When we used to attend Mass in Delaware, there was a poster from the Diocese of Wilmington vocation office hanging on the wall. It pictured the seminarians in formation for the priesthood in the diocese: there were six young (and not so young) men. I remember thinking for as big as the geographic area was (all of Delaware plus the Eastern Shore of Maryland, 240,000 Catholics and 57 parishes in all), this just did not seem sufficient.
Archbishop Elden Curtiss of Omaha remarked in 1996 on the reason for the curiously large amount of vocations to the priesthood in that diocese:
"I personally think the vocation "crisis" in this country is more artificial and contrived than many people realize. When dioceses and religious communities are unambiguous about ordained priesthood and vowed religious life as the Church defines these calls; when there is strong support for vocations, and a minimum of dissent about the male celibate priesthood and religious life loyal to the magisterium; when bishop, priests, Religious and lay people are united in vocation ministry—then there are documented increases in the numbers of candidates who respond to the call.
"It seems to me that the vocation "crisis" is precipitated and continued by people who want to change the Church's agenda, by people who do not support orthodox candidates loyal to the magisterial teaching of the Pope and bishops, and by people who actually discourage viable candidates from seeking priesthood and vowed religious life as the Church defines the ministries.
"I am personally aware of certain vocation directors, vocation teams and evaluation boards who turn away candidates who do not support the possibility of ordaining women or who defend the Church's teaching about artificial birth control, or who exhibit a strong piety toward certain devotions, such as the Rosary."
Strong vocations depend on a number of factors, but the Archbishop makes it clear that four in particular are crucial:
- no ambiguity about the role of the priest
- strong support from the community of believers
- minimization of dissent
- being united in vocation ministry
I have such a deep respect for good priests, and have known quite a few as well. They have been given the apostolic authority from Christ himself to do what no one else can do in their place. There is no such thing really as 'retirement' for many priests, they aren't rolling in dough, often are not respected in the general culture but viewed with suspicion or outright derision, are oftentimes stretched thin with responsibilities, and can be isolated if not living in community with other priests. But for many that I have known who know they have truly been called to this particular vocation, there is deep joy and satisfaction. They would not want to be anything other than a priest.
I still remember the first invitation from my campus priest to "Come and See" and explore the priesthood over the course of a weekend at nearby St. Vincent Archabbey. As a new 19-year old Catholic, that simple invitation set off a 10 year journey of discernment for me that ultimately did not lead to the priesthood or religious life, but was invaluable to my spiritual formation.
I catch myself sometimes holding back, reserved about praying that David would be a priest. Is that really the life I would want for my son? Wouldn't he get lonely? What about the derision he would face? I love and respect priests and the sacrifices they make for their flock, but would not be willing to offer up my son should God call him to that life? Not willing to pray for it? There is some double standard there.
Vocations can be fostered by prayer. It depends on prayer, in this culture that is so anti...anti-life, anti-religion, anti-family, anti-truth. The man who chooses to follow Jesus, should he be called to priesthood, is called to something unique, mystical, and invaluable. They deserve all the encouragement, support, and prayers we can muster.
"You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
(Heb 7:17)