Father Charles Frederico, S.J.

What does your ministry encompass?

I'm provincial assistant for vocation ministry for the Jesuits of the Maryland and USA Northeast Provinces. My territory stretches from Maine to Georgia.  

How long have you been in vocation ministry?

I served as coordinator for the Baltimore region for three years after my ordination in 2006. Then I was appointed director. This is the end of my seventh year as director, with more to come.

What do you enjoy most?

The best part of this job is walking with the men and helping them to hear what it is Jesus might be calling them to as vocation. What a gift and a privilege. I also very much appreciate traveling around and helping our communities and apostolates to discern how to best promote the Jesuit vocation.  

Has belonging to NRVC helped you?

The programs offered by NRVC have served me extremely well in learning how to do the job, learning how to take care of myself and meeting others in the ministry. NRVC's professional development, social engagement, and prayerfulness all make the job of inviting young men to our religious life easier and more grace-filled.

What has been your best project?

My most fruitful and fun vocation event was in September 2015 when the Holy Father came to Philadelphia. Our Jesuit school St. Joseph's Prep hosted 425 kids for 47 Jesuit high schools in the U.S. and Canada. We had four nights to focus on the Holy Father's key themes of joy, mercy, and encounter. These young people were so inspired by the pope's presence, the camaraderie of their peers, the common faith they shared, and the call that each has felt deep in their hearts. They felt the fire of the Lord in their hearts and deepened their faith and commitment.

What's your approach to this ministry?

So much of our work as vocation directors is "bridge building." We help our own folks see and understand vocation in the cultural context of today; we help young men see who we are as religious priests and brothers in community; we help people see who the church is in a world disconnected from it; and we help the church to keep Christ at the core of people's lives.

Tell us something surprising about yourself.

In my spare time, as a trained Culinary Institute of America chef, I use food to bring people to the table. I try to help folks see the connection between breaking bread at a meal and knowing Christ through the Eucharist. In  September 2015 I did a Cooking Channel TV show called "Holy & Hungry" on this theme (episode CCHOL-102H).