FOR PARENTS

The Family is the Domestic Church – the first Church that a child encounters. At your children’s baptisms, parents were entrusted with the Christian task of assisting them to grow in virtue and in the life and light of Jesus Christ.

Call to priesthood becomes a vocation for parents

Suggestions for Parents

• Have we created a suitable environment where the virtues of Christ can flourish, or are they under attack by what comes in over some cable channels, some internet sites and in certain videogames and movies?
• Speak always with respect for priests and religious, even/especially when differences of opinion arise. Be careful of the way criticism of the Church is handled. Be intolerant of humor and innuendo which devalues spirituality, religious life and priesthood.
• Invite your parish priest, religious priest, Brother or Sister to your home, or at least let them know, in the presence of your children, that they are welcome in your home.
• Pray daily as a family at a time most convenient for all. Include intentions for those already living a vocation to Church ministry – that they may fulfill their Christian vocation in love and service to God; and that those persons faced with a vocational choice consider their own God-given abilities, and decide on a vocation in light of God’s will for them.
• Encourage children to become involved in parish projects, organizations, and in charitable activities.
• As a family pray for persons who are in the process of discernment.
• As parents, pray that one of your children will be called by God to the priesthood or religious life.
• Help the children understand, by word and action, that religion is important
• Build positive attitudes regarding a life of prayer and service to God and humanity.
• Let the children see the example of parents who live a Christian life, take the Gospel demands seriously, and value Church vocations.
• Let your children notice an attitude of openness to God's will in you.
• Help your children take time to thank God for each day.
• Encourage your children to read in their own New Testament about Mary’s response to God (Luke 1:26-39), and about Jesus’ calling the Apostles (Mt 4:18-22).
• Encourage your junior high child to pray that he or she might discover and use the gifts God has given.
• Include the archdiocesan vocation prayer in your personal and family prayer.
• Attend an ordination of a priest or deacon or a profession of a religious Sister or Brother.
• Answer your children’s questions about priesthood or Religious Life.
• Invite your parish priest or a Sister or Brother to supper with your family.
• Discuss with your spouse your feelings and reactions to one of your children choosing to live their life as a priest, Brother or Sister.

I don't know if this is for him...

A big fear that parents have when it comes to speaking to a son about the priesthood is that the priesthood will not be a happy and fulfilling life. A recent survey of the Des Moines Diocese shows just the opposite is true.

• Parents worry: "I want my son to be fulfilled." 98% of our priests describe priesthood as life-giving.
• Parents worry: "I don't want my son to be lonely." 91% of our priest report close friendships. 96% say relationships with married couples is vital.
• Read more