Spring 2024

In the previous edition of the Hamilton Priest, I presented some key finding that we should be taking into account when we are providing ministries that promote vocations to the priesthood in our parishes. In this edition, I would like to emphasize the importance of reaching out to men in your parish and inviting them to join the Men’s Discernment Group.

Studies indicate that a high percentage of newly ordained priests report having been invited to consider the priesthood by their pastor, parent, teacher or friend. Sometimes we see someone’s vocation before they see it themselves. Surprisingly, these studies also report that most Catholics say they have not suggested that a young person consider a vocation. In the Gospel of John, Jesus choose Andrew and Peter to be his first disciples by asking them: “What are you looking for?” He then invited them to: “Come and see.” We are also told that Jesus went looking for Philip and said: “Follow me.” In turn, Philip was inspired to bring Nathanael to Jesus by saying to him: “Come and see.” (John 1.43-51). I appeal to you to reach out to our young people and encourage them to consider their vocations. I appeal to you to invite couples to consider the vocation of marriage by saying to them: “What are you looking for?” I appeal to you to invite men and women to consider a vocation to consecrated life in service of God’s kingdom by saying to them: “follow me.” And I appeal to you to invite men to consider a vocation to the priesthood by saying to them: “come and see.”