For Parents

Special Considerations for Parents

The primary role of parent’s involvement in their children’s vocation is to provide an authentic witness to the importance of faith, prayer, and service to others. This includes teaching their children that all that one is and has comes from God, and that if we truly want to be happy, we will discover how God wants us to use the gifts we have received. Making their children aware of the nature of vocation, a “calling” from God, is a crucial first step. After that, it is a matter of inviting, raising the question with their children whether God might be calling them to be a priest, sister, or brother. Indirectly, attitudes and comments regarding the Church, priests, religious women and men, either foster or weaken the image of such a life of service.

Practical suggestions for Parents:

  1. Parents must be open to the fact that God might have a plan for their children that is different than the plan parents have for their children.  Teach your children to listen to God. Practice listening as an individual and as a family.

  2. Prayer is the only true way to hear what God is calling each person to be.  Pray as a family, basic Catholic Prayers. Have children memorize special Scripture Quotations.

  3. Service to others is a key factor in helping each child learn to give of themselves generously, whatever their vocation might be.  Pray with and for members of the family, parish and neighborhood.  Become involved as a family with a local service project.

  4. The Church is the directed focus of all vocations.  Take part in parish activities as a family to show the value of the Church in life.

  5. Seeking and living out the vocation God calls us to is a matter of being a good steward of the gifts God has given us.  Let your children experience volunteering their time, energy and gifts.

  6. All vocations are important.  Speak of your marriage as a vocation.

  7. All vocations are paths of love and sacrifice that lead us to Heaven.  Openly talk about people and events that model commitment and service.

  8. It is difficult for us to imagine something we don’t know anything about.  Plan an adult evening with 4 or 5 couples to ask questions about vocations with a priest, brother, and a sister.

  9. The key to helping your children discern their vocation is to provide opportunities for them to build relationships with the men and women in those vocations.  Provide your children with information and opportunities to know priest and religious. 

  10. Take advantages of the many programs and activities sponsored by the Diocese of Tulsa Office of Vocations.