Vocations/Priest Shortage

Proposal 4: Support Bishop Carlson's Diocesan Vocation Initiative

Proposal text:     Create a task force to identify how the three Midland parishes can best support Bishop Carlson's Diocesan Vocation Initiative. The Bishop's initiative addresses a number of topics mentioned in the Fall Gatherings and listening sessions. These include:

• Determine why seminarians leave the seminary.
• Determine how to make the role of Priest (deacon) more desirable.
• Research the ebb and flow of the priesthood in the past or in other geographies to see if there are solutions available to us.
• Work together with the bishop to involve him in our vocation efforts
• Increase prayer, adoration and other spiritual practices directed toward the call to priestly vocations.
• Sponsor (financially and spiritually) men in priestly vocations.
• Sponsor a gathering on some frequency for priests to share with men (all ages) in the parish/vicariate their own experiences in discernment and now that they are priests share the good, the bad and the ugly. Could really be done with all youth (and furthermore with all roles in the parish).
• Address how to discern a calling in life throughout life, not just with youth. These callings include:
• Married life
• Being a parent
• Being a lay minister
• Being a consecrated religious
• Being a deacon
• Being a priest
• Remain open to the Holy Spirit in leading us forward through this challenge

Proposal 5: Educate parishioners about the realities of priestly life

Proposal text:     Educate parishioners on the "real life" of a priest so we can understand how to support our current priests and uplift our esteem for the role.

• Pastoral demands
• Work schedule
• Diocesan duties
• Family life/commitments
• Continuing Education and personal development
• Opportunities to develop community and fellowship with other priests.
• Personal likes and dislikes

Proposal 6: Educate parishioners in their role of active laity

Proposal text:     Educate parishioners in their role of active laity. Clearly identify (de-mystify) roles which can be done by the laity. These include:

• Lay ministers
• Spiritual Directors
• Participation in a parish committee
• Establish a mentoring mentality in the parish.

Proposal 7: Assist parishioners in discerning their call to pastoral ministry

Proposal text:     Provide opportunities for those interested in pastoral ministry to discern their call. Some possibilities for this include:

• Retreats
• Days of reflection
• Opportunities to dialogue with those knowledgeable about the field of pastoral ministry

Proposal 8: Develop an internship program at the three Midland parishes for students in pastoral ministry

Proposal text:     Our three parishes would work together to sponsor internships for students in pastoral ministry from nearby schools (for example, Assumption and Mary Grove). We would also explore the possibility of providing a monetary stipend to those who participate in the internship program.