Guest blogger Wednesday :)
It did not really surprise me when he first told me he was going to enter the seminary. I always felt like he would end up in some sort of service profession or ministry. As the youngest of 6 (my Mom would say she had six chiefs and no Indians), he was used to being the peacemaker, the flexible one, the servant – all traits that would suit him well in his future vocation. He never had a singular moment where he heard God’s voice or saw skywriting to tell him what God wanted him to do. It was a subtle guidance. He followed those whispers that Elijah speaks of and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Erie in 2001. What a gift he has been to our family – though his priestly duties prevent us from seeing him as much as we would like. He has baptized five of my seven children, given First Communions, heard confessions, celebrated daily family Mass for us on our extended family vacations, and been an awesome witness to our children (my 9 yr old has actually mentioned that he is considering the priesthood like his godfather, Uncle Rich. This is the same child who was unhappy with his Easter basket. We will see which direction he goes:). He has generously shared his priesthood with all of us. He is no longer the “quiet” family member …but has become a loud voice proclaiming in the desert to prepare the way of the Lord. He is an imperfect human who needs prayers and support to live out his calling. And he needs new priests to aid him in his ministry!
Why am I sharing the story of my youngest brother? Because this week, my sister and mother are chairing the annual card party to benefit the seminarians of the Diocese of Erie. This is a cause I believe in and is obviously on my mind as we prepare. These future priests are being formed, and the potential they have to be lights for the kingdom is immense. How much do I do to support the seminarians, priests and religious in my world? Do I pray for them as I should? Do I encourage them? Write them thank you notes or invite them for dinner (some might enjoy eating with our crazy crew….others, not so much. One good friend of mine used to tell us that he would come to our house for dinner as his vocation “confirmation.” Hey, whatever it takes!) They sure are on the receiving end of plenty of negativity ... both through the media and disgruntled Catholics (present or ex). Yes, they are human and have faults like the rest of us, but they have responded to the call in a world that would not necessarily applaud them for their noble sacrifice. For many searching young men and women, this has got to be a scary call. “How will friends and family respond? Will I have the strength and love to live out my vows and make the sacrifices that are so contrary to our culture?” Poverty, chastity and obedience are a far cry from power/money, sexual promiscuity and humanistic pride that are the prevalent philosophies of our day.
How the heck can I support these young adults on the brink of the journey? My children’s school has a vocation cross that is passed from class to class at the weekly liturgy, and they say special prayers for vocations while it is housed in their classroom. A similar cross is passed from family to family at the parish level. What a great way to support and bring light to this vocation. Even a simple verbal “thank you” or “I am praying for you” to your parish priest, sister or deacon might be just what they need to hear on a battle weary day. Or the “you would make a great priest. Have you ever considered the priesthood?” to the boy-next-door who is so sweet with your youngsters might be just the nudge he needed. Your words, financial support, card or invitation to dinner might be their answer to prayer. Some day, they might be sharing about their journey and you could be the instrument they speak of. Or maybe they will never know because you donate anonymously. But God will know. I believe He will be gratefulJ
Living It: This is an obvious one…let’s find one way for our families to encourage a priest, religious, deacon or seminarian in our world this week.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Erie Diocese Vocation Office or making a donation, check out this link: http://www.eriercd.org/seminary2.asp
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