Questions Parents Often Ask About Vocations
The Catholic Church has often believed that one of
the best tools to promote vocation are parents.
However, parents are often unaware and uniformed about their influence in
helping their children make any type of life commitment. The next few
questions should highlight some key information parents can use in talking
to their children about vocations.
1. What are the typical lifestyle of priests, sisters, and brothers?
This is a varied detailed answer that is difficult to answer in few words.
In describing what a typical lifestyle of someone in a religious vocation
would be like trying to describe a typical marriage.
These are a few short statements about religious vocations:
Diocesan priests celebrate Mass and the sacraments, preach, and lead the
community in prayer
Some priests have specialized ministries as social workers or legal experts
Religious communities are founded for work within a particular ministry
Religious communities often work in an urgent, unmet need in society such as
ministry to the poor
Members of religious communities often live in small group setting and may
go unnoticed
Today most priests are found in parishes and members of religious
communities are in school or social work
2.
Is the celibate life a lonely life?
All human beings have moments of being alone in their lives. However, when a
person has a sense of doing the work of God and enjoying a meaningful life,
that person never feels truly alone. To choose a celibate life is to live as
a public witness in service of the Gospel.
3. Would I lose my child if they entered a seminary or religious
community?
No! When one enters a seminary or religious community, one is encouraged and
invited to maintain relationships with both family and friends. Although
each formation program may have different guidelines and policies, your son
or daughter is never taken away from you.
4. Does my son or daughter truly have what it takes to be a priest or
enter a religious community? Is anyone really worthy of the love of God?
Each of us when we were baptized received a great gift and are challenged to
use those gifts to the best of our abilities. A vocation is discovering the
best way one might use their gifts and talents, but everyone has the
potential to discover if God is calling them to a religious vocation.
5. Why is there such a great variety of religious orders?
Many groups of religious were founded at different times and for different
purposes. Each group might have been formed to address a particular need and
grew to larger service. Each group could also have been formed to address a
particular need in the world such as hospital ministry. These groups all
form the wondrous variety in the Catholic Church.
6. Will my son or daughter wear a habit for the rest of his/her life?
Religious dress is often a sign of faith to the world. Each order has their
own guidelines about religious garb. Some orders feel that a Christian
lifestyle is a greater sign of faith than clothes. Each order has a
different idea but all express a deep desire to promote the Christian
message.
7. What is my son or daughter makes a mistake by entering a religious
community or seminary?
Entering a seminary or religious community does not mean that one is
obligated to become a priest, sister, or brother. The formation program will
help your son or daughter determine whether this life is necessarily for
them. However, time spent in a seminary or religious community is never time
wasted and the lessons learned will be invaluable to your son or daughter
for the rest of their lives.
8. What is the difference between a religious brother and a priest?
Religious brothers take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. They live
in a community and work as teachers or social workers; brothers do not
receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Diocesan priests do not make vows. Instead, they freely make promises of
celibacy and obedience to their local bishop. Diocesan priests ordinarily
serve in the diocese in which they were ordained.
A religious priest also lives in community, similar to religious brother,
but is ordained for sacramental ministry. Religious priests are attached to
an order which may span the entire globe.
9. How long does it take to become ordained or professed into a
religious community?
Time varies for each. A diocesan priest generally needs eight years of
training and education if the candidate enters directly after high school.
For religious communities, each order has their own timetable. Generally,
six to nine years is the norm. Entrance into a religious community is
advanced by successive steps leading to final vows.
10. Is it wrong to force my child into anything?
A parent should never force a child into any life commitment. However, a
parent's guidance is invaluable for your son or daughter. With so many life
styles and ways to serve God, parents hold a unique role in guiding their
children toward the future. If your son or daughter has ever expressed an
interest or commented about the life of a priest, brother, or sister,
wouldn't it be wonderful to explore the possibility of this vocation
together with your child? |
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Vocations Resources
BOOKS
Doing the Truth in Love, by Father Michael Himes.
This basic and engaging theology of God, human relationships and service
assists readers in reflecting more faithfully and more theologically on
their own lives, particularly if they are involved in pastoral ministry or
service projects. Published by Paulist Press, 1995.
Following God's Call, by Judette Gallares.
This book is a series of Scripture meditations on God's call and the path of
discernment. Available from Sister Janice Bemowski by e-mailing:
sr.janice.m.bemowski@usa.net.
Friends in the Lord: Exploring Consecrated Discipleship, by Father
Thomas Feeley, C.S.C.
The author explores consecrated life through the lens of love and from the
perspective of friendship with the Lord and with others, allowing the vows,
community life, and ministry to take on new dimensions. Published by
Daughters of St. Paul, 2001. Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617)
5228911.
http://www.pauline.org
God Moments: Why Faith Really Matters to a New Generation, by Jeremy
Langford.
A Gen-Xer examines his own and his generation's search for meaning and
purpose. Published by Orbis Books, 2002.
www.maryknollmall.org
Why Not Be a Missioner?, edited by Michael Leach and Susan Perry.
Young lay and religious missionaries tell about their search for meaning,
the rewards of a life of service, and the spirituality that nurtures their
endeavors. Published by Orbis Books, 2002.
www.maryknollmall.org
Seven Story Mountain, by Thomas Merton.
This well-known monk's autobiography of the years leading up to his decision
to become a monk continues to be a compelling read a half a century after it
was written.
Inner Compass, by Margaret Silf.
This book provides an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St.
Ignatius of Loyola. It's designed to help readers discover their individual
selves and their relationship with God through prayer, discernment, and
reflective living. Published by Loyola Press, 1999. 1-800-621-1008.
http://www.loyolapress.org
Pastores Dabo Vobis (I Will Give You Shepherds), by Pope John Paul
II.
The pope expounds on the gift and mystery of the call to the priesthood.
Published by Daughters of St. Paul, 1992. Available from Pauline Books and
Media, (617) 5228911.
http://www.pauline.org
Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, by Parker
Palmer.
The author invites readers to listen to the inner teacher and follow its
leadings toward a sense of meaning and purpose. Published by Jossey Bass,
1999.
Novena to Follow God's Call (booklet)
This Scriptural novena helps to open hearts to the Word of God and to the
work of God by reflecting on the lives of men and women of the Old and New
Testament who also heard the Lord's call and responded to it. Published by
the Daughters of St. Paul, 2001. Available from Pauline Books and Media,
(617) 5228911.
http://www.pauline.org
On the Way to Priesthood, by Sister Kathleen Bryant, R.S.C. This book
assists men considering the possibility of priesthood. Published by National
Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD), 2000. Available in
English or Spanish from NCDVD by e-mailing ncvocdir@aol.com or (843)
280-7191.
What Does God Want? A Practical Guide to Making Decisions, by Father
Michael Scanlan, T.O.R. and James D. Manney.
The authors present clear, simple guidance for those considering religious
life. Published by Our Sunday Visitor, 1996. 800-348-2440.
http://www.osv.com
Paying Attention to God: Discernment in Prayer, by Father William A. Barry,
S.J.
"I am convinced," says Barry, "that we encounter God in a mysterious way and
that God wants a personal relationship with each of us." Helping people pay
attention to these encounters is the purpose of this book. Published by Ave
Maria Press, 1990. 1-800-282-1865.
http://www.avemariapress.com
The Long Loneliness, by Dorothy Day.
Twentieth-century activist, pacifist, and founder of the Catholic Worker
movement, Day lived out an exemplary lay vocation with passion and spirit
and an unyielding sense of justice. A life story not to be missed.
Weeds Among the Wheat: Where Prayer and Action Meet, by Father Thomas
Green, S.J.
The author explores discernment, seeing it as a function of your
relationship with God; the closer you are to God, the more you understand
what he desires for you. Published by Ave Maria Press, 1984. 1-800-282-1865.
http://www.avemariapress.com
This Our Exile, by Father James Martin, S.J.
The author paints a vivid picture of overseas mission while telling of his
experience working with African refugees while a Jesuit “in training.”
Published by Orbis Books, 1999. 1-800-258-5838.
www.maryknollmall.org
In Good Company: The Fast Track From the Corporate World to Poverty,
Chastity and Obedience, by Father James Martin, S.J. With humor and
heart, this Jesuit priest tells the story of his own journey from the
business world to religious life. Published by Sheed and Ward, 2000.
1-800-266-5564,
http://www.sheedandward.com
Vita Consecrata (On the Consecrated Life), by Pope John Paul II.
The pope reflects on the gift of the consecrated life to the church focusing
on the vows, community life, the call to mission, the centrality of prayer,
and the journey in holiness. Published by Daughters of St. Paul, 1996.
Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617) 5228911.
http://www.pauline.org
Vocations Anonymous: A handbook for adults discerning priesthood and
religious life, by Sister Kathleen Bryant, R.S.C.
This book tells what people need to hear—but frequently don't know how to
ask— regarding the process of making prayerful vocation decisions. Published
by National Coalition for Church Vocations (NCCV), 1996. Available from NCCV,
1-800-671-6228 or NCCV400@aol.com.
When God Asks for an Undivided Heart: Exploring Celibacy in Love and
Freedom, by Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.
Offers an in-depth look at the call to celibate chastity. Published by the
Daughters of St. Paul, 1995. Available from Pauline Books and Media, (617)
5228911.
http://www.pauline.org
The Discerning Heart: Discovering a Personal God, by Maureen Conroy.
This book explains how St. Ignatius' Rules for Discernment can help
individuals understand their relationship with God in a personal way, and it
offers guidelines for daily living. Published by Loyola Press, 1993.
http://www.loyolapress.org
MUSIC
A Sacred Place, CD by Rufino Zaragoza, O.F.M. Available from OCP
Publishers, 1-800-Liturgy.
Affirmation, Savage Garden, CDs by Savage Garden
All the Way: A Decade of Songs, Let's Talk About Love, CDs by Celine
Dion
Bridge to Glory, CD by Sister Mary Roy Weiss, S.S.N.D. Available
directly from the artist, maryroyweissnd@juno.com.
Breathe, CD by Faith Hill
Circle of Life, song by Elton John (on The Lion King Soundtrack CD).
...But Seriously, CD by Phil Collins
Farthest Shore, Hold It Up to The Light, songs by David
Wilcox, (on Big Horizon CD)
Hero, song by Mariah Carey
Human Clay, Weathered, CDs by Creed
I Hope You Dance, song by Leanne Womack
Something for Everybody, song by Baz Luhrmann.
The Dark Night of the Soul, song by Lorenna McKennitt (on The Mask
and the Mirror CD)
The Deer's Cry, song by The Pilgrim
The River, song by Garth Brooks
MOVIES
The Mission
Depicts a Jesuit mission in Paraguay during colonial times. A story of
conversion, commitment, and faith in the face of betrayal.
Keeping the Faith
Explores the lasting friendship and choices of a priest, rabbi, and single
woman.
Romero
A stunning portrayal of the life and martyred death of Archbishop Oscar
Romero of El Salvador, whose gradual conversion to the side of justice and
the poor made him one of the many targets of military death squads.
Dead Man Walking
A powerful portrayal of the relationship between Sister Helen Prejean C.S.J.
and a death row inmate, that moves her toward social activism. (Originally a
book)
Billy Elliot
Sends a clear, funny, inspiring message not to be afraid to listen to your
heart and follow your dreams.
Stand by me
A wonderfully rich story that touches upon the essence of friendship,
community, and discovering one's call.
October Sky
Another in the category of uplifting, follow-your- dream films based on a
true story.
Reluctant Saint: Francis of Assisi
Shows the Saint Francis who transcends the familiar image and who lived in a
time like our own, full of crisis, craving for reform and for a deeper,
simpler, more personal faith. |
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Prayers
for Vocations
2003 Vocations Prayer
Loving God, you are the giver of all good gifts.
May we respond to your love with lives of service.
Send into your Church men and women
Who are willing to use their lives in Your service.
May many more respond generously to your call
To priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated religious life.
Fill our hearts with the gift of your love and the desire to serve You.
Amen.
Prayer for Vocations
Lord, Let us promote Vocations in our homes and
in our parish community by living in your Grace.
Please help us to understand and follow your Will
as given to us by your Holy Catholic Church,
the Holy Father and your Bishops.
Let us be “shining beacons” of the Catholic Church
by faithfully receiving the Sacraments and
teaching these to our children and friends.
Amen.
Prayer
for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd of Souls,
Attract many generous young men and women
To follow You more closely in a life of service.
Let our Catholic families become seed beds of holiness
Where dedication to You and Your Church is promoted.
May parents create in their homes that atmosphere
In which vocations to the priesthood and religious life are encouraged.
May they consider it the highest honor
To offer the Lord a priest, brother, or sister.
Lord, You know the need of Your Church and You provide generously
Grant that each of us cooperate in Your work, realize our obligation,
Foster vocations and bring about the reign of Christ.
Lord, give to our youth wise and courageous hearts
That will not hesitate to answer Your call.
Amen.
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