VOCATION-FRIENDLY FAMILY LIFE
Bishop Paul S. Coakley
The parable of the sower and the seed (Lk.8:4-15) reminds us that in order for the seed to produce abundantly much depends on the condition of the soil. It is a lesson that farmers and gardeners know very well. The soil has to be cleared, prepared and fertilized in order for the seed to yield a fruitful harvest.
The same lessons can and should be applied when we consider the cultivation of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. God is the sower, the source, of every vocation. He plants the seed. But all of us have important roles to play in helping prepare the soil so that young people can hear and respond generously to God’s call.
FAMILIES HAVE A primary and indispensable role in this process. As the domestic church the family is also the first “seminary” or seedbed in which vocations are ordinarily sown. What can families do to nurture these precious seeds? Here are a few ideas for parents to consider.
Perhaps it goes without saying that the first thing to do in preparing the soil is to remove those things which are harmful to your children’s faith and Catholic values. Be active in monitoring your children’s use of the internet, television and other media.
In order to create a vocation-friendly family environment place Christ at the heart of your home. Speak of Him, gather the family for regular prayer, and display religious images visibly in the home. In a Catholic home this should be something as natural as the way we speak of another member of the family.
Since children seek and need role models, offer them the examples of the saints and other Christian heroes. Introduce young people to the lives of the saints. Have good books, religious literature, DVDs and periodicals in the home that will nourish and inspire the imagination of children and youth.
CHILDREN ARE SHREWD observers. They imitate the example their parents set. Keep the Lord’s Day holy by attending Mass with them and providing time for things that nurture the spirit and strengthen the family. Your family will get the message.
Seek appropriate occasions to bring up the topic of vocations. Ask your children if they are thinking about a vocation to priesthood or religious life and encourage them to do so. Without pressure but without apology, invite them and assure them that you too, are open to this possibility for their lives. Keep the door open for when they are ready to discuss it.
It is amazing what children pick up from snatches of overheard conversations. Parents’ conversations will set the tone and form the attitudes that their children will have toward priests and religious, for good or ill. Always take care to speak positively and respectfully concerning priests and religious.
Find ways to introduce your children to priests and religious. Many priests acknowledge that their own vocation (mine included) was fostered because priests and seminarians were often welcomed into their own homes as guests. They came to know priests and religious as real people!
Teach children to be open to God’s plan for their lives by being open and generous in responding to God’s plan for your lives. Live the gift of your own vocation to marriage fully and generously. Welcome the children whom God desires to entrust to you. Be generous stewards of your many gifts by placing your gifts at the service of others, especially the poor and lonely. Generosity begets generosity.
“WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED as a gift, give as a gift” (Mt.10:8). Finally, entrust your children’s vocation to God. Pray for your children and entrust them daily to God’s care. Parents certainly have dreams and desires for their children, but God has desires for them also. God’s desires and plans are much greater than our own. We find our greatest happiness when we discover and respond to God’s will for our lives. Help your children to seek God’s will, God’s plan for their lives. Help them discover the joy He desires to share with them.