St. Thomas More Chicago

Father Charles Fanelli

Talk openly with your children about what it means to follow God’s will. Even young children can understand the concept of “Thy Will be done” when they pray the Our Father.  A positive family life with both parents practicing their faith is important in fostering vocations. Attending Mass as a family – especially if you are involved in the same parish for an extended period of time – will give your children the opportunity to meet a variety of people who are living out their vocations to married life, to single life and consecrated life.

If you suspect that one of your children feels drawn toward a vocation, mention it to a priest or sister in your parish. Parental encouragement is not the most important factor in vocations. An invitation from a priest or religious has a much bigger impact.

Catholic Schools – especially high schools – nurture vocations. If that is not an option in your family, get involved as a family in religious education programs, youth ministry, service projects, and youth retreats. Often the idea of vocation gets formed in high school or before.
Look closely at your own attitudes toward priests and religious. If you are negative – even in a moment of frustration or anger over something that happened with a priest – your children will pick up on your negativity and might begin to think that you would not approve of a priestly vocation.
Talk to your teenage children about the difference between a “vocation” and a “career” when discussing colleges and future options. Ask your children whether they have ever considered a vocation.
Be sure to pray for your children. God especially hears the prayers of parents for their children. It is good also for children to see their parents praying, taking time in the day for prayer or reading the Bible or a spiritual book.
Trust God our Father to care for your family and for the Church. Christ said that we would never be alone.