Diocese of Palm Beach office of vocations

“Cast out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Jesus uttered these words to Simon as he stepped into his boat. Although Simon and his friends had done so countless times the night before, Simon trusted and obeyed Jesus; this time, he caught more fish than his nets could handle! The remainder of the Gospel makes clear that Jesus enabled Simon to catch much more than just the fish that day—Simon found “Peter” and his life’s mission, becoming the “Rock” of the Church!

Peter was not alone in his boat, and his was not the only boat that put out into the deep. As the catch came in, “they signaled to their partners to come and help them.”

I would like to introduce you to myself and partners, left to right, in the Office of Vocations, Seminarians, and our new Discernment House: Donna Holmstrom, Fr. Dennis Gonzales, Fr. J. Serge Dubé (me), Fr. Ducasse Francois, and Sr. Jadwiga Drapala, CaCh.

God reaches out to each of us with the net of his love. May we each in our own unique way give ourselves time to breathe, receive, rest, and abide in his love each day. As we come to experience a place of safety and stability, we realize that we are our loving God and Father’s beloved daughters and sons. As we allow ourselves to be loved by God, we each experience our call to a unique vocation.

For those of you who may have heard the first whispering of allowing Jesus to step into your boat and would like to learn more about exploring the priesthood, religious life, or consecrated virginity, please reach out, we would be happy to talk and walk with you as you discern. If you know of someone, please share our information.

I ask for your patience during our time of transition. Pray for us and we will be praying for you.

I pray that this website will serve as a helpful resource to all seeking to listen to the words of Christ and follow Him, as well as for those desiring to accompany them on this journey. The Office of Vocations and Seminarians and our new Blessed Stanley Rother Discernment House (for men) of the Diocese of Palm Beach is available to all who are ready to begin this journey to finding God’s will for their life. May Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles intercede for us all, so that a deeper indwelling of the Holy Spirit may help us hear the call of the Lord in our lives and respond with courage.