New Vocations Director Uses Unique Ways to Promote Priestly Vocations

Story by Shelley Wolf

Father Anthony Federico, the new director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Hartford, has an office that is much like all the others at the Pastoral Center in Bloomfield – except for a life-size, black-and-white cutout of Blessed Michael McGivney.

The saint-in-the-making is light enough to tote along whenever Father Federico drives around the archdiocese to address young people, so Blessed McGivney goes along for the ride. And there are going to be plenty of rides.

“Part of this first phase of creating a new culture of vocations includes visiting every parish in the archdiocese,” the new director says. That’s more than 100 parishes.

Father Federico, who was appointed director of Vocations in July, is hoping Blessed McGivney’s example will be an inspiration, one that assists in teaching young people about the path to holiness, beginning with how to pray to God.

“Pope Benedict XVI was asked why there are so few priests and nuns in America,” Father Federico says. “He said we’ve told our young people that they must pray, but we haven’t taught them how to pray. So we’re establishing a culture of prayer with our young people.”

That effort will extend to middle schools, high schools, colleges and young adult groups throughout the archdiocese.

“Probably the most exciting thing that’s happening right now is I partnered with the Crossroads 4 Christ young adult ministry,” Father Federico reports. “I’m visiting every chapter regularly, offering spiritual direction, prayer coaching, counseling and confession. And so far, almost all of those slots have been filled. There’s a real hunger and desire for God in these young people.”

In addition to laying the groundwork for a deeper faith, the priest hopes to assist individuals in finding their vocation, whether it’s to the priesthood, consecrated life or marriage.

“My job is to help young people discern God’s call. I don’t have an agenda for what that call is,” he says. “I’m not here to steer a young person toward any particular destination. I’m here to help them uncover what God has planned for their life.”

Father Federico is already putting his communications talents to use. The former sports journalist has added new content and resources to the hartfordpriest.com website. Additionally, he was featured in a video, urging young men with questions about vocations to give him a call.

“I first felt the call to the priesthood when I was 15. I said no to the Lord for 14 years. I didn’t enter seminary until I was 29. So I understand what a lot of these men are going through, the fears, the concerns,” he says. “I get where they’re coming from.”

A video series, “5 Minutes with Father,” is also underway that can be viewed on the archdiocesan Facebook page, facebook.com/archdioceseofhartford.

“We’re going to be having fun, lighthearted interviews with many of the priests of the archdiocese, talking about their vocation stories and what they love about being a priest,” he adds.

In the days ahead, Father Federico will be reaching out to parishioners as well, inviting them to join the St. John Vianney Vocation Prayer Society, which involves saying the Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood daily and attending Eucharistic Adoration weekly.

“Since we have started praying the Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood as an archdiocese, 26 young men have called the Vocations office to begin their discernment and, as of today, 19 are in discernment,” he reports. “We were certainly not getting this volume of calls before we started praying.”

To contact the Office of Vocations, visit hartfordpriest.com or call (860) 761-7456.