Conception Seminary College to host Companion Camp for junior-high boys June 12-14

Companion 2009, Conception Seminary College's 12th annual camp for junior-high boys, will be held June 12-14 in Conception, Mo. The camp is for boys who will be going into fifth grade through eighth grade, although the diocese will invite some freshmen in high school. This camp is simply an opportunity for boys to see a seminary and visit with monks, priests and seminarians in an informal way.

The weekend is composed mostly of games, sports and organized leisure activities including fishing, hiking, basketball, dodge ball, racquetball, billiards, ping-pong and a lot of good food and good times. Fireworks, walks around the lakes, and cart building and racing are some of the other activities to be offered.

Prayer happens in many different chapels on the campus of Conception Seminary College, including praying with the monks in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and with the seminarians in their student oratory (chapel.)

Seminarians and monks will share their personal stories of how they believed and understood the Lord was calling them to come to Conception as part of their life's journey. The seminarians will be honest that they do not know if God is calling them to the Priesthood, but that they are happy to be at Conception, where they can seriously ask the question and get a satisfactory answer while learning much about themselves, their faith, and their relationship with God.

The Diocese of Jefferson City has always had representation at Companion Camp, and in the past two years the Diocese has had as many as eight boys attending. It would be good to have many more attend and see what a seminary is all about and how much the seminarians are just like other guys who are college age.

God calls ordinary guys, regular guys to come follow Him. Even if a junior-high boy does not feel called to the Priesthood, he should at least take the opportunity to see a seminary and meet seminarians so he can support those who the Lord is calling to seminary.

Companion Camp costs $100 per person, including all food, lodging, games and activities and a T-shirt. The Jefferson City diocese is offering free transportation for the boys who are willing and able to make the weekend. Registration information for both the camp and transportation is available by calling the vocation office at (573) 635-9127, or e-mail: followme@diojeffcity.org.