The family that cultivates a missionary spirit in its lifestyle and in education itself, prepares good soil for the seed of the divine call and, at the same time, strengthens the loving ties and Christian virtues of its members. - Pope John Paul II, May 22, 1994
1. Discuss how God calls some to priesthood, religious life, consecrated life, or marriage.
Paul relates how each person is given the gift of a unique calling, “I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own special gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.” (I Cor 7:7)
Regarding marriage, Matthew quotes Jesus saying, “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mt 19:4-6)
Regarding celibacy for the kingdom he writes, ” Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.’” (Mt 19:11-12)
2. Discuss the positive aspects of being called to a form of consecrated life and what it is. (Priesthood, Religious, or any form of Consecrated life).
3. Discuss the positive aspects of being called to Sacramental marriage and what it is.
4. Discuss the fears or negative thoughts that your children may have regarding being called to any of the vocations?
5. Discuss your own vocation to marriage and family life. Discuss how you came to understand your vocation to marriage. How did God lead you on your path?
6. Discuss the gifts and talents your children have and discuss how God could call them to use their talents in the different vocations.
7. Discuss how we can and should pray and be open to God’s calling to a vocation.
8. Discuss the life of a priest, religious, consecrated person, and married person.
9. Discuss these topics: commitment, love as covenant & sacrifice (Keep Christ’s life as the center of the discussion)
**Help make them feel comfortable talking to you about their journey to vocation and assure them that you want the Lord’s will for them that will bring them the greatest joy.