For Parents

In 2007, the Diocese of Brooklyn commissioned a study with St. John’s University to try and answer some of the important questions surrounding religious vocations. For instance, 76% of young adults turn to their religion to help them with daily problems. Our young adults pray! Even 73% of them pray at least once a day. We must then assume that young people, while they are caught-up in a crazy culture, have some sort of relationship with God. How many people actually think that? This is proof that the seeds of faith planted by families at a young age do take hold and grow into something beautiful.

It is the purpose of families to create an inviting environment that allows God to be present daily. The Lord continues to call men to the priesthood, but sometimes wrong impressions by family members can be given. For instance, most people think families would disapprove of religious vocations – service to the Church. When asked this question in the St. John’s study, 61% of the young adults said their families would encourage them to pursue a religious vocation; 59% said their desire would be taken seriously by family members. Families in fact do support vocations, but this does not mean that families are comfortable with the idea of a son, brother, grandson, nephew becoming a priest. However, it has also been noted that many families, while encouraging a son’s decision to discern a vocation, are not readily willing to ask their sons to consider a vocation. Parents are always looking for the best from their children. If the greatest gift you have given your child is faith, the greatest gift you can give to the Church is your son. And in all of this we continue to proclaim the great love that Jesus Christ has for each and every one of us.