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(During Fr. Ring’s recovery, the members of the parish staff will be writing the pastoral letter. Today’s letter is from Deacon Brian Costello.) Dear Parishioners: As most of you know, I am finishing up my studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park and, God willing, I will be ordained a priest in a little over a year from now. What most of you might not know is that the San Francisco Archdiocese has the fewest number of seminarians of all the dioceses at St. Patrick’s (5 altogether!). Why is that, I wonder? Why, in the 40 year history of St. Robert’s Parish, have only 2 priests been ordained from here? I know there are a lot of reasons why young people say they never think about priesthood or the religious life, but aren't these reasons more like excuses. I believe God is calling just as many people as He did in the past, but I wonder why people aren’t responding to that call? There are some dioceses in the U.S. where there is one priest for 2 or 3 parishes. St. Robert’s isn’t there yet, but things don’t look so good 10 or 20 years down the road. I believe priesthood is the best kept secret in the world: it’s a great life, it’s just too bad so few people know about it. Parents: John Paul II said that vocations are fostered in the home. Pray with your children. Read the Scriptures to them. Encourage them if they are inclined to this vocation. College Students and Young Adults: There is no age limit to God’s call. If he does call you , respond to that call as best you can, and you will know what true happiness is all about. On this Valentine’s Day when we celebrate our love for one another, let us remember God’s great love for us and how we, in our own way, can return that love to God. In His Love, |
