How to teach to effectively encourage vocations

[tossolul]

I am going to be teaching 7th 8th grade religion teacher next year. This will be their last year before having the option of being confirmed. I guess the set up has changed since I was confirmed, our church is instructed to leave it at the option of the person. They may be confirmed when they feel ready. This is good for the fact that it is not forced upon kids without them totally realizing, appreciating what they are doing, but at the same time there is a great concern that many will just chose not to be confirmed…

I am excited about having the opportunity to reach out to these kids, but realizing the importance of the step they are about to take, want to have as many resources, advice as possilbe.

It might seem that this would be a great time to also bring up the subject of religious vocation discernment.

Any suggestions as to how to effectively reach these kids, without turning them off to the idea?

 

[puzzleannie]

if the Serra club is active in your diocese, they have a program for confirmation students on vocations, also the Knights may have a program as well. The main thing to teach in this regard is the sacraments of matrimony and holy orders, which sometimes get shuffled off as we prepare for confirmation and first communion. Especially the dimension of both sacraments as extensions of Eucharist and consecration of one’s state in life and calling.

 

[tossolul]

Thanks for the help! I’ll look into those. You sound well rehearsed in this subject!

 

[cheddarsox]

I was a kid who was always interested in becoming a nun. When I talked about it, all people ever did was talk about what I would be “giving up” to do so. I was always looking at what I would gain.

So, please don’t let the conversation be focused on the giving up. People act like it is some terrible sacrafice people go through for God, but it is a choice for God, rich with rewards. Any life choice entails giving up the option not taken. The religious life is the same. It is about choosing one life over another. It is choosing a life because the rewards are attractive to the chooser.

I was shocked at how much negative reaction I received, when young, from my Catholic family and friends over my desire. They just went on and on about what I would have to give up.

Well, in the end, I did marry. And I love my husband and kids and have no regrets, but I still think I could have been very happy and productive as a religious. I gave it up to marry this man and raise these kids.

As much as people bemoan the loss of vocations, they also tend not to be encouraging to young people who are interested. As a church, I think people need to examine their true feelings over vocations. There are very mixed, and sometimes blatant messages concerning this subject.

cheddar

 

[tossolul]

cheddarsox:

I was a kid who was always interested in becoming a nun. When I talked about it, all people ever did was talk about what I would be “giving up” to do so. I was always looking at what I would gain.

So, please don’t let the conversation be focused on the giving up. People act like it is some terrible sacrafice people go through for God, but it is a choice for God, rich with rewards. Any life choice entails giving up the option not taken. The religious life is the same. It is about choosing one life over another. It is choosing a life because the rewards are attractive to the chooser.

I was thinking about this also. I thought maybe studying the life of some saints would benefit this aspect? I know it helped me when considering how sacrifice for God can be a blessing.

Thanks for you (name removed by moderator)ut.