National Vocation Awareness Week

This week is National Vocation Awareness Week. It a week to remind us of what God calls us to do in our lives, from religious vocations, marriage, careers and the like. But today I reflect on a vocation to the priesthood. What attracts a man to the priesthood? For me, it was the priest in my parish growing up that was always working with the kids. He talked with us and challenged us in life. The ‘old’ pastor was even more influential. He would send books for me to read and talk to me about priesthood. I know from other priests, they felt an inner call bolstered by religious services. Others were greatly influenced by the Bible. And still other felt God called them by the comments of people in their lives. I always believed that Jesus calls a man to the priesthood. Sometimes that call is heard by anyone saying to a young man that he would make a fine priest. Asking someone to volunteer in community or church activities also influences a young person. If you know someone you think would make a good priest, say it to them. Make the suggestion and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Say a prayer daily for an increase of vocations in the Church.