A few years ago at our annual Priest Jubilee Day, Bishop Edward Rice, then Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis, was asked to offer some reflections on the priesthood.He made a point that really stuck in my mind. He told all of us that we were all vocation directors. What he was saying is that all of the priests share in the responsibility for promoting vocations. In my time as the diocesan vocation director, I am more convinced than ever that these words are true. The vast majority of the men who approach me about a vocation have already been working with a priest that they know and trust. It is only after that important work of accompaniment and encouragement that a young man is sent in my direction.

I have also noticed that another important element is the involvement of the family in the practice of the faith. When the faith is seen as something important, the foundation is being established for a vocational awareness. By this I mean that young people are much more apt to understand that God has a plan for them and that plan is one that is worth following, because it comes from somebody that they know and trust, namely God.

As the church observes National Vocation Awareness Week Nov. 6-12, I encourage families to realize the critical role that they play in fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Let me suggest two things that will help in promoting that vocational awareness among your children.

First, and most importantly, go to Mass. That might sound simple, but it couldn’t be more essential. It is at Mass where we come to know the Lord on a personal level and so have our souls prepared to hear his call more clearly. The temptations can be so strong to skip Mass when something “more important” comes up. There is nothing more important. Don’t just tell your children that, show it to them by making the sacrifices necessary to get to Mass every Sunday and Holy Day. When you go, have a positive attitude, showing your children that it is a good thing to be at Mass, not a burden. The power of example will go further than your words. And you might just find that you are getting more out of your experience and growing in your relationship with Christ.

Second, pray for the vocations of your children. Be willing to trust that whatever plan the Lord has for your children will be what is best for them. There is the story of a priest whose parents prayed for vocations every day. But when he told them that he was thinking of the priesthood, they were shocked. He was confused. Had they not been praying each day for vocations? Their answer was “yes,” but for someone else’s children. Ask God to show his plan to your children, then ask him to help you accept whatever that is, trusting that, just maybe, he knows what will bring the greatest amount of joy and fulfillment to their lives.