Talking to your kids about Religous Vocations

[mesquite_magic]

On the heels of this thread forums.catholic-questions.org/member.php?u=35974 . Do we encourage our children to think about becoming priests, nuns, and monks? Do we just wait for God to call them, and then encourage them to follow?

Just wondering because, I’ve never really thought about how to bring up this discussion. I just assumed that insead of saying, “hey mom, I’m getting married” my child would say, “hey mom, I feel like I have a calling to become a priest/nun”. I guess I’d rather that they get that little “thump on the head”, then worry that I’d pushed them into a religous vocation

Any thoughts on this?

Kim

 

[Lorik]

My son, who will only be 9 soon, has just always wanted to be a priest. When he talks about it it’s like there’s no question in his mind. I’ve told him that God calls us to our vocation and that we have to pray about it and make sure we follow God’s will. I’ve also told him that there is no job on earth harder than being a priest. There’s nothing that could be more difficult than being Jesus’ representitive. He says he doesn’t care if it’s hard, that’s what he’s going to do and he knows God wants him to also.
I know he’s very young but there’s something about him that makes me think he might really be called. It was so cute on his 1st Communion he was shaking like a leaf before he received then after he did receive he actually cried of happiness.
He asked for a monstrance for his birthday so he could have one for his church when he’s grown up. I was like, “Um, no and btw who’s kid are you?!”

 

[YADA]

We talk to children every day about a variety of topics and careers. We also send verbal and non-verbal messages about various jobs and careers.

For example have you ever asked a young person ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ or "Do you want to be a [insert job title here] like [daddy, mommie, or Uncle/Aunt etc]?

How about a comment like:

“Doctors are so wonderful, they help people.” or “My fourth grade teacher was so cool, she really made science fun” These comments send a positive message about a career choice.

“Lawyers are all crooks” or “Father just asked us to make a parish support pledge and use the envelopes, &^%((&, it is no ones busness what I give the church” These comments send a negative message about a career choice.

T tell my grandson that he can be anything he wants, but he also needs to listen to Gods calling in his life. Is God callling him to a vocation? I am not pushing him. It is just a reminder that we need to factor Dod into the equation. Even if he decides to marry and be a parent, the is a God factor as the married state is a Vocation!

It is sad that some people do not want their child to enter into religious life…

 

[Lorik]

“Lawyers are all crooks” or “Father just asked us to make a parish support pledge and use the envelopes, &^%((&, it is no ones busness what I give the church” These comments send a negative message about a career

I totally agree! It’s so important to especially never talk poorly about priests.