Building a culture of vocations

With dwindling numbers of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, the Catholic Church appears to have lost its environment where young people are assisted and encouraged to answer God's call. 

Those charged with refreshing the ranks of clerics and nuns call for a new "culture of vocations" would mute the siren song of a materialistic secular society that devalues the choice of religious life.

"There are elements of the secular culture that are hostile to religion compared to 40 years ago," said Rev. James Walsh, diocesan director of vocations for discernment.

"Society values success," he said. "Kids are under tremendous pressure to be successful. A large percentage of people can't understand why you would throw your life away on celibacy, long hours and service."

Holy Woodstock
Answering God's call may mean turning away from the world, peers, tradition and professional and material success.

"A life of complete surrender and dedication to Christ will always be super countercultural," said Sister Rosemary Cuneo, CR, a member of the diocesan vocations team. "Our faith calls us beyond worldly values to those of Christ. That's what love comes down to: giving for the other selflessly, not thinking of personal gain, prestige, power or possessions."

A culture of vocations would make the call to religious life visible and valued, and would provide a nurturing environment for those attempting to respond to this countercultural life choice.

"People discerning have very little support," Father Walsh explained. "We don't have hesitancy to say, 'You're a good teacher.' Or if someone is good at math, 'Have you thought about accounting?' But if we see someone with gifts of generosity and love of service, we don't think to say, 'Think about a vocation.'"

Fostering vocations is not expected only of clergy but must involve families, parishioners, teachers, coaches and others in positions of influence. Considering the priest shortage, it is of serious concern for all.

"We don't have the Eucharist without priests," said Father Walsh. "And without the Eucharist we don't have the Church. People are starting to see the problem, but we have made progress in pointing out to parishioners they can help to invite, encourage and pray for this."

To help, some are turning to quiet advocacy such as prayer. 

Rev. Anthony Barratt, member of the vocations board of the diocese and pastor of Annunciation Church in Ilion and Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Frankfort, helped start a Vocation Holy Hour in his parish. 

Helpful kneeling 
"There is a holy hour at Our Lady Queen of Angels every Wednesday," he said. "It has been organized by the [Herkimer County] deanery vocations committee as part of the committee's efforts to promote vocations."

It consists of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, prayers for vocations, and time for quiet prayer ending with Benediction.

Sister Cuneo said that social time and fellowship can be added. "Parishes such as Holy Family and St. Theresa's in Albany have socials either before or after their vocation Holy Hours or other services [such as] stations or rosary." The key, she said, is creativity and opportunity.

Given the chance to explore the possibilities, young people respond.

"Vocation discernment is discovering the path one is meant to walk," Sister Cuneo summarized, "and then to walk it wholeheartedly as a spouse, a parent, deacon, dedicated lay woman/man, religious or diocesan priest."

For John and Diane Hammond of St. Joseph's Parish in West Winfield, their encouragement of their son's call to the priesthood has been a blessing.

Giving a son 
"David's vocation has not only enriched our personal faith journey but has positively impacted the faith of our entire circle of family and friends, our home parish and our entire community," said Mrs. Hammond.

They understand the pressure felt by families of young people called to religious vocations. For instance, in a previous age of larger families and lower incomes, parents were often happy to have one or two children serving the Church since the siblings could be counted on to have grandchildren and provide for parents in their dotage. 
The Hammonds count it all a blessing.

"We pray that the parents, families and friends of these good men and women will trust in the Lord to bless and protect their loved ones," she said. "They will be pleasantly surprised and even richly rewarded for their sacrifice."

"The number one thing young people want is to find joy," Father Walsh concluded. "We have a tendency to look in the wrong places. Give your life to our Lord, and he'll point you in the right direction. You'll still carry the cross but you'll find joy."

(1/8/09)