As we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost this weekend, the Diocese of London formally begins its Year of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood. All of the faithful of the Diocese are encouraged to pray for vocations to the Priesthood throughout the coming year, as we ask God to send more labourers into his vineyard. Prayer cards and other resources will be available soon, and I look forward to joining with our Diocese to pray that more men will hear the call to serve the Lord as Ordained Priests.
I once heard a talk at a vocations conference in which the speaker said that the so-called “vocation crisis” in the church did not come about because God stopped calling men to the Priesthood. God is still calling: the real problem is that we have forgotten how to listen. With all the noise in our modern world, and all the voices clamouring for our attention, it becomes all to easy to listen to the loud voices that promise fame, fortune, and happiness, while at the same time failing to recognize that the still, small voice of God is present among the din. Even if a person does hear God’s voice calling to them, that call can be easily quashed by negative attitudes from family and friends.
The work of promoting and encouraging vocations belongs to all of us, and it’s important to remember that God often works through us to help others hear His call. In my own vocation journey, I can think of the many people who, even from a young age, asked me if I had ever thought about Priesthood. All of those people planted seeds in my life, that over time helped me to truly discern God’s call for my life. The next time you have a thought that someone may make a good Priest, I encourage you to ask them if they have ever considered the Priesthood. Your asking the question may be the seed that helps that person realize their vocation.
We know that the Holy Spirit is constantly at work in our Church and in our lives, helping us to seek God’s will. So as we begin this year of prayer on this Pentecost Sunday, I believe that this is a perfect opportunity for us to pray for a renewed sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May the Spirit give us the grace to carry out the work of fostering vocations in the Church, and may that same Spirit help those that God calls to the Priesthood to respond to that call in faith and generosity.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB