Father Gerard Francik joins vocation office

Father Gerard C. Francik only recently stepped into the newly created position of associate vocation director, but he feels like he’s been preparing for the job his whole career.

"I’ve never chosen any of the assignments that I’ve been in," he explained. "But each one contributes in a unique way to the position I’m in now."

The 40-year-old priest has served throughout the archdiocese including the parish of St. Joseph, Cockeysville; the Monsignor Clare J. O’Dwyer Youth Retreat House in Sparks; and Mount St. Mary’s College and Seminary, Emmitsburg.

"I’ve had a lot of experience with young people and young adults both at the parish level, at schools and retreats and directly on the college campus," he acknowledged. "I think I know young adults pretty well. I know the issues they’re dealing with, their struggles with faith and the richness of their faith."

Two years ago, Father Francik completed his master’s degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University. And just this summer he earned a certificate in spiritual direction from the same school.

"Spirituality has always been a deep interest of mine," he said. "Not only my own but also how to help people grow in their spiritual life."

His interest in spiritual growth will serve him well in a position that helps men reach their spiritual potential.

"In each of the places I’ve worked, vocations have always been a focus of mine. I’ve always enjoyed promoting vocations and helping young people discern."

His new assignment in recruitment will give him greater opportunities to promote vocations, and he’s already bursting with ideas.

"One of my plans is to travel from parish to parish on weekends - meeting people, celebrating Mass and preaching about vocations," he said.

Other ideas include visits to Catholic high schools, grade schools and religious education programs. He also wants to initiate regional teams that could give presentations on vocations.

"I also hope to do some discernment programs during Advent and Lent as well as some less formal sessions," he said. "And, of course, we’re continuing with the ongoing events. We’re just hoping to beef it up. With another person in the office, I think we can do that."

Father Francik is optimistic about the current and future state of vocations.

"For a long time after Vatican II, we weren’t sure who we were and what we should be doing anymore. And people didn’t want to be a part of that. I think we have a better handle on that now. People see the priests are happy; they are people they admire. They see them as very human but also very spiritual."

While Father Francik admits that interest in the priesthood was in a low state for some time, the situation is changing.

"We had that long period after Vatican II where we were seeing decline," he said. "But we’re not declining anymore. We’ve leveled off. I see the future as seeing some increase again. My hope is that it would be dramatic."