Number 2, December 2012
FROM THE VOCATIONS
ANIMATOR
INDICATORS
I n the ‘olden days’, the tell-tale story of a
vocation was well formed young men from
stable Catholic homes and schools/
parishes who thought about a priestly and
religious vocation as part of their upbringing.
How times have changed! We are now faced
with developing a new model of recruitment, a
topic I would like to explore with you in 2013.
For the moment, I am taking this opportunity to
share with you a list of primary indicators to look
out for, and explore with those who are
considering a vocation to the ordained or
consecrated life. Of course, we should not be
expecting young people to be able to tick all the
boxes immediately. The list should also give us
an indication of the qualities we can help them
to develop as they grow into ‘good Christians
and solid citizens’.
Again, the best way we can engender these
qualities is by personal example. If they are not
alive in our own lives, we cannot expect young
people to take up the challenge!
Peter Monaghan
1. DESIRE TO DO GOOD
A person drawn to ordained or consecrated
life generally has a sense and a history of
giving his time and is attracted towards
helping others, e.g. as a volunteer in any
services that a parish provides, youth camps,
sporting teams, soup kitchen, social justice
action in schools, etc. Beyond this practical
outreach, they also recognise the importance
of helping other people to draw closer to God
through these activities.
2. CHARITY TOWARDS OTHERS
A person with a basic optimism about people
and the world. Has a sensitivity to others and
feels compassion for them. He stands up for
the under-dogs and refuses to let others
coerce or bully them. This person shows
respect for, and sensitivity to, the culture,
ethnic and racial diversity of the Church. He
is open to people of varying economic
backgrounds, faith traditions and physical
abilities.
3. PRAYER
A person who is able to demonstrate that he
is committed to and interested in further
developing faithfulness to daily prayer.
4. LEADERSHIP
A person with the ability to engage people,
lead by example, work as part of a team,
respecting the giftedness of others and
empowering them to develop their gifts. He
manifests initiative, is not afraid to take risks
and perhaps fail, and acknowledges that he
is not an authority on all aspects of Church
life.
