Parents can have different outlooks on vocations in their families. Some might be actively seeking and praying that their son or daughter pursue a religious vocation; others might be a little fearful if one of their children shows interest in becoming a priest or sister.
The truth is that God has a plan for each of us, and each of our children. He wants them to be happy even more than we do! Just as you can’t “give” a child a vocation to a particular state in life, neither should you try to stand in the way of His plans for them. Discovering and living out their vocations is really where they will find their fulfillment and happiness.
Here are some excellent resources that can help you learn more about vocations and encourage your children to ask themselves, and God, the questions that really matter so they can discover His plan for their lives:
Helping Young People Discern Their Vocation (video and podcast)
Guiding Our Children to Discover Their Vocation
Seven Ways Families Can Foster Vocations
The ABCs of Fostering Vocations
What if my daughter wants to enter the convent?
For Parents of Arlington Seminarians
We also encourage you to visit the Pray for Vocations page, where there are many prayers you can use.
Bishop Emeritus Paul Loverde on praying for vocations in the family
“I want to ask you, dear sisters and brothers, to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in a very particular way. I am not asking you to pray for vocations in general, for example, “Dear God, please choose someone, like the person next door.” Rather, I am inviting you to pray this way: “Dear God, if you will, please choose someone from my family – my family – to be a priest, sister or brother. And if you do, I will support that person with my prayers and encouragement.” Admittedly, this is a more difficult prayer because it reaches the heart of each family. But it is also a more generous prayer and God responds to generosity!” Bishop Emeritus Paul Loverde
If your son is (or is thinking about being) a seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington, this page has more information for you.