeport. Both towns are located close to Syracuse.

The Conventual Franciscan Friars’ outreach to young people is an important ministry because it allows these individuals to explore avenues that they might not have considered before. Sometimes all it takes is flipping through a pamphlet on religious life or looking at a website to realize that being a religious is what God is calling one to do.

(Source of related images on webpage and homepage: Conventual Franciscan Friars Immaculate Conception Province Provincialgram and http://pics4.city-data.com/.)