Five pairs of fathers and sons forged a closer bond and became more familiar with the life of priests and seminarians on Oct. 19 while walking in nature during a Father & Son Hike event starting at St. Bernard Parish in Wharton.

The Vocations Office of the Paterson Diocese sponsored the hike, which began with an outdoor Mass at St. Bernard’s grotto. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney celebrated the liturgy with concelebrating priests in attendance. The participating boys were 13 years old and older.

Then, participants left Bishop Sweeney for the hike, which began in Mount Hope Historical Park. They hiked for 30 minutes to Mount Hope Pond. There, they heard Transitional Deacon Brendon J. Harfmann, now serving a pastoral assignment at Our Lady of the Magnificat Parish in Kinnelon, speak about his vocation.

Further on the trail, Father Stephen Delia Jr., parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish in Denville and a chaplain at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, talked about various forms of fatherhood, including being a father to children and a priest.

— Michael Wojcik

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI