5.1b. Exchange of experiences
b) AN EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES:
The following are important reflective contributions to Vocation Ministry offered by Fr. Ivon D’ Almeida sfx[1] (pp. 6-7):
A. The trends and the changing patterns with regards to the recruitment of candidates to priesthood and consecrated life in the Western region
The many influences, which have affected the present-day response to religious life and priesthood, are:
1. Materialism
2. Changing trends in the Family
3. Ulterior motives/ Lack of motivation
4. Impact of Media
5. Demanding Academic System
B. The challenges and difficulties faced by the Vocation Promoters
The above-mentioned changing patterns and trends contribute largely to the challenges and difficulties that the vocation promoters face. To highlight some:
1. Background of Candidates
2. Background of the Vocation Promoters
3. Parish Priests’ Co-operation:
4. Negative opinion about priests and religious
5. Competition among Vocation Promoters
6. Lack of Faith Formation
7. The Spirit of Professionalism
C. Socio- cultural and Psychological characteristics of candidates
1. Parish no more an epicenter of activities
2. Strengths of the Candidates
3. Family
4. Recent atrocities against Christian Missionaries
D. Suggestion to the Formators for initial stages of formation
1. The candidates should be given more free time to be themselves. A tight schedule creates stress in the youth. Coming from home, they need time to feel at home with the new environment and so need to have a flexible timetable.
2. The Formators should be up-to-date, qualified, exemplary, ready to sacrifice, mature, spiritual, should know the techniques to lead the young. They should know and understand the background of the families of the candidates, their language and culture. They need to be very patient and understanding in their dealings with the shy and timid candidates by offering them acceptance, love and support. Provide them with opportunities to recognize and use their talents. In the families they have enjoyed a lot of love and care, likewise, a similar atmosphere needs to be maintained by the Formators.
3. The Formators must be persons of deep faith. The candidate by leaving one’s family and other prospects behind has made an initial sacrifice; therefore, the Formators must show respect and consideration. This must be coupled with discipline and a discerning spirit from the part of the formees, which the formators are gradually called to enable or equip the formees with. The Formators are called to have a lot of patience and interest in the growth of the candidate. Give opportunities to bring out their talents.
Candidates come from small families and so are in need of a friendly atmosphere and personal formation. Formators need to accompany the Formees by befriending them so that they can freely share their experiences, struggles, likes and dislikes. Do not expect sudden changes in the formees, or over burden them with a heavy course of religious study, have patience as they come from remote areas and take time to adjust, give them the required attention, love and care; capitalize on their enthusiasm; train them to be committed and responsible and help them to be accountable. For this, the Formator needs to be totally involved and available, be exemplary and above all, be a role model.
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Dimensions of vocation work:[2]
- Structures for Vocation Promotion and Accompaniment
In the Congregation there are many different structures for Vocation Promotion and Accompaniment. Although the structures may vary, some common elements are universal. The details through which these elements are exercised need to be determined in each (V) Province. Whether or not a Unit is actively engaged in RYVM will affect the ways in which these elements are implemented.
Coordinator of Vocation Ministry
The Ratio Formationis C.Ss.R. requires that at least one confrere is appointed as coordinator of the vocation ministry in each Unit. What is essential is the appointment of at least one confrere who has direct responsibility for Vocation Ministry. Ideally, this should be the principal ministry of this confrere.
Office for Vocation Ministry
The experience of the Congregation demonstrates the importance of establishing an office for Vocation Ministry, with the essential resources necessary for the effective carrying out of the ministry. It is especially helpful to have a stable address, telephone number and email to facilitate initial contacts with interested persons.
Accountability and Support within the (V) Province
The Coordinator of Vocational Ministry is appointed by the (V) Provincial Superior and accountable to and supported by the (V) Provincial Council. In some (V) Provinces, this accountability and support is effective through the Formation Secretariat; in others, there is a commission for RYVM which serves in this capacity; in still others, there is a special Vocations Commission. It is important that the Coordinator of Vocation Ministry is supported and assisted by other confreres and structures in the (V) Province for the effective fulfilment of his appointment.
- Vocation Promotion
It is essential for the Apostolic Life of the Congregation that every member becomes responsible for the fostering of vocations. We believe that God continues to call men to give their lives for plentiful redemption as Redemptorists – and Vocation Promotion announces this call in a public and clear manner. The Church calls all Christians – and especially priests and religious men and women – to collaborate in establishing and promoting a ‘culture of vocation’ in the contemporary world.
- Vocation Promotion with the Confreres of the (V) Province
In order for each confrere to assume responsibility for fostering vocations, the coordinator of vocation ministry must work with the members of his (V) Province to help them realize effective ways in which they can do this. Vocation promotion must engage all the members in practical ways.
1. Publication of a bulletin or newsletter for Redemptorist communities and for all confreres offers important information about the actual vocation work of the Unit, in particular about vocation retreats, meetings, gatherings, etc.
2. Preparation and distribution of catechetical and homiletic materials for vocation work in our parishes, missions, and communities.
3. Special proposals such as prayers for vocations, religious services and days of prayer for new vocations, ideas for special Masses for Vocations which can be celebrated each month. In some Units these days of prayer or special Masses are celebrated on the First Thursday.
4. Visits to Redemptorist Communities and Parishes to preach and promote vocations and to meet local contacts. Special sermons and services, meetings with youth (Day for Consecrated Life, Redemptorist Feast Days, National Vocations Week or Good Shepherd Sunday (Vocation Sunday). Members of the Vocation Team, formators, lecturers and seminarians are in charge of these Vocation Sundays in some Units, preaching special sermons about vocation, Redemptorist life and our formation. Our seminarians share their experiences with youth (they can have special meetings with altar boys, and other parish youth groups).
5. The members of the Vocation Team could take part in the meetings for Redemptorist missionaries (if this kind of meeting is held). They can encourage our missionaries to preach about vocation and Redemptorist life, and they can distribute special information, folders, booklets for youth during mission, retreats, etc.
6. Members of the Vocation Team can be involved in some catechetical lessons in our parishes to have a contact with the youth.
7. Regular prayer for Vocations (daily prayers, Masses, adoration). Prayer groups could be established in parishes and in seminaries for supporting vocation ministry. In some Units, there is a special day of prayer for vocations in every Redemptorist community.
8. Some Units have a special Welcome Home as a way of discerning vocation for candidates. This is a special community house where young people can live with Redemptorists.
4. Promotion of Vocation to the Redemptorist Apostolic Life
Vocation promotion requires a clear and public announcement that we believe God continues to call men to our Apostolic Life. There are many concrete ways of promoting our vocation.
1. Publication of Redemptorist newsletters, booklets, brochures, magazines and books (articles about Redemptorists, Redemptorist spirituality, especially with historical information about Alphonsus and his writings, and the spirituality of our Saints and Blessed, articles and essays by various Redemptorists on themes of mission and spirituality). These may be sent to people interested in vocation subjects. (Although the written brochures and information leaflets are sometimes useful, these can become outdated very quickly, and information constantly needs changing, which can become quite expensive.)
2. Preparation and distribution of promotional items: Redemptorist crosses, book-marks, prayer cards. Calendars, wristbands and lanyards – that direct the recipient to our website with all information about vocation, history, spirituality, ministry and mission.
3. Where possible we may use our Redemptorist mass-media in our vocation ministry. The Vocation Team could prepare special programs and broadcasts.
4. Where we have no access to our own mass-media we may advertise through Catholic Papers, University Papers, School Papers.
5. The Vocation Team could have a webpage <www> about vocation work, where young people could find presentations about different vocations, calendar of activities, contacts etc. Usually this page is connected with (V) Provincial web-page. Some experiences tell us that most people, particularly the young, utilize the internet as a first point of contact. It is critical then, that a website be attractive, up-to-date and interactive. In many countries religious congregations have a common vocation webpage with information about different charisms and spiritualities.
6. Special vocation bulletin boards and announcements could be in every Redemptorist church (with all necessary information, addresses, etc.). Some parishes have Vocation Booths or Vocation Corners for promoting our way of life throughout the year, along with promoting local discernment events.
7. Where possible invitations to speak in schools during the Easter retreats, National Vocations Week, etc. should be sought
8. Attending University Programs and Conferences, maintaining good relations and connections with University Campus Ministers is important.
9. Maintaining lists of potential contacts received through inquiries and vocation mailings. (In some Units the Vocation Ministers are changed, often and it is useful to have a special database with necessary information about potential candidates.)
10. The Vocation Ministers could provide opportunities for ongoing discernment and Inquiry Programs.
11. Our Redemptorist presence at novenas and missions is the best witness for candidates (of course it is not only the job for the Vocation Team).
12. Spiritual direction and the ministry of the sacrament of reconciliation for our candidates are an integral part of this.
13. Collaboration with many different Catholic Youth Groups is also vital.
- Collaboration with the local Church and other Religious Communities in the Promotion of Vocations
The Church calls all of us to collaborate in establishing and promoting a ‘culture of vocations’ in an increasingly secular contemporary world. The Redemptorist Coordinator of Vocation Ministry is not in competition with such efforts, but will benefit from collaborating with other priests and religious men and women in this ministry.
1. Collaboration with “The Provincial Youth Secretary” especially about the organization and activity of pastoral work with youth in the Unit. The Vocation Team could have a special role in organizing such events e.g. prayer and cultural meetings, sports competitions.
2. Promotion of our work through initiatives undertaken by National Conferences of Bishops, such as their websites and Vocation Congresses and Youth Days.
3. Maintaining memberships with inter-congregational Vocation Teams in regions.
4. Participation in gatherings and conferences hosted by the National Church and its National Vocations Committee.
6. Vocation Accompaniment
Initial Contact with Possible Candidates
Possible candidates for Redemptorist Apostolic Life will make contact in a variety of ways. Each Unit must develop a concrete approach.
1. Many of our contacts come through enquiries made via the internet, including contacts from all parts of the world. These we can refer to Redemptorists in their own country.
2. Some contact is made with young people through our ministries and apostolate.
3. Presence and connection to University Campus Ministry Conferences for Students is very fruitful.
4. Parish Visits – Advertise Retreats and Vocation Discernment Evenings, and activities with youth groups or school groups.
5. There are many good opportunities to start contact with young people interested in religious life during Catechetical classes.
6. There are many opportunities to meet young people in our shrines and sanctuaries. They are the privileged places for vocation work
7. Discernment with Serious Candidates
1. Experience teaches that a gentle and sustained contact works best. We could try to meet candidates in ordinary everyday life. We can invite them to attend Redemptorist activities, to visit our communities, and to read something about our life and charism. But at first it is better to visit with candidates, one-on-one, in a semi-social manner (conversation, meal, coffee)
2. The candidate should have a Spiritual Director. It is often better that this Director is a Redemptorist, but this is not a requirement.
3. Encourage participation in youth ministry activities and observe the candidate.
4. Through meetings and conversations, we can assist the candidate to discern the direction in which God is calling him.
5. We can utilize other confreres (not only from Vocation Team) to be a point of contact and wisdom.
6. Different kinds of retreats:
a) Spiritual retreats (4-5 days) during winter and summer breaks for boys and young men who are discerning their vocations.
b) SERVE: Summer Endeavour in a Redemptorist Volunteer Experience which is a two to six-week program that focuses on teaching young adults about Redemptorist Spirituality and service to the poor and abandoned.
c) Year End Retreats: emphasis on Eastern and Redemptorist spirituality.
b) Redemptorists can invite candidates to spend time in the community nearest their place of residence (especially where it is a problem with long distances for travel in Unit to go to the Formation Houses).
c) Vocation Camp – a two- or three-day meeting in the style of camping: going outside and staying in a natural environment, preparing their own meals, praying, singing, leading celebrations, etc. The subjects include vocation work and personal advice. The program is only for boys.
7. Days of recollection about vocation in different Redemptorist Centers during the school year.
8. For our candidates – meetings with our seminarians or communities (so-called: ‘Open Doors’, ‘Come and See Weekends and Evenings’). These can help to provide an introduction to Redemptorist life, spirituality and mission, along with the Formation Program.
9. Regular correspondence with those who are thinking about religious life (letters, e-mails, phone calls, etc.).
10. Regular and frequent visits to homes of our candidates. It helps discernment to meet the social, religious environment of the candidate.
11. Encourage participation in a local Redemptorist Parish or Redemptorist Community Events, or Redemptorist youth and young adult ministry.
12. Candidates could be offered an opportunity to live in community for a week, a month, or a year.
13. Encourage reading of recommended books.
14. Ask candidates to write about their sense of vocation, to write about their reading material etc.
15. Possibly permit them to sit in on Philosophy and Theology classes.
16. Spend a day with contemplative sisters and especially the Redemptoristines.
17. Days of Redemptorist Youth or ‘Summer Gatherings during vacation time. We could invite youth from our parishes for common prayer, reflection, sports, and times of recreation.
18. Encourage and participate in movements where young aspirants are advised, and can find a program of activities in order to discern their vocation. These movements often meet during the whole year for a couple of hours every week.
8. Process of Preparation for Admission to Formation
1. Test the candidates’ aptitude to work with and respect lay people by assigning them to work under the responsibility of a lay person.
2. Live-In Inquiry Program – 1 to 8-month opportunity for Contacts and Inquirers to live in a Redemptorist Community, while they continue to work, go to school etc. This is a supervised discernment experience where they share in our life from the ‘inside’ and have the opportunity to grow and challenge their understanding of what Redemptorist life is about and how they themselves can participate in that life in the future.
3. As a more intense approach to the application process emerges, the Inquirer undergoes a more comprehensive Assessment of his whole lifestyle which will serve as part of the recommendation process to the Acceptance Committee for Formation. This Assessment is facilitated by the Coordinator of Vocation Ministry.
9. Inculturation and Local Context
Knowledge of the local situation
Many of the opportunities, strategies, etc, listed above have been beneficial in different Units. We have different experiences in different Units of our Congregation. However, a few points should be highlighted.
We should remember “that the best and most successful ways of promoting vocations are our own apostolic zeal, the example of our life and constant prayer” (CC. 79-80).
1. Personal contact with candidate remains the best way to communicate.
2. Once initial contact is made, we can invite them to local events, for extended visits and dialogues.
3. The opportunities that seem most fruitful in the discernment process are also the ones where young men come to meet more Redemptorists – to learn, listen, share, and understand their personal calling through the experience of other Confreres. The same is true when we are able to bring together candidates from across the country or the Unit for Retreats, Meetings or other programs to have them learn from each other.
4. Weekend Retreats are good opportunities as well, because most retreats take place in the Rectory or Community Residence of the Redemptorists, thereby exposing them to a broader and local sense of the Redemptorists, apart from just that of the Coordinator of Vocation Ministry.
Target Groups and Effective Promotion
In some Units the Vocation Teams have good knowledge from which group of young people they have the biggest number of candidates e.g. altar-boys groups; mission preaching; parishes; RYVM; new immigrants especially in the first world. This knowledge is necessary to work more effectively.
[1] THE CHANGING PATTERNS IN THE RECRUITMENT OF CANDIDATES TO PRIESTHOOD AND CONSECRATED LIFE IN INDIA TODAY- WESTERN REGION, Article prepared by Fr. Ivon D’ Almeida, sfx. Each of these challenging elements are described, explained and justified in this article.
[2] Series on Redemptorist Formation, Manuale Formatorum, Rome, vol. 1, English Edition, Dimensions of Vocation Work, 2009, pp. 30 – 41.
