How to Increase Vocations to the Priesthood – Part 1

For some time I have been debating if I should publish a series on vocations to the Catholic Priesthood.  I have been holding out because I wanted to put together a manual of sorts.  Not that I am an expert, but after working across the country for different Catholic organizations, diocese, and speaking extensively I thought it might be worth it.

At least I hope this get’s you thinking about possible ideas in your own diocese, Church, or organization.  (Maybe even family.) The following are ideas – not guarantees.

Vocation Offices

Instead of using old, run down offices use nice, clean, attractive spaces.  These spaces through give a good impression when someone steps in the door.  The young man entering should get the feeling he is in a holy, serious place.

In addition there should be space provided for pool tables, couches, posters, games, ping pong, etc to be used for vocation evenings or weekly meetings (like in a youth group).

When a parent comes to bring their son to talk about a vocation, the parent should have confidence in the professionalism of the vocations office.  It would also be useful to have some lawn space for soccer, football, and basketball.

Yea, I’m not messing around.

Coordinate Actions with other Diocese Offices and Organizations

In a campaign to foster vocations it is not just the job of the vocations office, but the entire diocese.  However, many organizations and departments do not know how to foster vocations.  The vocation office should create material, give presentations, meet when necessary, and coordinate resources and activities with these organizations.

Analysis Where Seminarians Come From

The vocations office could study data of which parishes’ foster vocations and which do not.  This data could provide answers to why certain parishes do not foster vocations due to a lack of relationship from pastors with you, existence of youth groups, liberal views from the parish, etc.  Kinda of Harsh. Upon analyzing data the office could help parishes without vocations foster a vocation.

Ok…enough for now

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