“Parents, give thanks to the Lord if He has called one of your children to the consecrated life. It is to be a great honor, as it always has been, that the Lord should look upon a family and choose to invite one of its members to set out on the path of the evangelical counseled. Cherish the desire to give the Lord one of your children so that God’s love can spread in the world What fruit of conjugal love could be more beautiful than this?”
~Pope Saint John Paul II
Welcome Parents!
There was a time when every young Catholic man was encouraged to consider the priesthood. Nowadays, because of changes in society, and even in the Church, fewer men give consideration to the thought that perhaps God may be calling them to serve the Church as an ordained minister.
One thing that has not changed, however, is that God continues to call men to the priesthood. The Church, and indeed the world, needs good men to serve as priests.
Therefore, the great challenge is to help men discern the call in the midst of a noisy, confusing, and ever-changing world. It is a challenge that must be taken on by both the parish community and by each individual family.
Vocation Mythbusters for Parents
The family has been called " the seedbed" of vocations."
Indeed, it is within the atmosphere of faith, created by a loving and encouraging family, that men are able to hear God's call in their lives. Yet many parents today are afraid or unsure of how to encourage vocations in the home. Following are some answers and encouragement to help your sons to hear God's call.
Most parents think and pray about at least a couple of these......
Myth #1 “He’s too young.”
Many parents, when their young son expresses an interest in seminary, will dispense well-meaning advice: “Get some life experience first—and at least a college degree—then think about seminary later.” Mom and dad envision that with a nice girlfriend and a good job, the idea of priesthood will fade away.
The problem is, they may be right. That’s why it’s crucial that when God moves the heart of a young man to explore the priesthood, parents should trust God that the timing may be right. True, in some cases an 18-year-old may not be mature enough to enter seminary right out of high school. But many are ready. College seminaries are places of joy, camaraderie, and deep spiritual growth. Even if your son goes to college seminary and eventually discerns he is not called to priesthood, don’t think he’ll have to “make up for lost time.” Thousands of former seminarians look back on their seminary days with great affection and gratitude!
Myth #2- "I don't want to pressure my son"
There is a major difference between pressuring and encouraging. Parents are the primary educators of their children, especially when it comes to "life education." Parents have a responsibility to help their children discern that path God is calling them to- their own path to holiness.
Myth #3- "I don't want to lose my son"
While the parish community becomes a type of extended family to the priest, he still needs the love of his family. Parents of priests receive great honor and spiritual consolation for having raised a son who has devoted his life entirely to Jesus and His Church. One young priest laughed at this idea. “When Thanksgiving rolls around and my brothers and sisters are busy with their children and in-laws, guess what? As a priest, I don’t have any of those ties. It’s me carving the turkey with mom and dad!” His point is that diocesan priests are able to spend a healthy amount of time with family. If the priest’s assignment is far from home, in the Internet age, social media and Skype make it easy to keep in touch.
Myth #4- " I want grandchildren"
Many parents fear encouraging their son to consider the priesthood because they want grandchildren. Yet parents of priests play an important role in helping their son to be a good father to his spiritual children- the parish that he is called to shepherd. When a mother of a priest was asked at her only child’s ordination if she was sad she would never have grandchildren, she responded, “It’s not about me.” She was simply grateful that her son had found God’s will for his life. Many parents of priests are surprised to find that they gain “spiritual grandchildren”—thousands of people whose lives have been profoundly influenced by their son’s priesthood. There is a special joy in meeting people who exclaim, “You’re Fr. Jacob’s mother? He’s such a great priest!”
Myth #5- " I don't want my son to be lonely"
This is an easy myth to dispel. Priests are surrounded by people! After all, their job is to bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus. They are continually working with parish staff, youth, and a myriad of people who come to them for spiritual advice. Seminaries today are very deliberate in teaching men how to form good, healthy relationships with people in their parishes and the priests of their dioceses. Sure, there can be lonely moments—but the same is true in any vocation, marriage included. Most priests have healthy friendships with brother priests, lay people, and family that keep them grounded and connected.
Myth #6- "My son is not the priest type"
There is no prototypical future priest! God calls men from every background to be conformed to his priesthood. God chooses men according to His purposes.
Myth #7- "My son will be unhappy"
This is the “umbrella fear” that encompasses all the others. It’s also the easiest to dismiss, because the facts prove otherwise. A number of studies about happiness invariably find one profession ranked number one: clergy. There is even a recent book, based on a very large study, titled “.Why Priests are Happy” The author, Msgr. Stephen Rosetti, finds that 92% of priests report being happy, and that the key factor in this happiness is an “inner peace.”
Sources: Adapted from the Archdiocese of Chicago brochure : "A Parents Guide to the Vocation of the Priesthood." and the Bridgeport Vocations website
Tips for Parents/Families
1
Talk about vocations! Encourage your child to learn about the different vocations available.
God's call on our life can be many different roads.
2
Pray for vocations! Pray with your children for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and marriage.
3
Support Vocations! Adopt a seminarian, priest, religious sister, or brother. Invite him or her share in your family activities. Other ideas are to include them in your family prayers or send them notes of encouragement from time to time.
4
Live out your vocation! Children will be attracted to pursue vocations without fear when they see Christ's disciples living with joy. Share the joy of your vocation to marriage and parenthood.
5
Praise God! If your son is called the the priesthood, he will receive a beautiful gift and solemn duty to help lead the people of Christ.
6
Pray for your son! He is about to embark on a difficult yet grace-filled road, and will need your prayerful support and encouragement.
7
Encourage him to keep discerning and contact the Vocations Office to learn more.