Last Thursday evening, I attended
a Confirmation. There were over 50 Confirmandi. One of the intercessions
at the Mass was, "For an increase of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate
and the religious life for our Diocese".
Thinking on this, I wondered how
many of the Confirmandi would hear and respond to the Lord's call to follow Him
in religious life or ordained ministry.
This led me to think of my own
Confirmation and how scared I was that the bishop would call on me to answer a
question. I sat on the end of the pew and the bishop stood right by the
pew. I kept my head down and kept blowing my nose. I never got
called on by the bishop. However, I did get called on by
the Lord. Did I respond readily? No. It was several years
later and circumstances led me to this response.
I believe God does have a plan
for us and if we do not hear the first time, will continue to call. I am
glad that I responded. It has made a big difference in my life. I'd like
also to think it has also made a difference in the lives of the many people who
I would never had met elsewhere.
We at St. Walburg Monastery need women to respond to
the vocation of a Benedictine Sister. I am sure this is also
true of the other orders in our Diocese. The work and opportunities
are still there. Prayer and community life are important aspects of
religious life. The one question that remains is "Who will
answer"? Sr. Barbara Woeste, OSB
