“Father Kevin….. Are our prayers for vocations working?”
This was a question I was asked during a recent visit home. The lady who posed the question was someone who, like many others, took her prayers for vocations very seriously. It appeared to me by the look on her face and the tone of her voice that she was somewhat despondent. No doubt, statistics regarding the falling number of priests and the immanent closure of her neighbouring parish had contributed to her sense of despondency.
Whatever my assumptions or observations regarding this ladies disposition, I took delight in reassuring her that her prayers and indeed all prayers for vocations were working. My conviction however is tinged with a degree of frustration because it must by now be obvious to all that prayer alone is not enough. Action they say speaks louder than words and it is incumbent on each of us to ask a rather different question ‘what is my contribution in the work of fostering vocations? This question is posed to every catholic and one which deserves some serious reflection. For Bishops and priests however it must demand the highest priority.
Since becoming S.D here at the college I have become far more aware of the value and effect of a proactive approach to vocations. The Diocese which invests time, effort and resources into the promotion and development of vocations are the ones reaping positive rewards. Discernment towards priesthood does not begin in seminary, it takes place long before. We all, therefore, need to be attentive to those within our communities who may be a potential candidate for the priesthood. Vocations directors play a pivotal role and the appointment of the right man for this very challenging role is crucial.
We priests remain in prime position in terms of the way we influence and encourage vocations. I have yet to meet a student for the priesthood who has not been hugely influenced by his Parish priests or a School, University or Hospital Chaplain. Every student has is own story to tell but all speak of Priests who through their dedication, commitment, humanity and joy present a way of life that can not fail to attract. Seminary Staff are on the front line and the example we set will equally play a major role in the human and spiritual development of each student.
|
I was deeply moved by Pope John Paul’s final letter to priests for Holy Thursday 2005 just days before his death. It is a letter I hope all priests will cherish as a final, personal, heartfelt letter from a Pope who above all else loved his priesthood. In relation to vocation and evangelisation he said;
…the people have a right to turn to priests in the hope of seeing Christ in them. The young feel the need for this especially; Christ continues to call them, to make them his friends and to challenge some to give themselves completely for the sake of the Kingdom. Vocations will certainly not be lacking if our manner of life is truly priestly, if we become more holy, more joyful, more impassioned in the exercise of our ministry. A priest “won” by Christ more easily “wins” others, so that they too decide to set out on the same adventure.
Most priests are fully aware of the challenges and difficulties they face as the demands upon them continue to increase. Some priests already feel stretch to breaking point and others feel anxious about the future. This in addition to clergy scandals has contributed to a decrease in moral among some priests. The net result is bound to have a negative effect on future vocations.
In a book published recently by Fr. Stephen Rossetti a clinical psychologist aptly titled ‘The Joy of Priesthood’ Fr. Stephen takes a contemporary in depth look at the nature of priesthood. He points out in one of several surveys carried out in the U.S.A. in 2003 that when dealing with the question of moral within priesthood; When priests were asked “Are you happy in your current ministry?” 89.8 percent of priests agreed. He then makes the following important observation;
Perhaps one of the most needed vocational tools is to get the word out about how happy and satisfied our priests are, perhaps having young people observe these happy priests lives so they can see it for themselves.
This surely is one of our greatest challenges, that despite the difficulties and sacrifices involved we continue to view our own vocation as a joyful adventure. Prayer is of course at the heart of it all. As Henri Nouwen once wrote “A spiritual life without prayer is like a Gospel without Christ” and…..to pray…means to think and live in the presence of God.” Prayers for vocations are vital and must be encouraged. Prayers for vocations are certainly being heard. But prayer alone is not enough because we each have that question to answer:
What is my contribution in the work of fostering vocations? |
