MOTHER SETON COUNCIL 6724

From a Dad?s Point of View

Having a son preparing for a priestly vocation is a source of great pride for me. When I received the call from Sharon on behalf of Fr. Len my mind started jumping all over looking for ideas. Why did Tim decide to begin the discernment process? What events influenced that decision? As a family, how do we support him in the process?

I had attended a preparatory seminary in the late 50s and early 60s. What had influenced my decision? I attended Cure of Ars Catholic School through the 8th grade.  The Dominican nuns were forever reminding us that St Jean Vianney was the Patron Saint of Priests. More significant for me was the fact that he was a poor student, I could relate to that. I read the book You Can Change the World by Fr. James Keller, a Maryknoll missionary. I subscribed to Maryknoll Magazine and read each month of the daring exploits of those men in black as they brought the Lord?s message to exotic locales. My journey was cut short when my Dad became disabled and I felt obligated to support my Mom and Dad. Several years later I met Bonnie and we started to grow a family that would blossom with five wonderful children.

I share that beginning because I would often share the stories of my time in the seminary with my children. As a family both Bonnie and I have always tried to be faithful to our vocation as parents. Mass on Sundays and Holy Days was always a priority even if it meant a 20 mile trip in the opposite direction on a vacation Sunday. Each day always starts with the Morning Offering and prayers before meals. Vacations often included side trips to religious shrines. Since I was born on the feast of Our Lady?s  Immaculate Conception our whole family has always rooted for Notre Dame?s Fighting Irish.

Tim attended Holy Spirit School where he served as an altar boy. He had many wonderful role models among the priests over the years. We attended a Boy Scout weekend retreat at Camp Allamuchy in New Jersey where we witnessed a fully robed Bishop Rodimer step into a canoe and trust two teenage boys to safely traverse the lake for his arrival to celebrate the Holy Mass. Later Tim would serve in the U.S. Navy and would often comment on the fine men who served as chaplains.

Who knows how a lifetime of stories and experiences can influence a decision when finally that calling from the Lord comes. Oh, there was also Granny who prayed daily for Tim and more than encouraged him to serve the Lord. I sometimes wonder if Tim joined the Navy to escape Granny?s cajoling to avoid what now seems like the inevitable as the Hound of Heaven continues His pursuit.

As a Fraternal Agent for the Knights of Columbus, a position I have taken in retirement because of my affinity to Fr. Michael J. McGivney, I visit 500 families a year. At every encounter I put in a plug for vocations. I start by asking What is the average age of a Catholic priest in the United States? Most people are amazed to learn that the answer is 70. Through the Order I seek daily to encourage families to support our priests, deacons and seminarians and to respond positively to a family member who might want to discern a vocation.

As for me, I feel blessed that God has called one from our family.

 - Tom Cummings, III