July 10, 2009
Our Readers
God is calling . . .
I received an email from a young medical student who was attending a conference in California. The summer opportunity designed by health professionals and pastors, offers specialized training to help meet the spiritual needs of patients. In her message was a request: “please pray as I try to understand how to better rely upon the Holy Spirit to guide me in responding to patients.” It is comforting to know that medical professionals are putting Christ into the healing equation for those in need of their care.
This wonderful prayer request prompts a question. How does a 21 year old college student become so keenly aware of the need for God in her academic venture? You could ask this question of five different people and probably come up with five different thoughts. God of course is responsible for calling this student to seek His guidance, but I also believe the parents of this young lady are deserving of a real pat on the back. Just as important, something or someone has inspired and nurtured this family unit as well, their church.
In a culture which challenges the idea of a spiritual connection in our daily lives, there needs to be another professional at work. More than likely a pastor, priest or youth minister has influenced this young person. Do we realize the significance of the role these ministers play in our lives? Do we acknowledge the gift of those who serve? Our world has become very small because of the amazing infrastructure and means for communicating. Within minutes of sending that email, from California to Indiana, I could respond and pray for my friend. Just as overwhelming is the thought that our universal Catholic church is a billion strong and reports there are 408,000 priests, one priest for every 2800 of us. As Pope Benedict announces the “Year of the Priest” beginning June 19, 2009-2010, we should all roll up our sleeves and help. Check out the website www.stationforvocations.org and pray them forward. It will help you appreciate the commitment of those who help take care of our souls.
The death of a Pop artist makes national news for weeks. The contribution of his music will be recorded and memorialized forever. A new priest is ordained and local highlights are enjoyed, but do we truly realize the scope of importance this man will have in our lives and to our world? The anniversary announcements of the priests in our diocese this past week in the Message reminded me of all the Christ-like heroes I have had in my life. Remembering the sacraments they have administered to my family is powerful. When I read about Father Dilger’s faithful childhood family practice of attending Mass every morning, twice on Sunday, and Vespers with Benediction in the afternoon, I was impressed. The concern Father Dilger’s parents had for their family’s spiritual strength reminded me of a football coach strategically planning two a day practices in the heat of July and August, preparing for the perfect football season. The Dilgers’ consistent spiritual coaching created a scripture scholar.
Are we as diligent with the practice of faith in our family life as we are with our sport schedules? It is difficult because there are only so many hours in the day. Ask any youth minister and they will tell you their biggest rival is with a coach, who is vying for the energy of your kids. As a parent who raised four athletic children I understand the dilemma. It was not as difficult back in the 90s. Parents of 2009, please look at the balance of time spent in the life of your family. I love the message in the Rules of St. Benedict, a balance of work and prayer. Simplify; take the time for spiritual strengthening and it will have amazing benefits for your family long after the soccer game is over.
I share these thoughts as the summer quickly marches on and school sport practices will soon return. There is an opportunity coming soon to spiritually strengthen your kids with a Teens Encounter Christ Retreat on July 25-27. Check the details at www.switec.org and remember there are many ways to support the youth of our diocese. Prayer being the most important, volunteer your time, financially support your youth programs, and encourage your own family members to “. . . prefer nothing to Christ” another rule of St. Benedict. Our diocese offers many great opportunities for the future members of our Catholic church. A week of participation at St. Meinrad Archabbey for One Bread One Cup, a week at Catholic Heart Work Camp in North Carolina, Teens Encounter Christ, or a fun youth group day at Holiday World to mention a few. Support the ministers who create these opportunities for our kids and remember the NCAA commercial that reminds us that most college athletes go pro in something other than sports. Get them ready for the game of life. Design a plan which offers specialized training to help meet the spiritual needs of your family. Ask the Holy Spirit and He will help you!
- Zoe Cannon | Vincennes