Special Section The Commentator January 11, 2012 Religious Vocations in the Diocese of Baton Rouge

National Vocations Awareness Week January 9 - 15, 2012 2B8B The Catholic Commentator RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS 2012 January 11, 2012 So you want to become a priest or a religious or sister; what to do?

By Laura Deavers Most often a person who is pursuing a on how to become a priest or enter the with, since this publication has informa- Editor vocation to the priesthood or consecrated consecrated religious life. tion on many of the religious orders and life of a religious brother or sister will The diocesan vocations office, in con- communities in this country. Prayers of the Faithful during Mass seek out someone he or she feels closest junction with other Louisiana diocesan Sister Lucy advises each inquirer to often request the faithful to listen and to – a family friend, a priest, a teacher – vocations offices, and the two seminaries have a spiritual director to help in dis- respond to God’s call to ministry – espe- someone who has some association with in the state, sponsor programs for those cerning God’s call. As with men who are cially the priesthood or . the vocation God may be calling that per- who are considering a priestly or reli- interested in becoming priests, Sister If a person thinks God is calling him son to, said Father Lorrain. “Usually I am gious vocation. At Come and See Week- Lucy said those interested in religious or her to a special vocation, what are the not the first person called.” ends, for example, men and women are life must finish high school before they first steps the person can take? Father The diocesan vocations office in the able to spend time with others who are can proceed. She also encourages them Matthew Lorrain, diocesan vocations di- Catholic Life Center has reading material also trying to determine what God is call- to attend Come and See Weekends or rector, and Sister Lucy Silvio CSJ, vicar on answering God’s call and throughout ing them to do. Life Awareness Retreats so they can meet for men and women religious, give infor- the year offers programs on discerning “They are able to visit with priests and others who are going through the same mation about how the person can pro- God’s call. Father Lorrain and Sister Lucy seminarians,” said Father Lorrain. “Also, discernment process. ceed to determine if in fact God is calling. are available to answer specific questions those considering religious life are able to Once a person decides on a religious hear answers to questions they had not order to join, Sister Lucy’s role as vicar thought about.” He added that they are for religious comes to an end, though she able to pray together and get an informed said she is always available for consulta- idea of what the formation process is like. tion. The Come and See Weekends focus Father Lorrain said some young men on high school juniors and seniors, and are mature enough to enter the seminary those of college age. right out of high school, while others ben- The next step for those inquiring is efit from having a few years of college. He predicated by their age. Father Lorrain added that 40 is the upper age limit for said a person of high school age would men entering seminary, but there are ex- have to wait until he or she graduates. ceptions, depending on the candidate. Then the candidate for priesthood or reli- The application process to enter semi- gious life would meet with Father Lorrain nary includes physical and psychological or Sister Lucy. assessments, letters of recommendation, Those wanting to enter religious life academic transcripts, an autobiography, would receive information from Sister a criminal background check and a rec- Lucy about the many ways they can live ommendation from the diocesan voca- out their calling. There is the monastic tions board. The recommendation is sent life, where the members spend their time to the bishop, who makes the final deci- in prayer; missionary life, in which the sion. members live and work in Third World If a potential seminarian has not com- countries; and religious orders, that have pleted college or has not taken some of as their mission education, health care, the required courses, he will attend St. or social or pastoral service to God’s peo- Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict. ple. A copy of the magazine “Visions” is Upon completion of the undergradu- given to each person Sister Lucy meets SEE BEGINNING PAGE 3B National Vocations Awareness Week takes place Jan. 9-14

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. spiritual conversion, growth in virtue, is celebrating National participation in the sacraments and ser- Vocations Awareness Week Jan. 9-14 vice in community,” the said. to promote vocations to the priesthood, “Without this environment, promoting diaconate and consecrated life through vocations becomes simply recruitment. prayer and education. We believe we have much more to offer This distinctive week gives Catholics an our young people.” opportunity to renew prayers and show People can visit the U.S. Conference of support for those who are considering one Catholic Bishops’ Facebook page – face of these vocations. book.com/usccb – during the week to see “It is our responsibility to help children examples of clergy and religious. They and young people develop a prayerful re- also can view reflections under the voca- lationship with Jesus Christ so they will tion retreat tab, where each day a Scrip- know their vocation,” said St. Louis Arch- ture passage, reflection and prayer will be bishop Robert J. Carlson, chairman of the posted. bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrat- National Vocations Awareness Week be- ed Life and Vocations. gan in 1976, when the U.S. bishops desig- “Through a culture of vocations in nated the 28th Sunday of the year for this For more information about -­‐ Volunteer Discernment families, parishes, schools and dioceses, event. In 1997, the celebration was moved possibilities or to discern if religious Brotherhood is right for Catholics can nurture an environment of to coincide with the feast of the you, please call Bro. Ronald Hingle, S.C., at 504-­‐913-­‐0005 or discipleship, commitment to daily prayer, of the Lord, which was Jan. 9 this year. check out our website at www.brothersofthesacredheart.org. January 11, 2012 RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS 2012 The Catholic Commentator 9B3B Father Moroney promotes vocations at casual lunches with students

By Barbara Chenevert takes over and they are all Staff Writer willing and eager to talk. After each person introduces him- It’s the question that always or herself, Father Moroney comes up: “Did you ever want talks to them about the vari- to get married?” ous occupations that religious A seventh-grade student or priests can have in the med- poses the question to Father ical field, teaching profession, Mike Moroney, pastor of St. ministry or service to Alphonsus Church in Green- the poor. well Springs, during one of the Ronnie Hebert gatherings the priest hosts for chimes in with information students at his rectory. about the life of a deacon, en- Once a month, Father Mo- couraging the students to let roney has lunch with about a God into the decisions they dozen seventh- and eighth- have to make and to be open grade students from St. Al- to him. The Cockerhams talk phonsus School in an effort briefly about the blessings of to encourage them to think of married life. their vocation, whether it be to Then the table is open to the priesthood, religious life, questions, and the students married life or single life. are not hesitant to ask: “It’s an opportunity for them “How old were you when to get to know the rectory you knew you wanted to be and the priest, and to see that a priest?” “Why can’t priests Father Mike Moroney has lunch with a group of seventh-graders from St. Alphonsus School on Dec. 15. priests have lives just like ev- get married?” “What respon- Each month, Father Moroney meets with students for a casual lunch and talk in an effort to promote voca- erybody else,” he said. “They sibilities does a priest have?” tions to the priesthood and religious life. From the left are Sydney Meaux, Brooke McCall and Cade Kim- can ask questions. It doesn’t “How much is a priest paid?” brell. With their backs to the camera are John Paul Mouton, Justin Stevens, Nicholas Breaux and Jesse have to be about vocations. “What interests did you have Quinn. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator It can be about the church or whatever. We talk about dif- ferent vocations a priest or “It’s an opportunity for them to get to know religious can have – teaching, nursing, college professors. the rectory and the priest, and to see that We don’t push,” he said. A lunch of homemade ham- priests have lives just like everybody else.” burgers, chips and drinks is prepared by Tony and Jean- Father Mike Moroney nine Cockerham, who rep- Pastor of St. Alphonsus Church in Greenwell Springs resent Knights of Columbus Council 2801. “We have to prod them and it, he said. Priests are always programs in other church par- get them laughing, but before on the go and don’t have much ishes where he has served. So long they will start asking Fa- time for a family, he said. far, at least one student who ther Moroney questions like, A priest is on call 24/7, he attended the lunches in the did he ever have a girlfriend,” told the students. They cel- past is now in a discernment Tony Cockerham said. Father Moroney answers the students’ questions about every aspect of ebrate Mass, visit the hospital stage for a religious life and “If all pastors who had life as a priest. He said the lunches give the students the opportunity to and homebound, conduct fu- has returned to St. Alphonsus schools would do this, it would see that priests have lives just like everybody else. Listening to Father nerals, counsel people strug- to talk to the students. really be helpful for our voca- Moroney are Cade Kimbrell and Jesse Quinn. Photo By Barbara Chenevert | The gling with various issues, and The vocation talks go hand- tions,” Jeannine Cockerham Catholic Commentator some oversee a school. in-hand with what the stu- said. “This puts a real face The vocations program at dents are learning in religion and a human element” to the as a kid?” “What is your favor- he decided to become a priest. St. Alphonsus is in its fourth class in the school, Father priests. Father Moroney is ite time in the liturgical year?” He was doing volunteer work year, although Father Moron- Moroney said. And a similar very interested in sports, and And of course, “Did you ever with a priest who worked with ey said he has hosted similar program is also in place for the kids like that, she said. want to get married?” kids who had run away from For most of the students, Father Moroney takes it all home, and that sparked his the lunch represents their first in stride, giving complete an- interest in a vocation to the time inside a rectory. swers to each question. priesthood. When he met the As a group arrives for a Dec. “I love children. If I were late Bishop Robert Tracy and BEGINNING: Diocese assists with tuition 15 lunch at the rectory, Father not a priest, I hope someone Bishop Stanley Ott, who was Moroney breaks the ice with would have wanted to marry not yet a bishop, he decided he FROM PAGE 2B God.” He added that this is the a question. “Any of ya’ll have me,” he said with a laugh. “But wanted to serve in the Diocese ate course work, he will enroll at reason the seminary scholarship tickets to the big game?” refer- when I made this decision, I of Baton Rouge, where he has Notre Dame Seminary in New funds are so important. ring to the Jan. 9 BCS champi- knew I had to live with it and been his entire priesthood. Orleans. Seminary tuition is In this diocese seminarians onship game. give marriage up,” he told the Priests can’t get married be- paid by the diocese and by the need to know that they will be- As the students hesitantly students. cause it is a law of the church, family, when possible. “We are come pastors within a few years answer, he switches the sub- Father Moroney, who was he told the students. The rule paying the lion’s share of it,” of their ordination, which will ject to Christmas, then deer born in Ireland, said he was 21 could change at some time in said Father Lorrain. “The cost is require leadership and maturity hunting, then their pets until and working for an engineer- the future, but for now there never an issue when we are de- as individuals, said Father Lor- finally a relaxed atmosphere ing company in London when are a lot of good reasons for termining a man’s call to serve rain. 4B8B The Catholic Commentator RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS 2012 January 11, 2012 Young women religious say prayer is big part of discerning vocation

By Emily Lahr Bethany. thwaite, a member of the Ver- Catholic News Service The is a contem- bum Dei Missionary Fraternity plative/active religious commu- in San Francisco. Verbum Dei WASHINGTON – When she nity founded in 1991 by Cardinal is a contemplative/active com- professed her vows, the ceremo- John O’Connor of New York. munity founded in Mallorca, ny was like a divine wedding, Members take the three tradi- Spain, in 1963. The community’s said Sister Bethany Madonna, a tional vows of poverty, chastity mission is to promote the word member of the Sisters of Life in and obedience but also a fourth of God through retreats, prayer New York. groups and lay ministry forma- The church was filled with After studying tion, among other ministries. flowers and the voices of the Verbum Dei has four centers in as they chanted the hymns, abroad in Italy the United States. Besides San she said. “Heaven comes down Francisco, the community is in to earth.” and living with Chicago, New York and Los An- Sister Bethany, raised in a geles, and in a number of other Catholic family in Melbourne, two communities countries. Fla., always thought she would Sister Sara grew up in South- be a mother and have a large of sisters, ampton, England, studying family. “I always thought I physical therapy. Wanting to would be married to a wonder- Sister Bethany become more involved with the ful man like my dad.” Catholic Church, she attended After studying abroad in Italy fell in love with a retreat at the invitation of a and living with two communi- Verbum Dei sister. In 2004, ties of sisters, she fell in love the beauty of she planned a four-month trip with the beauty of religious life, to the Philippines to search for she told Catholic News Service. religious life. answers about her vocation; she When a friend invited her to go stayed eight months. on a “ run” – participants “I was expecting a set of in- visit several convents in the vow – to protect the sacredness structions,” Sister Sara said, but course of a week – she was in- of human life. They serve more her full discernment of a voca- troduced to the Sisters of Life. than 100 vulnerable pregnant tion came when she returned to She was attracted to their com- women a year, providing them England. mitment to the unborn and their with social, material and spiri- In 2006 she arrived in San ministry to pregnant women tual assistance. Francisco as a Verbum Dei nov- and families. The beauty of a vocation is ice. She took her first vows in “God created a religious com- God does not force anything on 2008. Until she takes her final Dominican Sister Anna Harper, a native of Denham Springs, prays in munity just for me,” said Sister anybody, said Sister Sara Postle- vows in a few years, she con- the chapel at Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, N.Y. Rosary Hill is the tinues to study theology at the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, who staff a nurs- Jesuit School of Theology in ing home at the site that provides palliative care to people with incur- Berkeley, Calif. able cancer and are in financial need. Photo by Gregory A. Shemitz | CNS SERRA CLUB OF BATON ROUGE “God doesn’t stop calling METROPOLITAN SERRA CLUB women,” said Sister Carmela "Celebrating over 50 years" Marie, a member of the Domini- had chosen religious life, but All four women religious CNS can Sisters of Hawthorne, N.Y. now they are proud of her, she interviewed said the process of The religious community, said. “My mother is proud to discerning one’s calling to reli- The mission of the Serra Clubs in the Diocese of Baton Rouge is to: founded by author Nathaniel have a religious in the family.” gious life is a beautiful yet diffi- • Foster and promote vocations to the Hawthorne’s daughter, Rose, Three years after she enters cult journey. They advised young Catholic priesthood and religious life. ministers to people with incur- the community, a Dominican women considering religious life • Appreciate and encourage the priests and able cancer. Sister Carmela said novice takes temporary vows, to trust Christ and to spend time religious we now have serving us. they accept terminally ill clients and five years after that takes with him in silent prayer. • Further Catholicism for our members through fellowship, who have run out of options, her final vows. Sister Carmela “I would tell them to go find an education & prayer. cannot afford hospice care or called the length of the discern- adoration chapel,” said Harper. have nowhere to go. ment process “wise.” A survey on religious life in The Serra Clubs sponsor various programs Sister Carmela, who grew up This past September, Sister the United States that was re- to support vocations in our area: in Hinatuan, Philippines, always Anna Harper received the Haw- leased a year ago, showed that was attracted to religious life but thorne Dominican habit and a 75 percent of the women reli-  Support Parish Vocation Committees her family discouraged her from new name for religious life. gious who responded said they  Student Essay Contest pursuing it. Harper, from Immaculate had regularly participated in  TV & Billboard Campaigns Promoting Vocations “For them it was like throw- Conception Church in Denham retreats before they entered a  Clergy Golf Classic  Annual Crawfish Boil ing my life away,” she said. She Springs, said she was attracted convent. Two-thirds said they came to the United States to to the community’s care of can- had regularly prayed the rosary continue a career in nursing. cer patients. A nursing student or participated in adoration. For more information about the Serra Clubs Once in the United States, Sister in college, Harper had worked The four who spoke to CNS en- and membership please contact: Carmela felt a void without her with cancer patients since she couraged young women think- Serra Club of Baton Rouge, family, and God was ready to fill was 19. ing about becoming a religious Dwayne Honore, president, 225-751-3078; it, she said. She entered the Do- “I really liked being able to get to talk to a spiritual director and Metropolitan Serra Club of BR, minicans of Hawthorne without to know the patients,” said the not be afraid to take the next Fred Bahlinger Jr., president, 225-291-4191 informing her family in the Phil- novice, 26. Her day begins every step. ippines. morning at 5. Her schedule con- “You can test the waters, but at "Always Go Forward, Never Turn Back" At first, her parents were sists of prayer, classes, patient some point you have to wade in,” shocked when they learned she care and chores. said Sister Carmela. January 11, 2012 RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS 2012 The Catholic Commentator 9B5B Grant awarded to study Hispanic/Latino vocations WASHINGTON (CNS) — The during the past 15 years. In the tions, such as the National Reli- the development of timely and life,” added Jesuit Father Allan Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrat- 2010 class of women who made gious Vocations Conference and effective responses,” said Peter Deck, former executive director ed Life and Vocations of the U.S. their religious profession of per- the National Conference of Di- Murphy, executive director of of the U.S. bishops’ Secretari- Conference of Catholic Bishops petual vows, 19 percent of the ocesan Vocation Directors and the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of at of Cultural Diversity in the has been awarded an $85,000 entire class was Asian. those involved with the evange- Evangelization and Catechesis. Church. grant from the Conrad N. Hilton The identification of cultural lization of young people. “The success of ministry “This proposal is the single Foundation to explore why His- elements that support and chal- “This study will aid in the new among a growing number of most important effort to find the panics and Latinos are under- lenge a culture of vocations evangelization by serving as a Hispanics/Latinos requires lea­ best ways to provide the priestly represented in the U.S. clergy among Asian, Latino and the helpful resource in determin- d ­­ership from the Hispanic/La- leadership necessary for His- and religious. general youth populations would ing emerging needs within the tino community itself, especially panics/Latinos to flourish in the The study aims to identify also help collaborating organiza- church as well as assisting in in the priesthood and religious church,” he said. common and distinctive cultural traits that affect the openness and ability of Catholic youth to respond to a call to a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. The secretariat has com- missioned the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University to con- duct a national survey of never- married Catholics, ages 14 and older, to study their views about vocations and their own consid- eration of a vocation. The one-year grant from the Los Angeles-based group will also be used to fund a seminar Peter Ai DAng Al DAviDson MAtthew on consecrated life for the U.S. Sts. Anthony/ St. Agnes MccAughey Le Van Phung Baton Rouge St. Thomas More bishops. Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Statistical data found in two reports commissioned by the secretariat, “The Class of 2011: v office Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood” and “The Profession JOSEPH HOANG VU JOSHUA JOHNSON Class of 2010: Survey of Women Sts. Anthony/ St. George Religious Professing Perpetu- Le Van Phung Baton Rouge Baton Rouge al Vows,” indicate fewer than expected religious vocations among the Hispanic and Latino Catholic population in the Unit- ed States. Father Shawn McKnight, exec- BRAD DOYLE REUBEN DYKES MATTHEW GRAHAM utive director of the secretariat, St. George St. Joseph Cathedral St. Jude said Hispanics/Latinos consti- Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Baton Rouge tuted 15 percent of the ordina- tion class and 10 percent of the religious profession class, but they are 34 percent of the total adult Catholic population. “There is not enough objective MICHAEL SANDERS CODY REED TIM GRIMES data to explain the reasons for Most Blessed Immaculate St. Joseph Cathedral Sacrement Conception Baton Rouge their underrepresentation,” Fa- Baton Rouge Lakeland ther McKnight said. The secretariat seeks to iden- tify specific reasons for their un- derrepresentation, to guide the efforts by dioceses and religious communities to promote voca- PHILLIP GORDY SR. LUCY SILVIO, CSJ FR. MATT LORRIAN tions. Our Lady of Mt. Assoicate Director Director of Vocations Carmel of Seminarians & Seminarians In the same reports, other St. Francisville cultures have shown a stron- ger representation of members becoming priests or religious. For example, Asians constitute OFFICE OF 4 percent of the adult Catholic population in the United States, VOCATIONS BISHOP yet 10 percent of the past year’s ROBERT W. MEUNCH Bishop of ordination class were Asian. Phone: 225-336-8778 | [email protected] Baton Rouge This has been a consistent trend DIOBR.org/Vocations 8B6B The Catholic Commentator RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS 2012 January 11, 2012 Sister Keri Burke heard God calling her

By Laura Deavers when she taught in the public school sys- Editor tem because the administration of her school enforced an extreme interpretation “What are you doing here?” These are of the separation of church and state. Sister the words Keri Burke kept hearing, but no Keri related that she “was not freely giving one around her had said them. She finally myself to the kids because I could not tell realized God was the one asking her what them I was praying for them.” she was doing with her life because he had At John Paul High School her first something he wanted her to do. God’s plan teaching assignment was freshman re- for this young woman, who was born in ligion. One day, as part of the lesson, she New Orleans but grew up in Baton Rouge, asked the class, “If God called you today was for her to devote her life to caring for to be Moses to the Israelite people, what Sister Keri Burke, second from left, professes her vows to become a Marianite of Holy his people by becoming a member of a re- would you respond?” Cross in front of Sister Suellen Tennyson, third from left, congregational leader for the ligious community. “I realized that the question was not for Marianites of Holy Cross, and Sister Kathleen Stakelum, formation director for the In September, Burke became a mem- them but for me,” Sister Keri said, noting Marianites of Holy Cross. Father Tony Rigoli OMI, left, pastor of St. Jude Church in New ber of the Marianites of Holy Cross dur- it scared her. Because she did not want to Orleans, celebrated the Mass during which the vow ceremony took place on Sept. 24 at ing a Mass in the chapel at Our Lady of have to find an answer to that question, Our lady of Holy Cross College in Gretna. Photo by Laura Deavers | The Catholic Commentator Holy Cross College in Gretna, attended she asked to be reassigned as a math teach- by members of the order, her family and er, her preferred academic subject, rather man religion class, Sister Keri said she was told Sister Renee she wanted to talk to her many friends. She had known many than a religion teacher. coaching the volleyball team at the state at the end of the retreat. When the two members of this order over the years be- While talking about the path that her playoffs when she again heard, “What are women talked, it became clear what God cause her mother had a cousin who was a to join a religious community of women, you doing here?” was asking of Sister Keri. member of that order. Sister Keri admitted that her understand- “I turned to my assistant coach and told Burke explained to the director that said Sister Keri graduated from Redemptor- ing of religious women had been based on her I was coaching the team, only to real- she never thought she would be a member ist High School and then earned a degree what Hollywood presented in movies and ize that she had no idea what I was talking of a religious order but was scared it could in math education at Louisiana Tech. Her television show: women who spent all of about because she hadn’t said anything,” be what she was being called to do. family moved to Slidell while she was in their time in prayer. Her life was based said Sister Keri. She said telling Sister Renee that she college, and so when she graduated she more on Matthew 25 in which God bless- After a similar episode occurred at the was interested in joining the Marianites took a teaching position in St. Bernard es those who took action to help those in beginning of the softball season, Sister of Holy Cross wasvery freeing. Civil Parish, where she taught for three need. But as she tried to convince herself Keri knew she had to find some answers to After telling her parents, sisters and years before moving to Pope John Paul II that God really didn’t want her, she felt what she was doing with her life. brother about her plans to become a High School in Slidell. haunted by the words she heard God ask- While working a Teen Encounter Retreat member of a religious order and receiving Her strong sense of caring for God’s ing her, “What are you doing here?” with Sister Renee Daigle, vocation direc- their affirmation, Sister Keri entered the people, especially the children, was tested A few years after the episode in the fresh- tor for the Marianites of Holy Cross, Burke SEE SISTER KERI PAGE 7B Vocation to priesthood a life, not a career, says parochial vicar By Emily Lahr “Once I got into seminary, bile industry before he felt called his spiritual journey. He grew Byrd said his discernment Catholic News Service God took over,” said the priest, to the priesthood. He studied up a Southern Baptist and was process was not easy. He stud- who was ordained in 2010 and philosophy at Pontifical College taught that Catholics were not ied music in college, where he WASHINGTON — A vocation is parochial vicar at St. Thomas Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, Christian. He remembers going wrestled with two vocations – to the priesthood is a life, not a a’Becket Church in Canton, Mich. for two years, and six years of to Mass with a Catholic friend marriage or the priesthood. He career, said Father James Ar- Father Arwady, 38, was a suc- theology at Sacred Heart Major and sitting in the balcony of the continued to date and work as a wady. cessful engineer for the automo- Seminary in Detroit. He was or- church, hoping no one would no- youth minister for three church dained for the Detroit Archdio- tice he was not participating. parishes. Finally, his girlfriend cese. To his surprise, “it rocked my at the time encouraged him to He advised all men who are world,” he recalled, particularly enter the seminary. Priest & Deacon Ordination Gifts discerning a call to the priest- with regard to the elevation of Even in the seminary, he said, hood to “pray, pray, pray” to un- the host. he would wake up some morn- derstand themselves and to hear At age 17, he enrolled in a Rite ings and argue with himself over their calling. of Christian Initiation for Adults why he was there. “Prayer is our lifeblood,” Father program to become a Catholic. “It’s hard to really surrender,” Arwady told Catholic News Ser- Before he joined the church, he he said, but noted it takes sup- vice in a telephone interview. heard a homily delivered by a port from others during the dis- Jerry Byrd, who is currently priest one Sunday that sparked cernment process. “Discernment studying for the priesthood, nev- his interest in the priesthood. is not about ‘me’ doing, it’s about er imagined he would become “We need young men to be ‘us’ doing,” added Byrd. Catholic, let alone a future priest, priests because we need the sac- He also said he was encour- Your one resource for all but today can hardly wait to live raments,” said the priest. “If you aged about vocations, noting your religious gifts & out his vocation. think you can do it, you probably that when he entered St. Mein- church supply needs! “It’s funny how God gets his can.” rad five years ago, there were way,” said Byrd, 30, a member of He said even his mother, who 90 seminarians; today there are St. Louis Church Parish in Bates- at the time had no understanding 135, and 140 are preregistred for & Gifts™ ville, Ind., who is at St. Meinrad of Catholicism or the priesthood, next fall. A Retail Division of F.C. Ziegler Co. Church Supply Seminary in Indiana. He will gave him a clay chalice after the Byrd said the vocation to the soon be ordained as a transition- Easter Vigil in 1998. priesthood is a beautiful love 6184 Florida Blvd. • Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-926-1216 • 1-800-331-4117 • FAX 225-926-1244 al deacon, one of the final steps “I always thought that God had story. “It’s about falling in love, www.zieglers.com • M-F: 9-5, Sat: 9:30-4:30 before priesthood. set you apart to be a minister,” head over heels in love” with Byrd talked to CNS about his mother told him. God, he said. January 11, 2012 RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS 2012 The Catholic Commentator 9B7B Archbishop says Catholic homes play major role in fostering vocations By Emily Lahr of all U.S. Catholic adults. cent African-American and 1 Catholic News Service “We are going to make sure percent other. Ordination Class of 2011 our Newman chaplains and our “There is a beautiful mixture WASHINGTON – The theme campus ministers are talking to of the people who make up the of Pope Benedict XVI’s message young people about vocations,” church in the U.S.,” said Arch- for the 2011 World Day of Prayer 34 average age of new U.S. priests the archbishop added. bishop Carlson, but added there for Vocations pointed to the im- Asked if the clergy sex abuse was a need to foster vocations portant role Catholic home life scandal had had any effect on in the Hispanic/Latino com- plays in the promotion of voca- 69% 15% 10% vocations, Archbishop Carlson munity to address the needs of tions to the priesthood and reli- said it has not affected the inter- that growing segment of the U.S. gious life, said Archbishop Rob- white Latino Asian/ est in or number of vocations. Catholic Church. ert J. Carlson of St. Louis. Pacific Islander He noted that the survey showed For young men, parents and “The theme which the Holy that amid this challenge, more youth ministers who have ques- Father chose places the burden 8% converted to Catholicism young people are responding to tions on the discernment pro- on the local church to reflect on vocations. cess, every diocese has a local how it develops a culture of vo- “They were not involved in the website and vocation director’s cations,” said the archbishop, have a graduate degree scandal, and they believe that as office. The USCCB also has a chairman of the U.S. Conference 17% they live out their vocation they website ForYourVocation.org. of Catholic Bishops’ Committee can make the whole community, According to the 2011 survey, on Clergy, Consecrated Life and the body of Christ, stronger,” he the majority of young people Vocations. “We know that the 21% attended a Catholic high school said. turn to such websites for infor- vocation comes out of the home.” The 2011 survey also showed mation first, said Archbishop “Every Christian community, a continued pattern of growing Carlson. every member of the church 39% attended a World Youth Day cultural diversity in the ordina- The archbishop said he prays needs consciously to feel respon- celebration to seminary tion class, especially religious that those discerning a call to the sibility for promoting vocations,” order priests. Ten percent of the priesthood will have the courage especially in an era when God’s Responses received from 329 of 480 potential ordinands class are Asian/Native Hawai- to listen and respond to their vo- Source: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate ©2011 CNS voice “seems to be drowned out ian/Pacific Islander; 4 percent of cation. by ‘other voices’ and his invita- the U.S. Catholic population are “We invite them to listen to tion to follow him by the gift of at Georgetown University for the Archbishop Carlson said Asian. what they are hearing deep one’s own life may seem too dif- USCCB’s Secretariat of Clergy, church parishes need to find a Fifteen percent said they were within themselves as to how God ficult,” the pope said. Consecrated Life and Vocations. way to encourage the wider com- Hispanic/Latino; by contrast, might want them to live their Pope Paul VI instituted the day CARA contacted ordinands by munity to be more supportive about 34 percent of U.S. adult life,” said the archbishop. “And of prayer in 1964 as a way for email, phone or fax to explain the of young men who choose a vo- Catholics are Hispanic/Latino. then (we) give them the support Catholics to focus on and pray survey; asked them to complete cation to the priesthood, since The remaining results showed so they can have the courage to for vocations. a brief survey online; and then many of them begin the discern- 69 percent are Caucasian, 5 per- say yes.” In an interview with Catholic followed up with respondents ment process at age 16. News Service, Archbishop Carl- by email, phone or fax. CARA Nine in 10 ordinands reported son said the majority of newly reported that the response rate being encouraged to consider the ordained priests said they were was 69 percent; 329 ordinands priesthood by someone in their influenced by their church par- responded out of a total of 480 life. Of those responding ordi- ish in their discernment for the identified by theologates, houses nands who reported that they priesthood. of formation, religious institutes, were encouraged to consider the According to results of a survey and archdioceses and dioceses. priesthood, two in three (66 per- of members of the 2011 ordina- Survey results also showed cent) said they were encouraged tion class, released April 25, 66 that the average age of ordinands by a parish priest. * Second entrée of equal or lesser value Bring this coupon to Don's Seafood & Steak House, Inc. - Baton Rouge to receive this special offer! This $8 off second entrée or up to percent of the respondents said in the class of 2011 was 34. More The survey showed that 57 $5 off second lunch entrée excludes evening specials and is not valid with other offers it was their parish priest who en- than nine in 10, or 94 percent, percent of ordinands in the class and specials. This offer good Monday through Sunday. Dine-in only. Limit 5 coupons per table. Offer expires February 7, 2012. Specials not valid for private parties. Only couraged them. Forty-two per- reported they had some type of of 2011 said they were discour- original coupons are valid - copies and downloaded coupons are not accepted. CC cent identified their mothers as full-time work experience prior aged from pursuing a vocation having a major influence on their to entering the seminary, most by friends and classmates; 52 Bring this coupon to Don’s Seafood & Steak decision. often in education. On average, percent said they were discour- GUMBO House, Baton Rouge and when you purchase The annual national survey is ordinands reported they were aged by a parent or other family SALE Thru one entrée at regular price, receive up to conducted by the Center for Ap- about 16 when they first consid- member. Feb. 5! $8 off a second entrée, of equal or lesser plied Research in the Apostolate ered becoming a priest. “Most young people don’t un- value OR use this coupon to receive up to derstand what discernment is all $5 off a second lunch entrée. Offer valid about,” Archbishop Carlson told ¢ Monday through Sunday. Dine-in only. 35pm CNS. “They have not been taught 4 till 7 SISTER KERI: Affirmed by family from the pulpit or in the religion • Enjoy Gumbo by the Gallon! classes how to discern.” • Choice steaks grilled to perfection. FROM PAGE 6B options for ministry as a Mari- The archbishop said he was Monday, Wednesday & Saturday • Seafood with a Cajun flair! Marianites of Holy Cross in Au- anite of Holy Cross. Already she interested in the influence Cath- Dine-in only. gust 2003. has had many opportunities to olic education had on vocations. Having those close to her sup- see the world through the eyes Results showed that 47 percent port her decision was important of a woman who has committed of the ordinands surveyed went to Sister Keri, who affirmed, “I her life to following God’s call. to a Catholic elementary school can’t live life without the people These experiences make her see and were somewhat more likely I care about.” the world differently, which has to attend Catholic high school. Sister Keri has been teaching helped her grow into the per- Thirty-nine percent of them at- math at Cabrini High School son God needs to care for his tended a Catholic university or in New Orleans but has other people. college, compared to 7 percent 8B The Catholic Commentator RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS 2012 January 11, 2012 communities unite to promote vocations By Marnie McAllister that very small group whom God might be Catholic News Service calling to live in this very unique and beau- tiful way.” TRAPPIST, Ky. — Since the 1940s, when The Trappists hope to convey something acclaimed writer and contemplative Father about their lives, too, in the form of a DVD Thomas Merton drew the world’s attention that’s being planned. to the Trappists’ Abbey of Gethsemani Father Farbolin said the communities of in Nelson County, men have come from Trappists in the United States range from around the world to join in its ritual life of about 10 members to 65. prayer and work. The Abbey of Gethsemani, founded by a Father Merton died in 1968, and in the group of Trappists from in 1848, is wake of his death, that interest has gradu- home to 50 . ally waned. The abbey saw its peak in membership, Now, for the first time in its modern his- with 270 monks, in 1955. The young- tory, the Abbey of Gethsemani is work- est there today is 44. The eldest is ing to promote vocations to monastic life. Brother Camillus, 86, who’s lived in the And it’s joining with other communities of community for 71 years. Three men joined monks and nuns to produce a coordinated the monastery in 2010. campaign. Father Farbolin said New Melleray Ab- Until now, “we never needed to” promote Trappist monks who live at the Abbey of Gethsemani prepare to eat lunch in their dining bey, where he serves, has seen a “falling off vocations, said Brother Luke Armour, hall in late March in Trappist, Ky. Fifty men live in the community, which is joining with of inquiries” over the last 30 or so years. Gethsemani’s vocation director and choir other Trappist communities in the United States to promote vocations to monastic life. CNS Those who have come “tend to be more master. photo by Marnie McAllister | The Record mature, with careers behind them and a Gethsemani is home to one of the largest good bit of life experience.” Trappist communities in the United States. perhaps, attract some people to such a life. closely to the Rule of St. Benedict, a book “The diversity of their backgrounds, The monks there are working with 16 other Trappists are a branch of the Cistercian of guidelines for monastic life. There are nationalities, personal philosophies and Trappist communities around the country Order – formally, the Cistercian Order 17 Trappist communities in the nation. family situations is really astonishing,” he to educate people about monastic life and, of the Strict Observance – who adhere Five are communities of women, called noted. ‘Diversity’ is a good single descrip- Trappestines. tor for the state of our initial formation Representatives of 16 of these communi- programs these days.” ties met in March at Holy Spirit Abbey in The abbey at New Melleray will see two Conyers, Ga. – near Atlanta – to coordi- men make solemn professions this sum- nate their efforts. mer, said Father Farbolin. An account of Trappist Father Alberic Farbolin, a monk this process can be found in the “monk’s at the New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, Iowa, diary” section of the website under April 6. organized the meeting in Conyers in his Others who are in discernment with the role as the U.S. regional secretary for for- Iowa abbey include a microbiologist who mation and vocations. became a and a man who studied The vocation campaign, he said, will law with President Barack Obama, he said. meet some challenges but also will offer Such diversity is a hallmark these days of opportunities to reach people in ways the the Abbey of Gethsemani, too, said Broth- communities couldn’t on their own. er Armour. “The Cistercian monks and nuns in the A few of the monks came to the monas- U.S. have traditionally sought to promote tery from Kentucky, he said, but the ma- vocations locally, each house going its own jority came from all over the United States way,” he noted in an interview conducted and the world, including, Ohio, New York, by email with The Record, newspaper of New England, Texas, Peru, Vietnam, the the Archdiocese of Louisville. Philippines and Canada. Their ages, back- The meeting in Conyers generated “a grounds and talents vary widely, too. good bit of energy and excitement,” he said. Brother Armour, whose service as choir “A number of interesting ideas surfaced at master at the abbey taps his skills as a the meeting which I am now in the process musician, came from New York nearly 40 of trying to implement.” years ago. Among their first fruits is the website “When I came as an aspirant, I was trappists.org. It includes a listing of all the shown great care. I have indelible memo- communities in the United States, infor- ries,” he said. “Now I’m in this chair (as mation about visiting the communities, vocation director); the roles are reversed. writings from “a monk’s diary” and “a I take that role seriously and thankfully.” nun’s diary,” and a question-and-answer He said he’s also prepared to find new section. ways of doing his job and adapting to the The site serves at least two purposes in needs of young people. Father Farbolin’s view. During the conference in Conyers, the It serves “to engage and communicate vocation directors discussed some charac- with young adults on the Internet – hop- teristics of today’s young Catholics. Some ing to share with them an impression of of their attributes will fit well with monas- Support the Collection for the Church in Latin America. who we are. It’s also a means to easily con- tic life, while others will make engaging To learn more, visit www.usccb.org/nationalcollections. nect inquirers with those monks and nuns them a challenge, said Brother Armour. Office of National Collections • (202) 541-3346 • [email protected] who are assigned and trained to work with Young Catholics today tend to “value Copyright © 2012, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: © Kazuyoshi Nomachi/Corbis. them in discernment.” community, they need to feel welcomed “Our goal,” he said, “is not to attract by church and religious congregations,” he thousands to the website, but to engage said. “We need to extend a welcome.”