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Vocations Make a Pledge to Pray for Vocations + Vocations Awareness Day + My Story: a road that has led to Priesthood
We can lament the lower number of Vocations to priesthood and religious life these days. I contend that God is calling plenty of people. People simply are not responding. Smaller families can influence children to get married and have grandchildren. Society seems to value great wealth without commitment. Neither of those values lead to fulfillment and happiness. So, what are we to do?
Look around! If there is someone around you, in Church, your family, etc. who you would trust to serve you as a priest, sister, brother or deacon ... let them know! Most priests were encouraged to become priests by family members and friends. Write a note. Tell those around you how honored you would be if one of your children, grandchildren or friends followed God's call to a Church Vocation.
Love the Church. It's alarming these days that communication between some groups of Catholics is almost at an impasse. We need to keep talking to one another. We need to seek God's will together. If our children hear how bad things are, if they hear their priest and sisters being maligned, why would they want a life like that. Our Bishop, Jerome Listecki, said at his Mass of Installation, "I belong to you. You belong to me. We belong to Christ." If we think of this before judging or condemning, we'll naturally build up the Body of Christ here on Earth, the Church!
Pray! Pray for sisters, deacons, brothers and priests. Write a note of appreciation to those who serve you. If they don't seem happy, do something to show them you appreciate them! Make a Pledge to Pray for Vocations! Here are some links that can be useful to those exploring Vocations in general. I hope they're helpful. Feel free to send e-mail to suggest further links. I hope you enjoy this page!
Make a Pledge to Pray for Vocations!
U.S. Catholic Bishops Vocations and Priestly Formation
Think you're too old to be a
Serra Club International
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
Sisters
of Saint Joseph, Third Order of Saint Francis
School Sisters of Saint
Francis Vocations: Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Frequently Asked Vocations Questions
The Story of My Life: Vocations Discernment Tool
Vocation Resources: National Coalition for Church Vocations
Vocations
Online, Sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet
I was once talking to a High School student about sin. He said to me, "I think I might want to be a priest!" I assured him this wasn't a sin! Read more about him! I thanked God for his trust and his faith. Many of us have considered God's call to a Church Vocation but sometimes just didn't know who to talk with. Sometimes too, we think we might be too old. When I entered the Seminary I was considered a "delayed Vocation" because I had been a teacher for four years. I didn't feel "delayed" at all. I was simply ready to answer God's call. It's becoming more and more common for those who are older to enter the Seminary. And what compassionate priests they make! If you think you're too old, click here and think again!
If you feel God's call to a Church Vocation, take that first step! E-mail me if you'd like, and I'll be happy to help you find your Diocesan Vocation Director. Talk with your pastor or another trusted minister in your parish. I believe we're the happiest when we follow God's call in all areas of our lives. I've never regretted becoming a priest. What an honor an privilege it is! Keep me in your prayers and know you're remembered in mine as well. May God continue to bless you in your call, and keep you safe!
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elcome to
my page on Vocations!
When we think of a Vocation, so often we think of someone becoming a priest, sister,
deacon or brother. These are certainly worthy and wonderful vocations. All of
us though, have a vocation to be God's followers. We can do that as a husband, wife,
single person, doctor, teacher, senior citizen or child. God's call is sometimes
mysterious! It also comes over a period of time. If we truly enjoy something,
that's a good sign that we might be suited to following God in that direction. God
gives us gifts and talents to be put to use for the good of all. 
he
first step? I still remember how difficult was for me to take that first
step, to say out loud that I was feeling God's call to priesthood. I
was so afraid of what others would think. I had so many life commitments
... including family, a teaching job, a Boy Scout Troop, a puppy, and a 100+
year old house that I'd just finished remodeling. I remember how exciting
it was to talk to a priest, and not have him think I was out of my mind! I
remember telling a priest that I didn't feel worthy to be a priest. His
response was, "You're not. I'm not. None of us are." I
felt too, that I was too old to become a priest. 