In this Year For Priests, it is important not only applaud our priests and to thank them (which we should always do anyway) but to pray for them and also pray for more vocations so their burden is lightened and allow them to provide other ministries. (One pastor, the only priest at a very large parish, once lamented to the parish that he could not continue his prison ministry because it was all he could do to meet his parish duties.)
So, how can the laity help? Here’s eight ways we can nurture vocations, thanks to Sister Fidelis Tracy, C.D.P.
Vatican II taught us that, through our Baptism, we all are called to holiness. Each of us must nurture our vocation and others’ vocations. This applies in a special way to encouraging priestly and religious vocations, whether we be parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts or mentors. Here’s how:
» Be faith-filled people. Pray for guidance in decisions, and seek to deepen your relationship with God. Let Christian values guide you.
» Be generous and of service to others.
» Pray. Let the children see you pray and pray with them in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.
» Share faith. Talk with children about how faith affects your life.
» Make and demand sacrifice. Help children see both by example and by what you expect of them that a holy and happy life involves sacrifice.
» Stay in touch. Get to know priests and religious by interacting with them as opportunities arise so that you are comfortable with them and understand their commitment.
» Educate. Teach children you know about the option of a call to religious life or priesthood as well as the call to marriage or single life.
» Support. If a child or young adult speaks of a desire to be a priest, deacon, brother or sister, be supportive.
There is plenty to do. On the other hand, it can — and should — be a seamless segue into our typical daily functions and interactions with our children and others.
Sister Fidelis wrote this from the perspective of people with children but it applies to all of us, whether we have children, our children are grown and into a secular vocation or job, or whether we do not have children. Please pray constantly for the well being and constant zeal for the Lord of our current priests, for the wise discernment of seminarians, and for the increase of vocations of holy men to the Priesthood and of holy men and women to the Diaconate and Religious Life.
