Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

PRIESTLY VOCATIONS IN THE CHURCH’S PASTORAL WORK | 29

h. The seminary : The seminary plays a collaborative role in the pro motion of vocations and an important role in the discernment of vocations. A seminary attached to a particular diocese often subsumes the responsibilities of a diocesan vocation director. The seminary community is especially important in promoting, assess ing, and developing priestly vocations. i. Seminarians : Seminarians also play a significant role in promot ing priestly vocations through the friendships they form outside the seminary setting, through their visible presence in their home parishes, through their involvement in Christian service activi ties and field education, through their assistance with vocation programs, and through the welcome they extend to visitors at the seminary. Discerners for the priesthood must be in prayerful dialogue with God and with the Church in the discernment of their vocation. The linkage of this divine and ecclesial dialogue is especially important because “in the present context there is . . . a certain tendency to view the bond between human beings and God in an individualistic and self-centered way, as if God’s call reached the individual by a direct route, without in any way passing through the community.” 97 It may be difficult to heed the voice of God in our world of constant distraction. 98 Today’s reality makes the role of the vocation director for any ecclesiastical entity essential in helping someone discern a call to the priesthood. It is important for the vocation director, as much as possible, to enter into dialogue with the discerner and accompany him in this process. Listening is important as well: “Listening, in communication, is an open ness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. Listening helps us to find the right THE DISCERNMENT OF VOCATIONS 51. 52.

97

Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 37.

98 “Nowadays listening is becoming more and more difficult, immersed as we are in a society full of noise, overstimulated and bombarded by information. The outer noise that sometimes prevails in our cities and our neighborhoods is often accompanied by our interior dispersion and confusion. This prevents us from pausing and enjoying the taste of contemplation, reflecting serenely on the events of our lives, going about our work with confidence in God’s loving plan, and making a fruitful discernment.” Pope Francis, Message for the 2018 World Day of Vocations, December 3, 2017, www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/ messages/vocations/documents/papa-francesco_20171203_55-messaggio-giornata-mondiale-vocazioni.html .