VOCATIONS: What can one family do?

Pray for your children's search for their God-given vocation and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Institute some special observances for vocations as a family. Choose a day each week/month to fast, pray a rosary , participate in Eucharistic Adoration, make a Visit to Church, or some special form of prayer AS A FAMILY!

Value and talk about the parents' vocation and their sense of ministry. Invite priests and religious as friends of the family to visit in the home. Each child in your family has a vocation. Even if theirs may be the same as your own, you still want them to know, love, understand and relate well with priests and religious.

Work on your own attitudes toward different life choices by your children. Learn about the lifestyle and spirituality of various vocations and various religious orders and institutes.

Tell your children the stories of the saints and founders of orders. Tale with them about what priests and religious do.

In the Parish

Does the parish have any kind of special observance for vocations?

Then make it a point that you and your family are present!  When people are invited to pray spontaneously, include petitions for vocations and for young people from the parish who are in formation. Find out who in your parish is in seminary or formation. Pray for them by name. Send them a note of support occasionally, perhaps a birthday or Christmas called. Meet them and let them get acquainted with your family when they're home for vacation. Let their family know that you support their son or daughter.

Inquire into programs the parish offers regarding vocations. Don't be hesitant about suggesting a vocations information program you would feel worthwhile. Start a PARISH VOCATION COMMITTEE.

Ask your children's friends what they're thinking about for life choices.

They may not say anything; however, they may pick up your interest and be more inclined to talk to you than to their own parents. Make time for the teenagers in your life (baby sitters, workers, etc.).

Offer to help people whom you hear are interested in Church vocations. Search out with them various possibilities. Offer to take them to various diocesan programs or to visit the seminary or religious order in which they're interested, or contact someone who will make that offer. Seize the moment!