Reflection from Fr. Luis Pablo

Dear friends,
 
This week, I gathered with vocation directors, associate vocation directors, and vocation administrative assistants from all over the country for the 63rd annual National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) at the Retreat and Conference Center of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York. It was a great opportunity not only to learn about vocation work, but also to connect, share, and pray with other priests and laypeople involved in the ministry of fostering priestly vocations. At first, when I heard about the convention, I thought it would focus only on vocation outreach, the discernment process, seminary applications, and the care of seminarians. However, over these days, I have learned that while the conference does cover these topics, it also dedicates substantial time to prayer and reflection on the well-being and holiness of those serving in vocation ministry, especially vocation directors.
 
In addition to the main conference, NCDVD offers the Vocare Institute, a three-day training program for new vocation directors, which I personally found very insightful. The workshop equipped me with practical tools and new ideas to continue promoting vocations in our diocese; however, it also gave me the opportunity to share the experiences, questions, and hopes that have emerged since I began this new assignment. As I listened to the presenters and other vocation directors, I thought about the significant vocation work we have already done around the diocese. I firmly believe that if everyone continues doing their part, vocation work in the diocese will continue to flourish, and we will continue inspiring young people to discern their vocation. We know that God alone calls, but our role is to invite them—to let them know that God might be calling them to a particular vocation. Moreover, the Vocare Institute reminded me that striving to live my priestly ministry joyfully is my best way to foster vocations.

After the three-day training, the main convention began. This conference had a completely different structure, with keynote speakers, workshops, breakout sessions, exhibits, and presentations from sponsors. I was impressed by the number of resources available to encourage and foster vocations in our country. In the first keynote lecture, Bishop Donald J. Hying from the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, spoke about the essential qualities a parish priest needs in order to lead and serve. He highlighted three: self-knowledge, humility, and empathy/compassion. I was moved by his reflection, witness, and words of wisdom. His words made me think about how I am living—or striving to live—these three essential virtues. I also think these qualities are meant to be lived by all the faithful. If we all strive to live these qualities, we will become more compassionate and other-centered. When someone is able to go out of himself or herself, he or she can become a gift for others, and this is what discerning a vocation is all about. Discernment means asking myself: How can I become a gift for others? Where in my Church or community do I see a need—an opportunity to serve and bring compassion? 

As I return to the diocese, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude, renewed enthusiasm, and fresh energy, committed to continuing this beautiful yet challenging ministry of fostering vocations. It is my hope and prayer that, together as a local Church, we can continue inspiring young people to take the risk of getting out of their comfort zones, encounter Jesus, and become a true gift for others.

St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests, pray for us!
 

Those discerning a vocation, or anyone who would like to speak with someone in the Vocations Office, may contact Fr. Luis Pablo Ochoa-Escarrega at 520.838.2530 or [email protected].