August 19, 2011
Reflection
Do you recognize the ‘Voice’ of God?
Seminarians and parents of priests on the steps of the Old Cathedral Basilica include, front row, George Kaiser, Rose Mary Kaiser, Martha Schmitt, Harold Schnur; second row, Mary Ann Zenthoefer, Darla Gries, Andrew Thomas, Helen Thomas, Margaret Schnur; third row, Bernie Gries, Lynn Hassler, Clare Hassler, Deacon Jeff Read, Morris Thomas, Melissa Thomas and Jennifer Myers. Not pictured were Jay and Jodie Dewig, and Marla Lee, parents and grandmother of Keith Dewig, Dennis and Terri Hilderbrand parents of Father Ryan Hilderbrand. (Photo courtesy Zoe Cannon) Click for a larger version.
By ZOE CANNON (Sacred Heart Church, Vincennes)
By virtue of Baptism, every Christian is called to participate in the saving work of Christ. This is confirmed in scripture as we read: “I know well the plans I have in mind for you” Jer. 29:11 and “I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:3.
God is counting on each of us to use the gifts he has given to discern our individual vocation. Are you familiar and comfortable with where God is calling you? Or do you discount your contribution to the plan of salvation? Pope John Paul II once said, “The entire People of God is responsible for promoting vocations, and does so chiefly by persistent and humble prayer for vocations.”
In the Diocese of Evansville, Father Alex Zenthoefer, Father Jason Gries, and Benedictine Sister Michelle Sinkhorn are the Directors for the Office of Vocations. As People of God, it is the role of every family to prepare those called to priesthood and religious life. After all, it is in the commitment to the vocation of marriage that we nurture the People of God participating in the saving work of Christ.
For many years, Mary Ann Zenthoefer, who is the mother of Father Alex, has planned an annual dinner for priests, seminarians and their families. This year, the meal was planned on Saturday, Aug. 13 in Vincennes. The guest list included five new seminarians: Andrew Thomas, Keith Dewig, Luke Hassler and Andy Hirsch will be heading “back to school” to Simon Bruté Seminary at Marian College in Indianapolis. They will be joining Tyler Tenbarge and Jeremy Goebel, as they continue their studies for the priesthood. Jerry Pratt, a new seminarian, will join three returning seminarians, Christopher Droste, Deacon Jeff Read and Deacon Brian Emmick at St. Meinrad Archabbey for their continued studies for priesthood.
The dinner was held in the Old Cathedral Parish Center. It was hosted by a “St. John Vianney Prayer Group” of married couples from Sacred Heart Parish, who gather once a month to share a meal and pray for our pastor, our parish, and all vocations. The seminarians, priests, and their families first gathered at Sacred Heart Church for Mass celebrated with Father Jason Gries, Deacon Jeff Read and Deacon Dennis Hilderbrand. After sharing a meal and fellowship in the Old Cathedral Parish Center, the group gathered inside the Old Cathedral for a history tour guided by Father John Schipp, and time for prayer in the crypt of Simon Bruté.
This beautiful evening reminded me of how important it is to support one another wherever God is calling us. As St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans, “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Our persistent and humble prayers are needed for those called to priesthood and religious life, not just for the chosen individuals, but for their families as well. The mothers and fathers, sister and brothers of those called to serve our Church are making sacrifices too.
We must remember “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” It is hard to imagine the hardships of the first bishops of our diocese, which we discussed in the crypt of the Old Cathedral. God’s plan to use all baptized Christians to fulfill his divine plan for salvation is never easy. Two things are certain: God does have a very specific plan for each one of us, and it is through our baptism and humble prayers that the Holy Spirit guides us where we are being called. We must take time to be attentive and listen to the directions.
Pray for those in our diocese studying for priesthood and preparing for religious life, and continue to pray for all vocations. Pray especially for our priests and their families because it is so true . . . “The harvest is rich but the laborers are few.” God willing, in the Diocese of Evansville, through our prayers, brave young men will continue to answer the “call.” Pray them forward and keep in touch with the vocations office for our diocese with this website: www.stationforvocations.org. We have been called by name, praise God for loving us that much.
Amen!