Vocations
parent and family faqs
Why is it important for parents to foster vocation awareness among their children?
By presenting their children to the Lord at Baptism, Christian parents are requesting that He make them holy as He is holy. Only through faithfulness to Him in the particular vocation which He chooses for them, will their children love Him and serve Him as He desires.
Why is it difficult for some parents to foster their children’s vocations?
It is hard sometimes to remember that our children are God’s gift to us and that our primary role is to help God reveal His plan of love for them. We tend to hold fast to our own “plans” for them, hoping for their best preparation for living independently from us as adults. Surely it is a parent’s responsibility to provide their children with the best education and career training possible, but we must remember that a VOCATION is NOT a CAREER. It is a way of living and loving the Lord and others according to His most providential choice. It is THE MEANS of SANCTIFICATION ESPECIALLY CHOSEN for them through which they will glorify Him most perfectly.
What are some ways to help my children value their unique vocation from the Lord?
LIVE your faith!
BE faithful to your own vocation to marriage!
PRAY with your children for vocations!
ADORE the Blessed Sacrament together!
HELP them find their own words for asking Jesus to lead them to their vocation!
TEACH them how to serve others joyfully and generously!
MODEL a spirit of determination to please God in all you do!
SHOW esteem for the priests and religious who serve in your parish!
TALK about the lives of the saints!
ENTRUST them to the Blessed Virgin Mary!