I thought I'd share with you that among those present at the 12 noon Mass at the Cathedral yesterday were 2 young men. They were seated together and seemed to be totally engrossed in listening to the readings for the day. What a wonderful, wonderful site to behold! With invitation to the priesthood in mind, of course, it became my goal to speak with them after Mass.
I said 'hello' to them as they were on their way out of the church. We found ourselves talking, just chatting, laughing, and soon, exchanging experiences of our journey, and very soon, sharing scripture passages that brought us to the present. I wanted to get a feel of who they were before popping up the question "Have you thought of becoming a priest?" When that was blurted out, one of them shared that someone did ask him if he wanted to become a priest. He trodded into that path by joining a group of brothers. Turns out it was there he discovered that it wasn't meant to be for him. But it was alright.
Our conversation and our connection were one of joy. These 2 young men were very happy that I welcomed them and that I took the time to get to know them. What a good reminder that was for me! Welcoming people IN the church could also mean welcoming them INTO the church! And most of all, it was a great reminder to never stop inviting young men to consider priesthood! :-)
I said 'hello' to them as they were on their way out of the church. We found ourselves talking, just chatting, laughing, and soon, exchanging experiences of our journey, and very soon, sharing scripture passages that brought us to the present. I wanted to get a feel of who they were before popping up the question "Have you thought of becoming a priest?" When that was blurted out, one of them shared that someone did ask him if he wanted to become a priest. He trodded into that path by joining a group of brothers. Turns out it was there he discovered that it wasn't meant to be for him. But it was alright.
Our conversation and our connection were one of joy. These 2 young men were very happy that I welcomed them and that I took the time to get to know them. What a good reminder that was for me! Welcoming people IN the church could also mean welcoming them INTO the church! And most of all, it was a great reminder to never stop inviting young men to consider priesthood! :-)
God be praised!!!!
