How often do we invite a promising young man to think of the priesthood?

Survey after survey among seminarians indicate that INVITATION was a strong determining factor in their decision to study for the priesthood. When asked the question, "When did you begin to think about the priesthood?", guys frequently responded, "When Father asked me if I had ever thought about being a priest. He thinks I might make a good priest. "

As parish priests, we find ourselves encouraging many individuals at many different times in many different areas of parish life, but how often do we invite a promising young man to think of the priesthood? You already know what is needed to be a good parish priest! The trick is spotting these talents in guys. Some obvious indicators would be:

faithfulness to Mass/sacraments; loves God!
involved in parish/school activities
willingness to help in parish and community
cares about other people
evident leadership qualities
obviously enjoys being around priests and the Church

Jesus directly invited the apostles. Some of our seminarians have been directly asked by priests to consider a vocation to priesthood. The priest who asks is convinced the individual has the gifts to be a priest, and would find happiness and fulfillment in serving as a priest!

Church bulletin covers in most parishes list the availability of the Sacraments, indicating the times and procedures of the sacramental life of the parish --but seldom, if ever, is published the Sacrament of Holy Orders. A good way to keep this option available to young men is to list it with the other sacraments. Also, those men and women who are aspiring to the consecrated life could be included as well. Consider changing your bulletin cover to reflect this:

Sacrament of Holy Orders

Those discerning a call to the Priesthood should contact one of the parish priests or the Vocation Office for Diocesan Priesthood at 602-354-2004.

Consecrated Life and Religious Orders

Those discerning a call to the religious life, should contact the diocesan Office for Religious at 602-257-0030.

Always have a little vocation "filler" in your bulletin each week; see the CHURCH BULLETIN section for ideas
Designate each Thursday a day of prayer for Vocations in your parish; have the assembly at daily Eucharist recite a prayer for vocations together. Join in a Holy Hour with interested participants.

On "free" days in the liturgical calendar, offer one of the Masses for Special Needs and Intentions: for priestly and religious vocations, development of lay ministry, etc. Consult the Sacramentary.

Reflect often upon your own seminary or pre- formation days, humorous events of your priesthood in your homilies. Let people know how the priesthood has changed your life, and that you're happy as a priest! Tell the "old vocation story " !

Invite the Vocation Director to visit your parish and preach at all the Masses on a given weekend; he'd even fill in for you if you need to be away!
Each time a fifth Sunday occurs in a month, designate it as a special parish day of prayer for vocations. See the LITURGY section for some other ideas.

Have religious in your parish occasionally give a reflection at Mass; they could tell their own story and relate other vocation themes.

Host a dinner for young men whom you think would make good priests; you might even want to invite their parents. (See Operation Andrew)

Let people see YOU at prayer, and often!

Always make a special petition for vocations in your own prayers and Masses.

Always have a prayer for vocations in the General Intercessions on Sundays and Holy Days.

Use time in the sacristy before Mass to your advantage. Develop good relations with the servers and other liturgical ministers; let them see that the priesthood and religious life are great ways to live!

Visit School and R.E. classrooms often to visit with students, make presentations on the faith, especially on Church vocations.

Host a seminarian for the summer; welcome home and send off seminarians and novices from your parish. Let the community know who they are, and how we'd like to see more seminarians and novices!
Strive to be POSITIVE in all aspects of ministry, and despite the ever-increasing demands made upon priests. Let it show in your conversation and discussion of the faith!