CCC #2253: “Parents should respect and encourage their children’s vocations. They should remember and teach that the first calling of the Christian is to follow Jesus.”
I felt called to the priesthood during my Sophomore year at Michigan State University. I was doing well in Mechanical Engineering school, I had secured a summer job at the headquarters for General Motors, and I was dating a girl who potentially would have a been a great wife. But I felt this persistent tug in my heart to leave everything and follow Christ in an exclusive way. When I approached my mom, she said, “If this is what God is asking, then I fully support you, and as your mother, I could not be more proud.” My dad offered a little resistance at first but he also said, “Michael, I give you my blessing…If this is what God wants, I have no right to get in his way.”
I always admired St. Paul’s capacity to leave his former life to follow Christ 100%, and his passionate love for Christ that eventually led to his martyrdom. The priesthood is truly a gift and a mystery…if your child feels this call, please give him your blessing!
