Encourage Vocations

We have an African saying that goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I can affirm this dictum to be true when I meditate on my vocational journey and my gradual but steady response to God’s call.

I have experienced good people who have been consistent in affirming and helping me on the way; they have supported and guided me. When I look back, even in those insignificant moments when it seemed over, God was at work in me – teaching me something new and forming me in ways that I could not have imagined. They were my angels.

I do believe it’s God who has always reached out to me, and led me using people around me to convey his message and inspire me to say yes to his call. Seeing my call in this light, it is appropriate for me to be grateful, first to God, then to the bishop, the seminary community of St. Meinrad and the people of God for your prayers and good will.

I would like to express my appreciation for the work done by the vocations office, our parishes and schools in promoting vocations and encouraging young men and women to think of possible ways in which God might be calling them. It could be religious life, single life, married life or priesthood; it’s a good thing to discern and take some time to pray about one’s vocation.

To those who have realized their calling, I would say, take time to pray for vocations, especially priesthood and religious life; write a short note to a seminarian, letting him know that you support his decision to become a priest or a religious. Families have a central role to play here. Just to assure our seminarians and all those in houses of formation, we are praying for you and we do appreciate that you are following God’s call. For the young men and women feeling called: talk to your priest or a religious that you know; contact the vocations office.

As I begin my priestly ministry I promise you my prayers as you discern your vocations.