A retired firefighter, a construction worker, a deli owner, a businessman from Manhattan and a bio-scientist all had something in common last Sunday when they came together to pray in Cypress Hills. Each has been thinking about becoming a priest but weren’t quite sure if it really is for them.

Now, these men, as well as others, have a place to go if they want to think more seriously about a future vocation in religious life. They can come and pray at the new Pope John Paul II House of Discernment and they can even move in and live there while going about their jobs or daily pursuits.

Located on Highland Blvd. in what used to be a residence for Lithuanian priests serving in the U.S., the site also was home to a Lithuanian publishing house that kept the plight of Lithuania on the minds of those in exile.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was at the House of Discernment on Sunday to lead a holy hour and bless the new home which can accommodate up to 10 men. (Photos on Page 24.)

At the moment, the only resident is Father Kevin Sweeney, the diocesan director of vocations. He soon will be joined by Msgr. Vincent Keane, a former prep seminary principal, who will serve as spiritual adviser, and several men who are considering the priesthood.

Prior to the holy hour, Father Sweeney hosted an afternoon open house during which prospective candidates dropped in as well as priests and members of religious orders who came by to wish well to the new venture.

Visitors could walk through the three-floor structure and get a close-up view of the living facilities, which are newly renovated and look quite comfortable. In the kitchen, a crew was preparing coffee and cookies for the guests. In a sitting room, a vocation film, “Fishers of Men,” ran constantly for those who wished to sit and watch. Some folks gathered in the spacious living room and parlor on the first floor for friendly conversation.

Also located on the first floor is the vocation director’s office as well as the administrative offices where Lisa Amore can be found hard at work each day of the week.

“The response was very encouraging,” said Father Sweeney, who estimated that about 100 people passed through the house that day. “I was especially pleased by the number of priests who brought prospective candidates to the house. Also there were many religious sisters and brothers who stopped in.”

The one unfinished area is the future chapel, which needs several months of work before it is ready for worship. For now, the members of the house have use of the chapel next door in the Carmelite Sisters Monastery, where the bishop led the holy hour and benediction.

In his homily, Bishop DiMarzio said that the new house will allow men to “take time away from the busyness of life” in order to think about what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

He explained that the idea of a vocation does not come in a moment but must be developed over time. The need to be quiet and listen to God is an important part of that process.

“It’s not easy,” he explained. “It is work but when it is done, we find satisfaction beyond all belief.”

After the holy hour, the bishop processed back to the house, led prayers at the foot of a long winding staircase and then walked through the house sprinkling holy water into every room.

About 25 men who are considering a religious vocation stayed for dinner with Bishop DiMarzio and Father Sweeney, as part of a program known as Project Andrew, a time when the bishop and priests get a chance to meet with possible candidates. After dinner, they listened to a number of personal stories from seminarians who told about the roads that brought them into the seminary. Bishop DiMarzio also spoke about the origins of his vocation.

“This was our most successful Project Andrew ever,” added Father Sweeney.
Father Sweeney said that men who come to live at the house will be asked to contribute to their living expenses on a case-by-case basis.

He also added that the house will not be just a residence but also a place for men to meet and pray about their possible vocations.

A weekly holy hour will be held there on Tuesday evenings to pray for an increase in religious vocations.

Those interested in speaking with Father Sweeney can call him at 718-827-2454.