• Vocations

Dear Friends in Christ

I think that we are all concerned about the lack of vocations in this Diocese. We are called to pray for vacations and that is a very good thing, yet I am sure that more can be done to foster a calling to religious life. To the best of my knowledge we have only ONE seminarion, why is that? I look at the various Religious Orders and realize that they are getting the majority of young men. I will focus on two of these Orders, The Legionaries of Christ and the Companions of the Cross. The Legionaries of Christ have over 2500 seminarians in various stages of formation(we have about 250 in all of Canada), and the Companions of the Cross a relitively new order has many young men in formation. What are they doing to attract these young men that we are not doing? What type of lifestyle are they offering that we are not offering? What does their formation consist of comparied to what our semanarians go through. Are the young men of today looking for a structured community, where there is support, communial prayer, a sense of family. How are we reaching out to the young men of this diocese?

Your Comments, Suggestions Please

I agree with you Randy. I think it is all of our responsibility to promote vocations to the priesthood in our families in our schools and where ever possible within our own diocese. I cannot answer your question about the other orders that you have mentioned. I do know that only with prayer and an openess and special attention to the vocation of priesthood, will we be able to attract more young men to this particular calling.

<p>It might be good to check out your facts regarding vocations in the
diocese and elsewhere. Contact the Vocations office - the diocesan director
is Father Larry Rymes. A question I have asked myself with regard to the lack
of vocations: How have I personally fostered vocations among my family,
friends, and fellow parishioners? Do I live my own particular vocation with a
sense of love and service toward others? Do I pray for vocations every day?
Heavenly Father, you have called each one of us by name to be your children.
We praise and thank you for this gift. Bless the diocese of Sault Ste. Marie
with men and women who will answer your call to be priests, sisters,
religious brothers and deacons. We ask you to bless those you have called to
married life and those you have chosen to remain as single persons in the
world, the graces that their lives require. Form us all in the likeness of
your Son so that we may love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully,
always and everywhere. With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.</p>

Amen