Teen didn't expect 'An Encounter With God's Call' to change his life- Andrew Reinkemeyer

In this article, a high-school sophomore from Tipton writes about his experiences on a recent "Encounter With God's Call" retreat at Conception Seminary College in Conception.

By Andrew Reinkemeyer

An encounter with God is just one of those things you have to experience for yourself - God willing and in His timing. We all have a specific path laid out for us by Christ that we must find, and the "Encounter With God's Call" retreat is one of many ways to find His will in our lives. Although I went on the encounter for the same purpose as any other guy who went to Conception, I wasn't expecting anything in particular. I had never been on an "Encounter" weekend before, so I was open to experiencing something totally new.

There was one thing I did know. I knew that there was just as good of a chance of Christ leading me away from the Priesthood as of Him drawing me toward it. But the latter is exactly the result. In the silence and in the fellowship, I found His peace. I feel less doubtful, fearful or pressured than ever, yet my resolve lies strengthened now upon the more difficult path.

I heard many awesome talks, including one by a seminarian from our diocese named Eric Martin. He very wisely related how it's not about what we feel expected to say or do, but that "it's about being willing to take the risk." Christ will always give us the strength to do what we need to do. But it takes our willingness to put it on the line. It's about being willing to go against the grain of the world and do something extraordinary. Eric noted that we aren't all called to be priests. Most of us aren't called to that because it isn't a natural thing to do. It is quite supernatural and difficult. But it's not entirely uncommon either, much to the surprise of most people. Many young men have wondered about it now and then, but maybe without the attention it deserves. There's nothing to lose by trying out the idea, but there's everything to gain.

The Encounter Weekend is a way to experience the discernment process for young men willing to risk the thought of the Priesthood, and it had a much more profound impact on my life than I ever thought possible. The monks and seminarians of Conception Abbey brought forth from within me a greater desire to discern God's path for my life. Truly, my experience was an encounter with God's calling.

I do not know that I will become a priest, but there is a peace and readiness that I did not have before. Besides all of that, it was still just an awesome weekend. Even though the retreat kept us busy literally every waking moment with both meaningful and zany activities, I spent much-needed quality time with new friends. Most importantly, I spent time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

As an overview of the college, it's a beautiful place, full of grace, love and trust in God. And the food was surprisingly excellent. I thank the staff, teachers, cooks, background helpers, and vocation directors who helped make this weekend amazing.

Mr. Reinkemeyer is a member of St. Andrew parish in Tipton.