Seminarians gather for annual retreat

ON RETREAT Diocesan seminarians gathered at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center along with Father Michael Cummins, vocations director for the Diocese of Knoxville. Courtesy of Bill Risko

ON RETREAT Diocesan seminarians gathered at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center along with Father Michael Cummins, vocations director for the Diocese of Knoxville. Courtesy of Bill Risko

Diocesan seminarians took part in their annual retreat Aug. 5-7 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton.

Eighteen of the diocese’s 23 seminarians were able to attend.

“It’s an annual gathering, and really the main purpose is to bring the seminarians together for a couple of days of prayer,” said Father Michael Cummins, the diocesan vocation director. “They’re scattered among different seminaries. Currently we send men to seven different seminaries. During the summer, they’re scattered among different assignments, whether it’s a parish assignment or a hospital ministry or a language study, so the main hope is to bring them in together so they get to know one another and then grow in faith with one another.”

Lourdes Garza, director of the diocesan Hispanic Ministry Office, spoke to the seminarians on the needs of Hispanic ministry in the diocese. Knights of Columbus Council 8396 from St. Mary Parish in Athens facilitated the retreat.