From Father Steven

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we will have a break from the discussion on the evangelization initiatives to talk about another important topic, VOCATIONS! When I visit families, I often ask the children what they want to be when they grow up. Among the many, many responses, priesthood or consecrated life is seldom an option. Personally, in my own life, it wasn’t an option, because no one ever asked me. Well, my thoughts did not change when someone did ask me. Not originally! After that questioning, I did start asking myself, what if God does call me? I quickly dismissed the thought because I thought that I was not a good enough fit, or was not “priest material.” The truth is that God is the one to decide that through a process of discernment. In my case, after some resistance to God’s call, I participated in a retreat to help me solve the question. Well, 12 years later, I found out the answer!!! Saint Gregory, the Great, says that questioning one’s vocation is already a sign that the person has a vocation.

I would like to encourage all of you to talk about vocation to religious life (nuns and monks) and to the priesthood to the children and young adults. It’s never too late. Next week there will be a 3 retreats to help those interested or curious. For young adults (18-30) the retreat will be Friday through Sunday Feb 21-23 in Medway. For men over the age of 30, the retreat will be Friday through Saturday, 21-22 at Pope John XXIII Seminary. For young women between the ages 18-35, it will be Saturday 22 at St Paul’s parish in Cambridge. For more information, please contact Fr. Carlos Suarez, from the vocation’s office by phone (617) 746-5987 or email csuarez@rcab.org. Feel free to approach one of us at the parish to help with any inquiries or questions.

Saint John Paul II, exhorting the youth said, “Take heart young people! Christ is calling you and the world awaits you! Remember that the Kingdom of God needs your generous and complete dedication. Every vocation, every path to which Christ calls us, ultimately leads to fulfillment and happiness, because it leads to God, to sharing in God's own life.” Let’s help them with our prayers, our support, and asking the question!

God bless,
​Fr. Steven