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For those considering a vocation
With all of the recent scandals in the priesthood, the declining number of men and women entering into the religious and consecrated life, why would I want to encourage my child to consider a vocation to the priesthood?
We have all been rocked my recent scandals, and many in the church are deeply embarrassed if not scandalized. However, one thing that is being clearly seen by many vocation directors, is the men stepping forward are fired with the passion to serve the church. They desire that through their good work, they might begin to undo or heal that pain caused by other priests. Scandals will be with us always, embarrassment will be with us always. However, the sin of a small minority should not ever overwhelm the goodness of the vast majority. And that vast majority of good Catholic people need good leaders, solid men and women to guide them as priests and religious. We should never allow the sin of a few to overwhelm the grace of the many.
Won't my son or daughter be lonely as they enter into the church as a priest or religious?
There is loneliness is every walk of life. From your own experience as spouses and parents, married life is no guarantee that one will not experience loneliness. A married woman once said, “If you want to try loneliness on for size, try being lonely in a marriage.” I think that loneliness is more a decision by the individual than by a way of life. I believe people are as lonely as they want to be or as filled with life as they want to be. Certainly, in all walks of life, there is a measure of loneliness. However, in the priesthood, Jesus’ promise is true: there no one who has not given a father or mother, husband or wife, or children who will not be rewarded many times over with mothers and fathers and children. Most of the priests and religions are blessed with many friends and deep companions, more than they can keep up with.
What if my son or daughter feels called to be a priest or religious, but likewise feels unworthy?
Such feelings are not uncommon, and may be even seen as appropriate. Who can lay claim to such a worthy position as being a priest or sister? Parents are encouraged to tell the child that these feelings are normal, and that no one is truly worthy. Happily, for God, this is not an issue. He calls whom He wishes.
Besides, this is your child. You, the parent, see the goodness within them and the potential. In short, you see their worthiness. Parents are encouraged to share with them all the goodness and potential that they see, and that therefore God sees.
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