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The August Promoter
Spotlight: Planting Seeds
Brian Scheiber was an engineer pursuing his career when God used the voice of another to allow him to see that God had other plans for him. Looking further back down the road, Brian recalls the beginning of these thoughts to serve God starting with a simple question his father asked, “Have you ever considered being a priest?” This planted a seed that became a foundation and support for him as he began to discern his vocation.
However, as college approached, Brian decided to enter Kansas University to pursue a degree in engineering. He began dating a young woman and eventually became engaged to be married. The relationship did not work out and, somewhat uncertain about his future, Brian remembers praying in the chapel one day, when suddenly a woman tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. “Excuse me," she said, "but I have a certain sense about people and I was wondering if you are a seminarian or if you are considering entering the priesthood.” At the end of the conversation, Brian was convinced that God was speaking through this woman asking him to consider a vocation to the priesthood, and eventually, he entered the seminary.
Although Brian enjoyed his time in the seminary he knew it was a period of discernment. At the end of it he still had doubts about whether God was asking him to make a commitment to the priesthood. Upon leaving the seminary Brian began to pursue his career in engineering. One night, Brian was working the late shift overseeing construction work at the Kansas City International Airport. As he meticulously watched men digging out trenches, one of the foremen asked him another life changing question. “Brian," he said, "you went through four years of college and spent five years in the seminary; what are you doing watching men dig out dirt in the middle of the night when you could be out there really making a difference in people's lives?”
That question really put things into focus for Brian. He realized that this was not God's plan for his life and that he had more to give. He then returned to the seminary, was ordained a priest and went on to become the vocations director for the archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas helping others to discern their own vocation. Father Schieber now serves as co-director of seminarians for the archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas.
What makes this story so different from thousands of other vocation stories? Nothing in particular and that is why it is so noteworthy. God works through people, planting seeds that allow others to hear His call and accept His invitation to serve Him. God spoke to Father Brian through his father, the woman in the church and the man on the construction site. Imagine the missed opportunity if they had not shared their thoughts with Father Brian. Building a culture of vocations includes not only praying for vocations to the Church but also being open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and looking for those around us who might need a little encouragement or support in discerning their vocation.
Promoting Vocations 101
Responsibility – God is counting on you to make an impact on the souls around you and nobody else can reach them in the same way. It is important to remember that God will give you the grace when you are sincere in your prayer and work.
Today is no different from the past. Young people are searching for purpose in their lives and a sense of belonging. Hearing and answering God's call is often a path where small seeds are planted along the way. In helping others discern their vocation, don’t get caught up in thinking that one sentence or inspiring talk will necessarily change the life a young person instantly. God’s work is not always readily apparent and our involvement in supporting vocations is sometimes as simple as helping to set someone in motion to think through things later in life.
Aside from being open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, there are small things one can do in every day life to help vocations.
· Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament and pray however you pray best, offering those prayers for vocations.
· If you see gifted young people with a talent for leadership in the Church (generous spirit, love of the Church, love of the Eucharist) tell them, “You would be a great priest" or "You would be a wonderful Sister.” If that seems too forward, ask a question that will get them thinking about what direction they want to take and how they are using the talents God gave them.
· Within your own family and community build up a culture of vocations where priests and consecrated are appreciated; where there is an expectation that every young person will seriously consider a vocation to religious life. Doing this will help young people see the will of God in their life and make it easier to answer His call.
· Vocations come through the lives of ordinary people. Be open to the possibility that there may be a vocation in your own family. Families foster an openness to a vocation within the Church by attending Mass and receiving the sacrament of reconciliation regularly. Pray daily as a family, if possible, and encourage spiritual reading of interesting books.
Quote Corner:
"Nevertheless, it is not enough to know the Spirit; we must welcome Him as the guide of our souls, as the 'Teacher of the interior life' who introduces us to the Mystery of the Trinity, because He alone can open us up to faith and allow us to live it each day to the full. The Spirit impels us forward towards others, enkindles in us the fire of love, makes us missionaries of God’s charity. "
Pope Benedict XVI World Youth Day 2008
Monthly Mission:
Ask a young person age 16-35 if they have considered a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
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