Show Notes

On this episode of Beyond Sunday, Nicole and Rakhi welcome guest Fr. Craig Giera to discuss how to bring the topic of vocation to the priesthood into family conversations. They discuss when and how to bring the topic into ongoing dialogue and how to encourage your children to consider their vocations in general.

This episode of Beyond Sunday is sponsored by the PIME Missionaries’ Sponsorships at a Distance Program. This school year, become a PIME Sponsor to give the gift of an education to a student in an isolated mission-country, and break the cycle of poverty for a child, youth, person living with disabilities, or seminarian. See how you can support a student in need at pimeusa.org/52sponsorships.

(1:26) Nicole introduces guest Fr. Craig Giera, Director of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, in honor of the upcoming Priesthood Sunday and asks him rapid fire questions.

(7:36) Rakhi says that they will discuss how family life can foster a call to the priestly vocation.

(9:58) Fr. Craig says that conversations about a vocation to the priesthood can start early and shares his path toward considering the vocation for himself.

(12:00) Fr. Craig shares that it was helpful that his mom encouraged him toward the priesthood. 

(14:34) Fr. Craig shares the stories he’s heard from men that foreshadowed a call to the priesthood. 

(16:03) Fr. Craig says that there is no one way to come to the Lord or to your vocation. 

(17:04) Rakhi asks for his advice on discerning a call to diosecan priesthood vs. a religious order, and he shares the differences between the options.

(19:00) Nicole says that we need to have an ongoing, broader dialogue with kids about their future based on the gifts God has given them.

(20:25) Rakhi suggests incorporating the language of vocation into conversation, as we are all called to one.

(20:45) Fr. Craig encourages parents, especially moms, to pray over their children.

(21:45) Fr. Craig says that he can be contacted and resources accessed at detroitpriestlyvocations.com.

(22:38) Nicole says that the challenge of the week is for parents to consider if the priesthood has been part of our family conversations about what children want to be when they grow up and to pray for the vocations of each of their children.

This episode of Beyond Sunday is sponsored by the PIME Missionaries’ Sponsorships at a Distance Program. This school year, become a PIME Sponsor to give the gift of an education to a student in an isolated mission-country, and break the cycle of poverty for a child, youth, person living with disabilities, or seminarian. See how you can support a student in need at pimeusa.org/52sponsorships.