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Vocations
Some years ago, after receiving countless inquiries about the basic requirements for a
vocation, I developed a shorthand response. If someone would ask, "What kind of
person are you looking for?" I would answer, "A decent human being, who knows
something about God's world and believes that such knowledge makes a difference."
Let me unpack that response a bit. The first requirement, in my judgment, is a person of
basic honesty and integrity, who appreciates the value of courtesy and knows how to deal
respectfully with others. Many other qualities could be added: even tempered, generous,
grateful, able to take initiative when needed, respectful of different opinions, and knowing
how to be a gracious winner or loser. I'm looking for the type of person we all enjoy meeting
and knowing.
Secondly, I look for an educated person who appreciates the value of all the knowledge gained
by humanity over the centuries. Some people instinctively like history or science, while
others enjoy literature or languages. In any case, part of a vocation presumes the willingness
to continue learning about our world and the people in it. Ignorance or contempt for knowledge
is never compatible with a vocation to priesthood or religious life.
Finally, a person thinking about a vocation should cherish the gift of faith, and be convinced
that faith has an enormous contribution to make to our world and to the fullness of human life.
That doesn't mean that all questions must be answered completely or every doubt resolved ... that
only happens in heaven! But I want someone who is seeking God as a central element in the journey
through life.
I always look for those three qualities: basic human goodness, an appreciation for education and
an enduring ability to treasure the gift of faith. The next step, of course, is some conversation
with the Church community in order to determine if the specific abilities of the individual match
the Church's expectations regarding the task to be done. Priesthood or religious life entails
responsibilities and very concrete roles within the community.
I'm always willing to talk about the needs of religious leadership today, and I pray with and for
anyone who might be thinking about a vocation.
Thanks for checking out this web site! God bless you in your search and your journey.
+ Richard J. Sklba
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