Office for Vocations and for Consecrated Life
The Archdiocese of St. Louis gives fitting emphasis to the vocational apostolate through the constant work of the Office for Vocations and the Office for the Consecrated Life. The Office for Vocations principally helps me in the promotion of priestly vocations. Under the direction of Father Michael T. Butler, the Office of Vocations is in regular communication with those who have expressed an interest in the priestly vocation and assists our seminarians as they respond to the vocation. The office also sponsors various activities throughout the year which help young men to consider God's call to the priesthood. I refer especially to the Kenrick-Glennon Days and to the retreat which I will be giving to prospective seminarians on the weekend of February 18-20 at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Father Butler is also actively engaged in fostering vocations among the young men of the archdiocese in a number of other ways, including the production of a video for parents. Please contact Father Butler about any questions you may have in the matter of the promotion of priestly vocations ((314)-792-6460).
I am pleased to tell you that we have 18 seminarians in the last years of priestly formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. John O'Brien is studying for the archdiocese at our national seminary in Rome. We also have 18 seminarians from the archdiocese in our college seminary. David Skillman is completing a three-year seminary scholarship at the Catholic University of America. I am deeply grateful for the good number of seminarians of the archdiocese. At the same time, I know that we must increase the number, in order to meet more effectively the pastoral needs of the archdiocese in the future. It is my goal to have at least 6 seminarians from the archdiocese in each year of college and of theological studies.
Gradually, I am getting to know the seminarians and am very much impressed by them. I am not only impressed by their seriousness in responding to God's call, but also by their active engagement in encouraging other young men to consider the vocation to the priesthood. They certainly are a convincing reason for a young man to consider the vocation of the priesthood. They are responding to God's call to give their lives in service of us all. Let us be sure to pray for them, that they may persevere in responding to God's call to the ordained priesthood.
Sister Eva-Maria Ackerman, FSGM, director of the Office of the Consecrated Life, works with Father Butler in promoting vocations to the consecrated life. Various activities are planned, inviting the participation of the different institutes of consecrated life. Mater Dei Camp at the beginning of the summer months provides an excellent opportunity for young women to consider a vocation to the consecrated life. Please contact Sister Eva-Maria regarding any question you may in the matter of the promotion of vocations to the consecrated life ((314) 792-7251).
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary not only provides appropriate formation and education for college and theological students interested in the priesthood, it also serves as a center that young people may visit either individually or in groups to seek a deeper understanding of God's call. Father Butler will be able to arrange for visits to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
Conclusion
Because of the importance of National Vocation Awareness Week for the Church and because prayer is the foundation of the apostolate of vocations to the priesthood or consecrated life, I urge you to set aside special time for prayer for vocations during National Vocation Awareness Week, making time for prayer for vocations a part of your daily living. Please pray that the young men and women whom God is calling to the priesthood and consecrated life will respond faithfully and generously to God's call.
During the days of our Christmas celebration, I was reflecting upon my own vocation to the priesthood. My heart was filled with gratitude toward those who helped me to know God's will in my life and to carry it out with a generous and brave heart. I thought of my good parents and of the home which they formed, a place in which it was natural to think of a vocation to the priesthood. I think of the parish priests and the religious Sisters who served my home parish and taught in the Catholic schools I attended. They led us to pray to know our vocations and to read the lives of the saints, in order to be inspired to follow in their holy footsteps. Many faithful parishioners of my home parish also came to mind. They prayed for me, encouraged me and gave me financial support. Along the way of my years of seminary studies, so many helped me, especially the seminary faculty members.
Please pray daily in your homes that our children and young people will come to know God's plan for them, and that all the faithful may be confirmed in fidelity to their vocations.
