I’m 22 & entering a religious order at the end of the month…so I hope I too can offer my own (name removed by moderator)ut?
Since hindsight seems so much better, here is what I wish my parents would have done:
1.) Taught me that in praying the Rosary we are to meditate on the Mysteries. I got so burned out as a kid 'cause I thought we had to pay attention to every word of the actual recited prayers.
2.) Shown by example and helped me form a habit of reading the Bible. It wasn’t until I was in college when I realized how ignorant I was and how rich the Church is.
3.) Do service projects as a family. My diocese attributes a growth in seminarians in part to increased focus on and promotion of stewardship. When children learn to care for others, their hearts, now servant-like, are more free to hear God’s call for *total *service and consecration to Him and His Church!
Since I didn’t get any exposure to religious life while growing up, God led me to a good Catholic college, and it was there that I found my calling and my religious order!
God bless you for being willing to support your children in whatever Christ calls them!