Supporting a Vocation in your Family

Supporting a vocation in your family

Undoubtedly, parents want the best for their children. So it is understandable that they should have reservations if their son suggests that he feels called to the priesthood. This page will hopefully answer some of your fears or anxieties.

A VIDEO TRIBUTE THANKING PRIESTS FOR
THEIR LIFE AND MINISTRY

Below are six common fears that parents have when their son begins thinking about the priesthood.
There are also some reflections from the parents of some priests of our own Archdiocese.

He's too young...

Many parents, when their young son expresses an interest in seminary, will dispense well-meaning advice: "Get some life experience first - and at least a university degree and then think about seminary later". When God moves the heart of a young man to explore the priesthood, parents should - however difficult it might be - trust God that the time might be right! Seminaries are places of joy and spiritual growth.

"We supported our son through the many years of training during which time he made the decision that God was calling him."

a life of celibacy? ...

Married couples have difficulty imagining their son choosing a life without getting married. Society would make us believe that celibacy is impossible, or at the very least, unreasonable. The truth is that physical intimacy is indeed one of God's greatest natural gifts, but that thousands of saints have experienced tremendous joy living the supernatural vocation of celibacy. Today's seminaries offer formation on how to live chaste celibacy with peace and joy.

"When we knew that our son wanted to become a priest, even though we were happy, we had lots of questions. Leaving home, family and friends is a big thing, so will he be lonely? Will there be someone for him to talk to if he is struggling? Will we be able to see him?
But, we soon discovered that there is no need to worry.

I'll lose my son...

Some parents think that if their son becomes a priest, they'll never see him again. One priest laughed a this idea: "When Christmas rolls around and my brothers and sisters are busy with their children and in-laws, guess what? It's me carving the turkey with mum and dad!" His point is that diocesan priests are able to spend a healthy amount of time with family. Even priests in religious orders are able periodically to see their parents and siblings. In the internet age, social media makes it easy to keep in touch.

"As parents you naturally ask yourself what role do you play and how does it affect you? For us the journey along side our son has led us to meeting people and seeing places a few years ago we would not have dreamed of. You can be part of his life so experience it and enjoy it."

He'll be so lonely...

Priests are always surrounded by people! After all, their job is to bring Jesus into the lives of the people to whom they minister. They are continually working with parish staff, youth and people who come to them for spiritual advice. Seminaries today teach men how to form good, healthy relationships with the people of their parish and the priests of their diocese. Of course, there can be lonely moments, but the same is true in any vocation, marriage included.

"We are very proud of him and his Ordination was a very moving moment in his journey to the priesthood"

I won't have grandchildren...

Many parents of priests are delighted to find that they gain "spiritual grandchildren" - thousands of people whose lives have been profoundly influenced by their son's priesthood. There is a special joy in meeting people who exclaim, "You're Father's parents? He's such a great priest!"

"We feel that having your only son being a priest is no more difficult or easy than as if he had taken another journey in life. You still worry, provide support when necessary, and, share the happy times, of which there can be many. It is an honour and a privilege."

He'll be unhappy...

This is the fear that encompasses all of the others. It's also the easiest to dismiss, because the facts prove otherwise. A number of studies about happiness invariably find one profession ranked number one: Clergy. In a US book titled Why priests are happy , Mgr Stephen Rosetti cites reliable research showing that 92% of priests report being happy. The key factor in this happiness? An 'inner peace'.

"The seminary is a great place for them to mature and grow spiritually. The community is very welcoming to the new seminarians and their parents are regularly welcomed to visit the seminary."