Vocations the focus of diocesan listening sessions
By Sr. Sharon Miller, GHMS
In preparation for the upcoming Continental Congress on vocations being held in Montreal on April 18-21, 2002 each diocese in North America was asked to hold its own gatherings to pray, reflect, and respond to three vital questions focusing on the vocation issue. The responses to these questions were to be sent to the Continental Congress committee who will collate all the information received from throughout North America, for this will play a vital role in forming the direction of the Congress.In the Owensboro Diocese, the vocation committee, with the help of the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club, set up four different dates, times and sites for these gatherings. They were held in: Holy Name Parish, Henderson on Jan. 15; Owensboro at Brescia University Campus on Jan. 22; Bowling Green at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Jan. 23, and Paducah’s Knights of Columbus Hall on Jan. 27.
The folks that showed for the gatherings were then grouped at tables in age categories--under 30; age 31-50 and ages 51 and over. Each table had 6-8 participants and turned in a "Recorder Sheet" with their top responses. The following is a list of the questions and top responses from each age group. We are grateful for all those who took the time to come and share their insights so that we might address the issue of how to continue to encourage young people to respond to the call to the priesthood and religious life.
| 1) As you reflect on consecrated life and
ordained ministry in North America today, what gives you hope?
Responses from over 50 age group: * A fairly large number of vocations coming from this parish. * Activities and efforts sponsored by the Serra Club and other similar organizations that promote vocations. *An active and supported youth program *The return to religious values after Sept. 11 * The awareness of the shortage is beginning to encourage the young. * The commitment and sincerity of the priests and religious of this diocese *Young people are more spiritual--turning to God that is real, not out of fear. Responses from 31-50 age group: *Seeing teens so alive with the love of God. *That priests in our parishes are still regarded with respect, trust, and honor * Prayerful support for vocations is very common. * The number of youth and young adults who want to serve in church ministries * The joyful witness of the priests, sisters and brothers in our diocese * The growing awareness of the need for vocations and the interest seen in our youth. Responses from under 30 age group: * Many of today’s millennium generation appear to want to serve. * People’s searching for God--meaning of life. * That this topic is finally being addressed * The houses of discernment on Bresica’s campus |
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2) Today in North America what do you see as obstacles to someone considering/you encouraging consecrated life or ordained ministry? Responses from over 50 age group: * Materialism *The turmoil in our lives * Parents don’t encourage vocations to the religious life or priesthood * Young people are afraid of commitment * Poor media representation of religious life and priesthood * Misunderstandings--not being able to get close enough to religious to know what their life is really like * Individualism Responses from 31-50 age group: * Lack of parental support and encouragement for this decision * Success is measured in money * Unwillingness to make permanent commitments * Individualism * Religious are unknown to the average person *Interests are in careers not life-styles Responses from the under 30 age group: *God is not real to many Catholics * Celibacy * Parents do not encourage consecrated life or priesthood as an option *The misunderstand & misconceptions of the reality of consecrated life and priesthood. * Peer pressure
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3) As one responsible for encouraging vocations to the ordained ministry and consecrated life, name three ideas you would like to have realized or actions you could (will) take. Responses from over 50 age group: * Encourage and support those that show an interest * Increase in individual and communal prayer for vocations * Increase contact of priests and religious with our youth * Parental encouragement toward vocations * Witnessing a more positive attitude toward ordained ministry and consecrated life * Encourage better media coverage to get positive stories and true portrayals of priests and religious * More homilies directed to promotion and encouragement of vocations * Invite young people to "come & see" visits to motherhouses, monasteries, seminaries. Responses from 31-50 age group: * Workshops or programs to provide more information about vocations * Priests, sisters, and brothers getting involved with family life in parishes * Personally invite someone who has the qualities needed to be a priest or religious * Priests and religious share their stores * Encourage children at a young age to ask God to help them know their vocation * Prayer for vocations and the courage for those who are called to say "yes" * Plant the seed of the idea of considering a vocation to religious life or priesthood in young people that show an inclination toward this way * Showing reverence and respect to those who have chosen this life. Responses from under 30 age group: * Parents must encourage children to consider this option * Have religious and priests spend more time with children and youth so they can see them as real people * Don’t be afraid to ask someone to consider this * Find ways to dispel negative stereotypes. |