 | Raising Vocations
Families play key role for children discerning vocations
 Father Kulick | | May is one of the special months dedicated to the Blessed Mother in our Catholic tradition. It is also the month we celebrate Mother’s Day. I thought it would be a fitting time to reflect on the important role mothers play in the lives of their children in regard to their priestly or religious vocations.
We can see how Mary played an important role in Jesus’ understanding of the will of God in his life. She models for all mothers the example of how to allow children to come to know, love and serve God according to his will in their lives.
Right after Christmas, as we were preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, I came upon an article by Father Marcel Tailon offering advice to parents of young men considering the priesthood. As a Mother’s Day gift, I would like to expand on his “dos and don’ts” and offer them to all mothers whose children are discerning a call to the priesthood or religious life.
Do be receptive — Trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in your child’s life, as well as in yours and your family’s. Realize that you are an important part of this grace-filled experience.
Do be informed — Ask questions, but realize that your child may not yet have all the answers. Investigate how the discernment process works. Learn how a seminary or religious community works to help individuals in their vocational journeys.
Do be supportive — There are many cultural and societal factors that can negatively influence vocational discernment. Verbalize or write about your support, but only when you are sincere and ready. Avoid negative comments.
Do be patient — The road to the priesthood or religious life is paved with ups and downs. Initially, your child may not share much, partly because it’s personal, or maybe because he or she is anxious or fearful of rejection or mockery.
Do be prayerful — Lift up your child and his or her vocation in prayers every day. Pray for understanding in your own life and family.
Do be loving — Love your child, God and the church. Ask God for the grace to love all three.
Do be Christ-like — Reactions from others will vary. Be careful not to feel pressure to answer questions you can’t or choose not to. See this as an opportunity to get to know others spiritually and grow in your own faith knowledge.
Don’t — ordain your child today or tomorrow. Your child and the church will decide if and when he or she is ready.
Don’t — badger your child about his or her vocation or belittle his or her experience or sincerity.
Don’t — fall into the trap of believing your child can only be happy if he or she is married and has children. The call of celibate love is a special gift that is afforded great graces and joys.
Don’t — think it’s a phase that will go away. Maybe the Lord is up to something special with your son or daughter.
Don’t — try to figure it all out. Allow God to once again reveal another mystery to you.
Father Kulick is diocesan directorof the Office for Clergy Vocations. He can be reached by e-mail. |
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