Encouraging Your Child to Seek Out a Religious Vocation

Most children graduate from high school and consider college their next logical step. Their thoughts are generally turned toward studying, hanging out with friends, dating, and whether to live on or off campus. Some students, especially those attending Catholic schools in Polk County or other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando, find their vocation not in the medical field or in sales. Instead, they hear an inner voice urging them to seek a life as one of Jesus’ disciples. Sometimes this voice is ignored – even more than once – but the insistence is oftentimes rewarded when the person hearing the voice finally understands what is required to fulfill the void they have felt in their lives.When these thoughts are brought to the attention of the child’s parents, the parents are often more than amazed; they are overwhelmed. The first question many parents ask is whether this idea is a passing fancy – which may happen if the idea is sparked by an event such as World Youth Day – or if it will be pursued long term. As parents, your enthusiasm may mean the difference between a passing fad and a long-term vocation. How can you encourage your child to choose a vocation as a consecrated person?Take a look at how Deacon Juan Osorno discovered his vocation.Here are a few ways you can encourage your children.

• Pray for them: When you offer up a special prayer for vocations, your child will feel special. Offer a Mass for your child’s choice of religious life. The generosity you feel in giving your child to God should be reflected in your actions and words. Be joyful and grateful for the grace your child will be undertaking.
• Urge your child to pray: Even Mary questioned if she was good enough to take on God’s plan for her. Prayer, participating in a retreat, speaking with a priest or nun, or reading about the daily life of a saint are powerful methods to understand the commitment your adolescent is undertaking. You may also want to determine how your child would like to serve God: in a religious or consecrated position? Possibly as a priest or nun? If so, with which religious order? All these questions need consideration.
• Don’t force the issue: Remember, you cannot change someone else; you can only change yourself. If you want your child to consider a religious vocation, you can give him or her the path, but the decision must be wholly theirs. Likewise, if your teen is called to a religious life, no amount of dissuasion will alter that path.

Open your mind to the idea of a religious vocation for your young adult. If he or she decides to dedicate a lifetime to God’s goodness, the graces of our Lord will be blessed upon you and your child. Pray he or she will be called and the call will be carefully considered, then stand back and watch the miraculous transformation as your child becomes a child of God. The Diocese of Orlando will be happy to answer any questions you may have about religious vocations. Call 407-246-4800 to speak with one of our representatives, and read our blogs for information on our Catholic schools in Polk County.