Large percentage of oldest and youngest

[Catholictrain]

Since the time my son entered the seminary (he is the oldest of 5) I have been noticing that a large number of seminarians and priests are either the oldest or the youngest in a family (most come from families of more than 2 children). It is uncanny really, and now when I meet a seminarian at a social function I ask them their birth order. 9 times out of 10 they are either the oldest or the youngest. How many others have noticed this ??? Is there a reason do you think???

 

[katy]

Do many of them have only 2 children?

 

[Catholictrain]

Do many of them have only 2 children?

No, most seminarians I have met come from larger families. Actually, to tell the truth, there are a whole lot of seminarians who come from large homeschooling families. Our parish has 4 seminarians and one recently ordained priest who come from families who homeschooled at least some of their children.

 

[ChristmasKnight]

Kind of a cool stat. Nice observation. Let’s see how much more data you get on that.

Personally, I’m just in a discerning state and not sure where the Holy Spirit will land me.

But for what it’s worth, I am the youngest of four boys (I’m assuming you’re referring to families with three or more children…hence your reference to “bookends”).

I might attribute my comfort with my current state and desires to a long history of observation. Being the youngest, I was able to observe the progression of my household (admittedly a bit rambunctious) and the paths that my older siblings took during their lives.

Having three unique examples with which to help me measure the potential negative and positive experiences in life…I think it actually helped me evaluate (though maybe not intentionally) certain possibilities in life without actually having to experience them myself. Thus, allowing me the wisdom and liberty of exploring other options.

Also, as the youngest male, all of the other sons are blessed with numerous children. So I guess I don’t have that added pressure of “carrying on the name”.

Hope you get more applicable (name removed by moderator)ut though. Sounds like an interesting topic.

 

[JohnnyReb]

Interesting observation. I am currently discerning with the Spirit (until I get hold of a spiritual director) about entering seminary.

I am the youngest of three, but the only male. I have thought that if I am called, this is the end of my (and my dad’s) family line. On the other hand, does that matter too much, especially that he has already passed on?

 

[reginacaeli]

There are seven religious in the community that I’m familiar with (this particular house, I can’t speak for the other houses for this community in the world). Of them, six are the youngest, one is the oldest. In each family, there were at least three children.

 

[Catholictrain]

Interesting observation. I am currently discerning with the Spirit (until I get hold of a spiritual director) about entering seminary.

I am the youngest of three, but the only male. I have thought that if I am called, this is the end of my (and my dad’s) family line. On the other hand, does that matter too much, especially that he has already passed on?

I would think it does not matter, or to say it better, choosing the priesthood gives you many many children… all your parishioners. I am sure you have heard that upon ordination to the transitional diaconate you become married to the church… but when you are ordained a priest, you become the father of many children of God.

 

[Catholictrain]

There are seven religious in the community that I’m familiar with (this particular house, I can’t speak for the other houses for this community in the world). Of them, six are the youngest, one is the oldest. In each family, there were at least three children.

Cool, is anyone keeping track of these statistics?

 

[jdemnyan]

Perhaps those who are first born, by the merit of being the oldest, have developed leadership skills and maturity needed for the priesthood. Likewise, the youngest, by the merit of being the youngest, have strong inter-personal skills that is also necessary for the priesthood… just my thought.

Catholictrain, you’ll appreciate this- at one time in my parish, we were all pretty certain that you had to be a railfan to be a practicing Catholic-
Our pastor owns three cabooses, the president of the parish council works for Union Switch and Signal, and yours truly was the only man in seminary that had subscribed to Trains magazine

 

[Catholictrain]

Perhaps those who are first born, by the merit of being the oldest, have developed leadership skills and maturity needed for the priesthood. Likewise, the youngest, by the merit of being the youngest, have strong inter-personal skills that is also necessary for the priesthood… just my thought.

Catholictrain, you’ll appreciate this- at one time in my parish, we were all pretty certain that you had to be a railfan to be a practicing Catholic-
Our pastor owns three cabooses, the president of the parish council works for Union Switch and Signal, and yours truly was the only man in seminary that had subscribed to Trains magazine

That is so neat about the railfan/Catholic connection. Most people just think I am a little crazy since I have a large room above my garage filled with toy trains running around. Where does your pastor live, I would love to come see his train cars (I assume they are the 12 inch to the foot variety).

I also think your observation about the oldest being leaders and the youngest having strong interpersonal skills is right on the mark. My oldest who is in the seminary has leadership qualities for sure. Type A personality I would say. Some of the seminarians who are the youngest are very sensitive to other’s feelings and know how to say the right things at a party.

 

[JohnnyReb]

I would think it does not matter, or to say it better, choosing the priesthood gives you many many children… all your parishioners. I am sure you have heard that upon ordination to the transitional diaconate you become married to the church… but when you are ordained a priest, you become the father of many children of God.

Very true, that did not occur to me when writing my post. I have always believed the family is not about biology, my oldest sister is adopted, but she is in every sense my sister.

 

[jdemnyan]

That is so neat about the railfan/Catholic connection. Most people just think I am a little crazy since I have a large room above my garage filled with toy trains running around. Where does your pastor live, I would love to come see his train cars (I assume they are the 12 inch to the foot variety).
.

They’re located around the New Castle, PA area which is about halfway between Pittsburgh and Erie. I should also clarify that he is now a parochial vicar at St.Mary Assumption-
Here’s an article the Pittsburgh Trib did a few years ago-
pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_196306.html

 

[joamy]

That is so neat about the railfan/Catholic connection. Most people just think I am a little crazy since I have a large room above my garage filled with toy trains running around. Where does your pastor live, I would love to come see his train cars (I assume they are the 12 inch to the foot variety).

I also think your observation about the oldest being leaders and the youngest having strong interpersonal skills is right on the mark. My oldest who is in the seminary has leadership qualities for sure. Type A personality I would say. Some of the seminarians who are the youngest are very sensitive to other’s feelings and know how to say the right things at a party.

My first reaction is to ask when I can come over and play

My dad is an antique lover and had a vintage 1930’s train set for the longest time (from when he was a kid). I think it has since found a good home. I used to be so annoyed as a child because he wouldn’t let us have fun with the set!!! (Can’t imagine why?)

As far as the oldest/youngest thing, now you’ve got me wondering about Sisters (I’m discerning). I’m oldest, but there are only two of us.

 

[Catholictrain]

My first reaction is to ask when I can come over and play

My dad is an antique lover and had a vintage 1930’s train set for the longest time (from when he was a kid). I think it has since found a good home. I used to be so annoyed as a child because he wouldn’t let us have fun with the set!!! (Can’t imagine why?)

As far as the oldest/youngest thing, now you’ve got me wondering about Sisters (I’m discerning). I’m oldest, but there are only two of us.

Well, North Dakota is quite a long ways from Maryland, but you are welcome to see my train layout anytime you are in the area.

I really think there is a higher percentage of oldest who go into the priesthood and religious life. There is a friend of the family who is discerning a call to be a nun and she is the oldest… Perhaps someone who knows how to do a survey could set one up and take a poll…

 

[chicago]

My rector at minor seminary was into model railroading. I think they even had a layout at the major seminary when he was a student there.

Hmmm… if I can be guaranteed a traveling railcar chapel ministry, maybe I would reconsider the priestly vocation! (Plus, I’m an oldest child, so there ya go.)

 

[Catholictrain]

My rector at minor seminary was into model railroading. I think they even had a layout at the major seminary when he was a student there.

Hmmm… if I can be guaranteed a traveling railcar chapel ministry, maybe I would reconsider the priestly vocation! (Plus, I’m an oldest child, so there ya go.)

Which seminary? Sound like a great place.

Looks like I should start a new thread to discuss the topic of seminarians and trains.

In the meantime, thanks for all the comments on the oldest and youngest answering the call.

 

[chicago]

Which seminary? Sound like a great place.

Mundelein. But that was back in the 60s when trains were more popular.

Another rector of the high school seminary had worked summers laying rail for the CTA expansion when he was a student.

Looks like I should start a new thread to discuss the topic of seminarians and trains.

Chooooo Chooooo choo Chooooooooooooo ewwwwwwwwww!

Maybe it’s a trait that recruiters should look to?

I know a couple of other priests who are active railfans. The one has some funny stories about how people joked about the influence of railroading in his vocation. And he quips about getting himself assigned to parishes near rail lines. (One year he was out on a Good Friday Stations of the Cross walk and couldn’t help but turn his camera to the passing trains.) I’ve teased him that he should have a ministry in Union Station.