4th Sunday of Easter

05-11-2025Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

Happy Mother’s Day! Today also is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. “Every vocation to the priesthood comes from the heart of God, but it passes through the heart of a mother.” (St. Pius X). I think that applies to other vocations as well, such as a religious sister or brother, a Permanent Deacon, and a spouse/parent in the Sacrament of Marriage. God has a plan for every child. He wants them to be happy, and their true happiness is found in discovering God’s plan for their lives—their vocation—and following it wholeheartedly.

So, if you’re truly concerned about your (grand) children’s well-being, it makes sense to help them discern their vocations, whether to marriage, priesthood, diaconate, or religious life.

Here are some simple ways to foster openness to God’s call.

1. Snuggle up and read a story - Add some books about famous saints who were priests and religious.
2. Watch a movie - There are lots that depict heroic and interesting priests and religious such as A Mission to Love (the life of St. John Bosco).
3. Set the record straight - Media depictions of dating and sexuality are often opposed to authentic love. So, when a show sends the wrong message, set the record straight about what leads to real happiness, and defend the Sacrament of Marriage.
4. Play dress up - Just as children “play house” and pretend to be moms and dads, help them imagine the life of a priest, brother, or sister. A sheet or towel can serve as a sister’s habit. A Necco Wafer makes a good host for Mass. This kind of play normalizes what can otherwise seem to be an “other-worldly” vocation.
5. Pray from the heart - In your family prayers, pray for more priests, deacons, and religious. Let your kids hear you praying for their futures, like: “Lord, watch over Kayla today and give her the grace to grow up to be a strong woman of God. Keep her close to You, always ready to do Your will.”
6. Talk about vocations - Make it clear that happiness in life is following God’s plan. Tell kids that priests have an awesome job because they bring Jesus to us in many ways, especially through the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. Teach them that deacons, religious brothers, and sisters make special promises to live like Jesus. Share with them how special being a mother or father is.
7. Befriend priests, deacons & religious - By inviting them to dinner at your home. They’ll be far more comfortable with the idea of a priestly, diaconal, or religious vocation when they grow older.

Let’s pray that all children will have the opportunity to reflect on the many ways God might be calling them to serve His plan in the world and what will make them truly happy and fulfilled.

(Much of this content is from the brochure “Seven Ways Families Can Foster Vocations” from Vianney Vocations: vianneyvocations.com.)

God bless you!