Lets all pray for vocations

Personal contact proves to be the key to shepherding

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

"Many parishes have established times of adoration and prayer for vocations," he said. "Obviously, the Eucharist and the priesthood are very closely connected. I want to encourage every parish to have time for such adoration before the Blessed Sacrament."

Moret also emphasized the need for prayer for vocations on an individual basis, as well as in the home. He stated the need for personal contact with people who might have a vocation.

"We encourage people to submit names to their parish who they think might have a vocation to the priesthood, or religious life. The archbishop has written to those people to contact them and plant the seed of vocation within their hearts," he said.

There are many young people who are considering this for their lives. There are currently 10 seminarians studying for our archdiocese - "seven of whom are home-grown products," Moret said.

"The more I get out and speak to people, I find them to be very serious in being open to God's call.

"I know of five who are good prospects for the seminary. The prayers are working."

With Father Mike Mireau and Father Patrick Baska, Moret has made it his mandate to venture to where the youth are, such as the Newman Club at St. Joseph College at the U of A, at Grant MacEwan College and Concordia College.

High school contact

"This personal contact is the second most important initiative we have to contact the hearts and minds of our young people."

However Darlene Fitzgerald of Holy Family Parish remained concerned about her son entering the priesthood. The perception that exists in the archdiocese that a priest's life is a very difficult one is something she feels should be addressed.

"Father (Michael) Troy is at our parish," she said. "One day he told me he was at boarding school and he came home at 2 a.m. and told his father he was going to become a priest.

"His father told him they'll talk about it in the morning. He wasn't in favour of it.

"So Father Troy asked me what I would do if my 13-year-old son came home and said he wanted to become a priest."

Too difficult

She told Moret that she did not think she wants her son to deal with it.

"And I don't think my son would have any better perception because he isn't exposed to the lifestyle of a priest . . . What we see is what is on the news, the emotional and psychological struggles."

Moret said the current situation is a vicious circle where the low numbers of priests cause them to minister to several parishes and there can be too little time available for personal contact.

"People don't get to see that it really is a great life to be a priest," Moret said.

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