decn2b:
There isn’t minor (HS?) semiary within 200 miles of our town and…
John Triglio, went to seminary in a very different time from ours. Keep in mind that now that the situation is a bit more serious, it is only the deeply committed that would actually teach there. Also your child would be in highschool by the time its okay for him to start. And finally, you could do some research on it, obviously I’m not suggesting you send your son to a place you’ve never known about, with a less than decent reputation, I’m saying look for a good
orthodox one. If it turns out its not good, not orthodox, then don’t worry, but atleast you’d know you exhausted every resource.
If you want your son to be a
great priest, wouldn’t you afford him every last opportunity? I mean if there was some sort of exclusive school for the gifted, we wouldn’t think twice about sending our kids, but if it has something to do with his eternal salvation, we become hesitant? Shows how weird our culture has become. However, you’re the parent, never think that I’m implying I know more than you. Just I probably have a more objective view
All I’m saying is don’t write it off right from the beggining.
Discerning my own vocation, I have only passed on to you what I was recommended, keeping in mind that I am a teen and your son is alot younger, I kept out the larger committments. However, I’d give anything to be able to attend a good minor seminary. Ask yourself, do you really want the bright cloth of your son’s soul stained by the cesspool of highschool? Lets not be naive here, alot could happen.
Catechize your son, teach him total fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium. So much grace comes out of submission to Christ! Take him to Adoration, explain who it is up there in the monstrance, and because he’s so young, maybe combine it afterwards with some father and son activity to reinforce the feeling that going to adoration is special.
Also, get EWTN, watch, constantly, if you sometimes eat dinner at the tv, eat watching EWTN. Be as traditional as possible in your spirituality, always in submission to the Pope, but teach your kids a love for the 2000 year old heritage we have received, and acknowledge that some people would see that heritage destroyed. Put zeal into their hearts! (For the record, I acknowledge Vatican II and my comments are directed at the Liberals who would see the Mass reduced to a mere prayer meeting with music).
If theres a youth group, or something to cater for your son’s spirituality and age, send him. But always teach him the truth, that the Mass isn’t meant to become some sort of entertainment concert, that its the Holy Sacrifice of Calvary, so you might want to take him to some nice
Catholic Liturgies, ie incense, latin, chant, organ, the whole chebang. Again, reinforce its specialness with some sort of family activity, the family being the domestic Church. Being a husband and father, your job to love your wife and kids into heaven, making Christ real to them, is a real tough one
I will place your son’s name on my altar. Oh and I forgot, maybe you could do some sacrifices on your own for your son’s vocation, give up some meat, tv, hobbies, etc, using the merits and applying them to and for your son. Think about it, you’d be gaining so much back when He offers the Holy Mass
daily for you!
And obviously, screen what he watches and surfs on the net and who he hangs out with. Constant Vigilance! And while I’m here, pray for me too. I have so much homework and I’m about to go into the toughest years of school! And I’m setting up 3 youth groups (we’re lacking a spiritual director for one of them)
Anyway, your son will be on my altar. Again, not trying to override you, just giving you a different perspective.
