From June 15 to July 11, 2026, the Preparation for Final Vows Program (the Second Novitiate) took place at the San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey. Located along the stunning beach and boardwalk of the Jersey Shore, this retreat provided a truly refreshing experience.
The two confreres participating in it were Noel Oco, C.Ss.R., from the Redemptorist Province of Canada, who is currently stationed at St. Teresa’s Parish, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, and Scott Partin, C.Ss.R., from the Redemptorists Denver Province, who is stationed at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Both have completed their studies at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, with a Master of Divinity, and have completed their pastoral year.
Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., served as director and is a respected theologian from the Baltimore Province, having authored over 65 books and published more than 400 articles. He previously held distinguished positions, including serving as a professor of moral theology and spirituality and as holder of the Robert F. Leavitt Distinguished Service Chair in Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Additionally, he taught at the Pontifical Lateran University’s Alphonsian Academy in Rome and is a Professor Emeritus there. Fr. Billy is currently the Director of the Redemptorist Archives in Philadelphia. He remains active in retreat work and serves as an advisor to the Board of Trustees of the Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, New York.
The daily routine for the two novices focused on prayer and community life. Each day began with morning meditation, followed by morning prayer, group discussions, daily Mass, and a Holy Hour before evening prayer. The day concluded with night prayer. On Thursdays, the novices received work assignments, while weekends were set aside for free time. Once a week, there was a movie screening, such as “Full of Grace” (2015), “Black Robe” (1991), and “God’s Not Dead” (2014), followed by a short discussion about the films. Occasionally, Scott and Noel enjoyed playing board games, like Catan, with Brother Ken, and they also helped with retreats by leading morning prayer.
The group discussions provided an in-depth review of Redemptorist spirituality, mission, and apostolic life. This review included the following materials: the Constitutions and Statutes, the Final Document of the 26th General Chapter, the Communicanda on revitalizing our Vita Apostolica, Talking with God: Four Treatises on the Interior Life from St. Alphonsus Liguori (2011), and four books by Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R.: Living the Gap: Religious Life and the Call to Communion (2011), Holy Exercises: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Practice (2024), Paradise of God: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Heart (2026), and Going Forth: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Mission (2026).
Please continue to pray for Scott and Noel as they prepare for their Perpetual Vows and Diaconate Ordination.
Noel Oco, C.Ss.R. and Scott Partin, C.Ss.R.
