Missionaries in our parishes, an appeal for vocations

Whoever thought that when we were saving our coins to help the missionaries in far-off lands, 30 or 40 or 50 years later, these missionaries would be working in our parishes?  Yes, we, the wealthiest, most powerful country in the world, have become one of those “missions” that we envisioned only in third world nations of Africa, Asia and South America.  How did this happen?
First, we cannot speak about the “mission” status of the Church in the United States without tying this to the priestly vocation shortage. History has shown, repeatedly, that vocations flourish in poverty, in war-torn, disease-ridden, strife-filled, persecuted countries of the globe.  Vocations diminish greatly in nations that are economically and socially sound.  Now that the economy is strong in Ireland, only a handful of men are studying for the priesthood. Now that there is political stability in Poland, only a handful of men are studying for the priesthood. This same pattern reappears throughout the U.S., much of Europe and Australia.  How does the economy influence vocations? With economic stability, career possibilities are endless.  That, however, is only one explanation for the priest shortage.  
As long as our pastoral needs are being met, we are fine with the status quo. However, the day may come when there is no priest to fill the vacancy left by one who has died, been reassigned or retired.  Secondly, as we live in an affluent nation, American society, at large, has conditioned us to believe that we must send our sons and daughters to the finest schools and universities.   Why? Because we want them to succeed.  Nevertheless, how do we measure our children’s success?  By how much money they earn when they land a job.  We do not evaluate success in terms of intrinsic fulfillment.  Rather, success is defined by financial status, the zip code where we live, the type of home we occupy, the type of vehicle we drive, etc.!  What good are all these things if our children, at this point, adults, feel unfulfilled?  According to St. Thomas Aquinas, “we will only be most happy or, better, fulfilled, when we do God’s will for us.”  For some, God’s will for them is the priesthood.
I am convinced that God is still calling men to the priesthood but his voice is mute.  Why?  Because God often speaks through people like you and me, and we are not giving voice to God’s will, are we?  Thus, our sons are not hearing the call.  If they did, they might actually listen and possibly consider this lifestyle.  Another reason why our young men are not hearing the “call” is, frankly, they are too distracted by the “things” which money can buy.  While all of these things are good, they can cloud our judgment.  Encourage your sons to spend time alone with the Lord — even if it is in the dining room, away from the noise of the other rooms, just to spend some time in quiet prayer with their God.
October 20 is Mission Sunday this year. I implore you, mothers and fathers, to discuss vocations at the dinner table, especially with your sons — because the missionaries are not coming to replace deacons, they’re here to celebrate the Mass, to hear Confessions, to anoint the sick, to counsel those who are troubled or are preparing for marriage, to administer our parishes.    
I beg you to pray for vocations to the priesthood!      Meanwhile, young men, please, consider whether God might be calling you to a life of service to the Church. It is a good life.  Yes, God may be calling you to the priesthood.  Please, give him your ear!  Who knows, maybe, one day, you will give him your life!
Fr. Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit”