Each of us is called to holiness, to be followers of Christ, the Holy One. This basic call is lived out most commonly in the married state " but also in the single state or as clergy or religious. (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 2013, Lumen Gentium No. 40) God knows and wants what is best for each of us and for the common good of all. Each is urged to discern prayerfully and respond positively to God's specific call. If we desire to know God's call for each of us, we can be consoled that he will make it known to us. But each would do well to ask: Am I responding to God's basic call to holiness? Am I striving for holiness in my particular state of life?
"National Vocation Awareness Week" (Jan 8-14) is an occasion to highlight the need for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Religious vocations do not fall from the heavens onto conveyor belts where vocation directors stamp them for ordination or consecrated life! Vocations are born into families and parish communities where prayer and the faith life of young people is nurtured. All of us are challenged to create an environment in our homes, parishes and workplaces where openness to, and trust in, the possibility of a vocation in the Church is encouraged. We all have a part in this mission: mothers and fathers, teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, leaders of organizations, friends, clergy and religious.
Why are not more young people in our diocese responding to a call to the priesthood or religious life? A few years ago, the U.S. bishops had a study conducted which found, among other things, that parents often do not encourage church vocations. They need to.
I think that parents are probably the first vocation directors. As I reflect on my own journey, I am quite certain that this is true. My family was not more religious than others. But faith was important. Attendance at Sunday Mass was a given. Catholic practices were simply a way of life. Daily life, weekend recreation plans and vacation itineraries were shaped accordingly. In his steady, quiet way my father was the religious leader. He set the pace and without forcing us, we simply followed. It all seemed quite natural.
A second formative influence by both my parents was a consistently positive attitude and reverence for the Church " no negativity " as well as a consistent respect for priests and sisters. It was always an honor for the family to visit them, or to have them come to our home for dinner. Family storytelling was interlaced with the tales of priests and sisters who had been significant in our family history.
My parents (and brothers, too) were "vocation directors" in all these basic but indirect ways. When, in due course, I revealed that I felt a call to the priesthood, my family was supportive and honored, even while being sad that I would be leaving home so young. That support has continued to this day.
How do we promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life? To start, parents might ask themselves: "Have I nurtured in my children an appreciation of the priesthood and religious life? Have I ever explained to them that God calls some to this special vocation? Have I encouraged them to consider and pray about the possibility of being a religious or a priest?" A young person should ask: "Could God possibly be calling me to serve in this special way? Am I open to considering what God thinks is best for me and the Church?" A priest or religious might ask: "Do I live my vocation in such a way that young people might be attracted to this same calling? Do I project a positive and joyful image of the the priesthood or religious life?"