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Molly Smith
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Okay, my next question is, how do you help your children discern God's will for their lives? Let me give you some background info:
My two older boys (7 and almost 9) often talk of becoming priests. And they have talked to priests and other people outside of dh and me about this, and I could see one of the boys being called in that direction. My little girl (4) is certain she will be a nun. Granted she's four, but still I want to encourage her.
We regularly pray for our priests and an increase to religious vocations. I privately pray for a vocation in the family. We do get to know our priests, but we've had very limited interaction with nuns outside of our reading of saints' lives.
One of my sons asks me regularly, "how will I know what God wants me to do?". He's looking for something tangible, so telling him that we will keep praying for God's will to be known to us seems like not-enough. He sees images of the angel Gabriel coming to Mary, and I think hopes for that same thing (don't we all?).
Sorry to drag on. If any of this is at all clear, I'd love to hear some words of wisdom on the topic. Thanks!
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Molly Smith in VA
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Helen
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I remember as a child my father gave me very comforting advice when I asked him about a religious vocation. He showed no personal interest of his own and directed me to God.
My father very genuinely said,
"I only want what the Lord wants. You'll have to speak to Him about this."
I remember this relieving me of a tremendous burden. There was no need for me to please my parents only the Lord.
I peronally think that parental praying of the breviary is a good way to foster religious vocations.
I wrote three posts last year about this idea. Here is the first one.
I believe the three are linked together.
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Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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jackiemomof7
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My dd joined an order this past September and I have had many moms ask me "What did I do to foster that vocation?" Nothing. Okay not really, I mean we did make sure she got a good catholic education (hence homeschooling),each of the children pray the prayer "A Prayer for My Vocation" and also the prayer "For a Good Husband or Wife". My husband and I laughed after our dd told us her decision and said that the prayer for a good husband worked she got the best!!! But we have always told our children to listen to God, not the world. And most important a good spiritual director. I believe children need a priest who they feel they can talk to at an early age and who will help them foster their vocations. We have done adoration for over 13 years and one of the things that is suppose to come from adoration is vocations. Don't know if I helped any but just some of things we have done but really most of it was up to our dd hearing and answering His call.
God bless,
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Jackie wife to Jim for 27!! years, proud army mom of Chris(25),Chef Matthew(24) and Sister Grace of Benedectines (21),Joshua(19),Nicholas(17),Jaymee(15), Elizabeth(13) and 2 in Heaven.Grandma to 3!
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Helen
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| Posted: Feb 12 2007 at 2:44pm | IP Logged
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jackiemomof7 wrote:
| My dd joined an order this past September and I have had many moms ask me "What did I do to foster that vocation?" Nothing. |
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That's wonderful Jackie, congratulations!
jackiemomof7 wrote:
| "A Prayer for My Vocation" and also the prayer "For a Good Husband or Wife". |
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The Carmelites told us to pray three Hail Marys every night for a vocation. I tell the children this includes praying for any future husband or wife.
jackiemomof7 wrote:
My husband and I laughed after our dd told us her decision and said that the prayer for a good husband worked she got the best!!! |
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Isn't that the truth! The Carmelites express the same conviction.
jackiemomof7 wrote:
But we have always told our children to listen to God, not the world. And most important a good spiritual director. I believe children need a priest who they feel they can talk to at an early age and who will help them foster their vocations. We have done adoration for over 13 years and one of the things that is suppose to come from adoration is vocations.
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Great advice. Thank you Jackie
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Ave Maria!
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Molly Smith
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Thank you, Jackie and Helen, for your posts. They are so helpful. I love the idea of praying three Hail Marys for a vocation, whether it be religious life or marriage. That is something tangible. And in the meantime I'll look into the breviary. Thanks, Helen, for all of the links from your blog--they were very helpful as well.
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Molly Smith in VA
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MarilynW
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Molly Smith wrote:
Okay, my next question is, how do you help your children discern God's will for their lives? Let me give you some background info:
My two older boys (7 and almost 9) often talk of becoming priests.
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Great question Molly - my twins also talk about it and I am not sure how to help them discern their vocation. The other problem I run into - is that when they mention it to other people who put them down - eg extended family who say things like "oh no - you have plenty of time to change your mind" , or say to me "you
are not encouraging them I hope"
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MarilynW
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jackiemomof7 wrote:
| . And most important a good spiritual director. I believe children need a priest who they feel they can talk to at an early age and who will help them foster their vocations. |
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How do you find a good priest and spiritual director? The priests in our church are good men - but do not really have time (I have tried) and are not involved in our lives. When I was a child we had priests (who I am still in contact with) who visited our family, had meals with us and answered our many questons. Even travelled over continents to do our family weddings.
This is one reason dh and I are praying about moving house and moving parish. We feel it is important to find a parish where the priests are involved in the lives of the parishioners and where as the kids grow they have access to a spiritual director.
Any tips on finding spiritual directors for where we are now?
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jackiemomof7
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Have you checked with your vocation director for your diocese? We have a really great one! He came to our youth group that are kids attend last week and gave a talk. I also know of some parents who contacted him and he emails their children.
We are very lucky to have 2 wonderful FSSP priest for our parish and they are always available (within reason)for us. Also the local priest here where we attend on Weds. for N.O. mass has been to our house and enjoys talking to the kids.
I do think contacting the Diocese vocation director would be a good start.
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Jackie wife to Jim for 27!! years, proud army mom of Chris(25),Chef Matthew(24) and Sister Grace of Benedectines (21),Joshua(19),Nicholas(17),Jaymee(15), Elizabeth(13) and 2 in Heaven.Grandma to 3!
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Helping children discern
