In observance of National Vocation Awareness Week, I have decided to post Eight Ways to Encourage Vocations, a short list that is found on the Diocese of Orlando Vocations website.

1. Be faith-filled people. Pray for guidance in decisions, and seek to deepen your relationship with God.
2. Let Christian values guide you. Be generous and of service to others.
3. Pray. Let the children see you pray and pray with them in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.
4. Share faith. Talk with children about how faith affects your life.
5. Make and demand sacrifice. Help children see both by example and by what you expect of them that a holy and happy life involves sacrifice.
6. Stay in touch. Get to know priests and religious by interacting with them as opportunities arise so that you are comfortable with them and understand their commitment.
7. Educate. Teach children you know about the option of a call to religious life or priesthood as well as the call to marriage or single life.
8. Support. If a child or young adult speaks of a desire to be a priest, deacon, brother or sister, be supportive.

I would like to take this opportunity to share my advice to anyone who is considering a priestly vocation. If you think God may be calling you to discern the priesthood of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to turn to the Lord in the form of the Eucharist.

When I began talking to Fr. Miguel about the possibility of entering the seminary, I was told to go and sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament and simply listen. Listen to what the Lord is saying to you. If you give Him the attention, He will be sure to communicate with you what He has in store for you and what His plans are for you.