WHO

Invited to the “Come and See” Weekend of Discovery Retreat are men, ages 18 to 35, single or married, who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Church. The retreat is conducted in a “no pressure, no hard-sell” environment. The atmosphere is prayerful, positive, and fraternal.

WHY

Every young man eventually has to make some hard decisions – college, career, marriage, family, religious life. How do I know what’s right? Does God care what I decide?

Maybe people have suggested that you check out the Seminary. Perhaps they see in you a person who loves God, loves people, and has the potential to be a priest.

Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking about the priesthood at church, in your personal prayers, or wherever.

Maybe you’ve thought to yourself: Will I have to give up everything – my family, my friends, the things I enjoy? Must I be super holy, super smart, or somehow “different?” Anyway, how would I know if God is calling me?

“Come and See” will help you answer these questions as you witness a seminarian’s life of work, study, prayer, and joy!

WHAT

“Come and See” is a retreat weekend hosted by the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The retreat includes sharing liturgical services and meals with the Seminary community, opportunities for confession, an introduction to the Seminary formation program, a tour of the Seminary, gatherings with the seminarians, witness talks about seminary life, discernment, and priesthood, a seminar, and a panel discussion.

WHEN

Friday evening (5:00 PM), November 8, 2024, through Sunday afternoon (4:00 PM), November 10, 2024. The earliest time for arrival is 12 noon.

WHERE

Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius
3605 Perrysville Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15214
412-321-8383
office@bcs.edu

HOW

Only men who register online (see the form below) and have their pastor/vocations director letter sent in by October 16th will be eligible for attendance at “Come and See.” An e-mail confirmation from the Rector’s Office must be received in order to attend.

All guests will be accommodated in private rooms, with shared restroom facilities. The Seminary will supply bedding and towels. Please bring personal toiletry items, a change of “business casual” clothes, changes of underclothing, athletic clothing for gymnasium activity, a jacket, and clothes for Divine Liturgy including long pants, button down shirt, and tie.

Please come with all electronic devices turned off!

TUITION

Free! There is no charge for the retreat, meals, and lodging.

TRANSPORT

Retreat participants are responsible for the arrangements of and expenses for their transportation to Pittsburgh. Eparchial Vocations Offices may have scholarships or grants available for travel to this event, so be sure to discuss this with your Vocations Director and ​Pastor. Vehicle transportation from the Pittsburgh airport or train and bus stations and back will be arranged as indicated in the registration process. Airport or station arrivals should be by 3:30 PM on Friday, November 8th. Departures are to be scheduled after 5:30 PM on Sunday, November 10th. Any additional staying at the Seminary must have the prior permission of the Rector.