We just celebrated the 4th Sunday of Easter, which is observed each year as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This year it also happened to be Mother’s Day.

 

The symmetry of these observances falling together in this particular season is worth noting because it is also the time of year when high school and college students turn their focus on the future. Many graduates take time to thank their families especially their moms and dads for assisting them in making the journey forward from school to adult life. So it is only natural to reflect on the connection between Mother’s Day and vocations. And when I say vocations I am talking about our callings.

 

What does God call us to do? And how, as mothers do we encourage our children to really answer that question? 

 

Are we called to marriage, to be parents, to be single, to be a nun, a priest, a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber, a mechanic, a teacher? 

 

For young people discerning a call can be difficult. It’s hard when you are in your teens to ask yourself, “What do I want to do for the rest of my life and what if I change my mind?”

 

That’s where moms (and dads) come in. Vocations start at home. And they can be encouraged or discouraged in the home. It is a pretty universal thought for parents to want their children to be happy. 

 

And for most of us moms, we pray our children will be fulfilled in whatever life they are called to and that whatever work they pursue that it will sustain them and quite possibly, even help them make a difference in life. 

 

Because the choices our children are asked to make are difficult it is up to the family to talk about the choices especially to some form of consecrated life. Parents may have a hard time talking about it in these days when there seems to be more focus on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church than in the good that has been brought forth for thousands of years. 

 

But really, now more than ever, is the time to ask your children if they might be called to serve the Church. Why? To make sure the good goes on. What better way to improve the Church than to provide it with wonderful, faith-filled dedicated men and women! Good people bring about good, so why not encourage your son or daughter to consider life in the Church?

 

But to hear a call you must also be prepared to listen.

 

Think about the Blessed Mother. She did a lot more listening than talking. She heard, she considered with her heart, said yes to God, and look what her son did! As mothers we should take our cue from Mary and never turn from the thought that God might be calling our children. 

 

We can help our young people learn to listen to their hearts, listen to good advice and prepare them for all that God has to offer especially through the consecrated life or the priesthood. Your son or daughter can serve the world through the Church and receive the world in return. 

 

In the next few weeks, The Observer will share the profiles of the young men who have said yes to a vocation to the priesthood. Be sure to read and share those stories and the celebration of their ordinations with your sons and daughters, nieces and nephews. Encourage them to talk to a priest or sister to find out what religious life is all about. You could even have them call the  diocesan vocations office to find out about upcoming retreats where they can learn more.

 

Until then, look in this issue of The Observer at the list of priest assignments. Pray for all these priests who give their lives to all of us and who help us on our journey to Christ. 

 

Pray especially for those priests retiring from active ministry. Their many years of service and dedication are worthy of our thanks and our continued prayers. 

 

Pray too for all the mothers of these men. Thank God they gave them the gift of life so their lives of service are now a gift to all in this diocese.