Vocations Awareness  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

What do you do if you know a young man who you think would make a good priest?

Here’s what you DON’T do. Don’t ignore it. Don’t make a joke about it. Don’t throw it out casually like it doesn’t mean anything to you. Don’t bring it up constantly in front of other people or embarrass him in front of his friends (or the girl next door). Don’t give him a nickname and start calling him “Father” or “Padre.” Don’t give him the idea that you’ll be disappointed if he decides not to be a priest, or that priesthood is the only vocation from which one can serve God or contribute to the life of the Church. Don’t pretend that you know that he was meant to be a priest, or what is best for him.

DO pray about why you think he might have a priestly vocation. Do spend some time in thought about why you think the young man would be a good priest. Do sit and make a list of related qualities that you see in him that you would like to see in a priest. Is he kind? Prayerful? Upstanding? A leader? A person who inspires others? A person of service?

Once you understand why you see a potential priest in him, write a letter telling him that you see qualities in him that you associate with a holy priest you’ve known. Tell him about why the priesthood is important to you, the difference a good priest has made for you or your family and invite him to pray about what God is inviting him to be.

Give him an idea about next actions. You might give him a little book or pamphlet about priestly vocations or the life of a saintly priest. Tell him that he can talk to his parents, to you, to his pastor or chaplain, or call Father Conor Kunath, our Director of Vocations, at (859) 392-1500.

Offer your ongoing help, and assure him of your prayer, whatever he discerns in life. Affirm his gifts and your support.

Finally, talk to the young man, privately and purposefully. Ask him if he has ever thought about the priesthood. Tell him that you hope he is considering a vocation to the priesthood and why. Then give him your letter and reiterate your support in any vocational life that God has in store for him.

This is very important. If the young man is still a minor, be sure to talk with his parents about why you think he should consider a priestly vocation and ask their permission before you talk with him or give him your invitation to discernment. If the parents are OK with you talking to their son about a vocation, invite one or both of them to be part of the conversation.

Of course, the same principles apply to inviting a young man or woman to consider a vocation to consecrated life. Think about the person and why you have the impression that they have a religious vocation. Take the time to reflect and put your invitation in writing. Assure them of your support regardless of where discernment takes them. Offer concrete support and to help them connect with others who can help point the way.

In my own discernment, people who raised the question with me and were patient with me when I was fearful or self-doubting were a huge help to me.

Here’s praying that you and I can be that kind of support to the next generation.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend John C. Iffert
Bishop of Covington