Encouraging Homegrown Religious Vocations

Jesus Christ calls us to spread the Good News. Fostering religious vocations is one of the most effective ways to answer that call. Sensitive to the issue, Catherine contacted us on Facebook and asked us to discuss ways we can foster these vocations.It’s a timely topic, and today, Mary Ellen and Ginny are delighted to discuss ways to foster vocation in our homeschool families. Show Notes:Hey, you are already fostering vocations because you homeschool.  Homeschooled men are four times more likely to enter the seminary when compared to Catholic school graduates.*In 2023, 11% of newly ordained priests had been homeschooled. 14% of newly professed members of religious orders had been homeschooled.*Based on a study by The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate – known as CARA – at Georgetown UniversityOther Ways to Foster Homegrown VocationsHave more kids if you are blessed to do so! In 2013, most ordinations came from families with four or more children.  Use Catholic materials in your homeschool.  A solid catechism program is essential, and it can be enhanced by adding biographies of the saints, many of whom were priests or religious.  Learning about the significant role Catholics, especially Catholic religious, have played in history and science can be inspiring to young minds.Show your children the beauty of the Catholic Church. Expand your horizons - Visit your diocesan cathedral.  When traveling, look for beautiful churches, shrines, convents, and monasteries to inspire your children.  Consider retreats and spiritual direction for high school students.  An older student who shows interest in the priesthood or religious life may greatly benefit from one-on-one attention.  See what is available in your area.Check out this interview we did with Fr. Phillip Schumaker.  It’s definitely worth a listen.Father Schumaker- Encouraging Faithfulness and Vocations in your Students 3/8/24Father Andrew Clark’s Video: Homeschooling and VocationsHomeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services