Bishop Wester and Holy Cross sisters present vocations to Skaggs Catholic Center students
DRAPER — The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, met with the boys from Juan Diego Catholic High School and Saint John the Baptist Middle School, while Holy Cross Sisters Miriam Joanne Frankenfield, Veronica Fajardo and Patricia Rodriguez from Holy Cross Ministries met with the girls for vocation presentations at the Skaggs Catholic Center April 16.
The 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations is held on Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter; it was celebrated April 21 in the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Prior to the presentation, the students were introduced to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life in their theology classes and did research online.
"We want the students to gain some awareness of vocations and perhaps plant a seed or give them some thought and reflection on their own calling to a vocation or to celebrate and live out their baptismal call as lay ministers in the church," said Bob Jackson, Juan Diego Campus Life director and theology teacher.
"Everybody has a call because God loves each of us," Bishop Wester said. "If you have a vocation that means God is calling you to live a vowed, consecrated life."
He also responded to the boys’ comments and questions.
Some students said they would feel uncomfortable discussing a calling with classmates because they might be unsure of the calling, they know fewer men are becoming priests and there are the sacrifices of not getting married or having a family.
"Being a priest is not an easy life, but on the other hand if you are called, it is a very fulfilling life," Bishop Wester said. "I have never been happier being a priest."
Bishop Wester was aware of his calling in the fifth grade and entered the seminary when he was 13. "It was difficult for me because I was homesick," he said. "My folks told me I could leave if I wanted to, but I was in the seminary for 12 years.
" If you are thinking of being a priest or a brother, don’t dismiss the idea because God is calling you in his way and your own way," Bishop Wester said.
The Holy Cross sisters also told the girls to listen to God’s voice.
"We want the girls to consider religious life if they feel that call or are drawn to it," said Sr. Veronica. "It’s OK to pay attention to a calling; it’s an option in life."
The sisters also talked about the history of the Congregation of the Holy Cross of priests, brothers and sisters and their founder, Blessed Basil Moreau.
"We are an international congregation of sisters founded in France in 1841," said Sr. Veronica. "In 1844, the first group of sisters came to South Bend, Ind. The family of Holy Cross is modeled after the Holy Family. The priests are dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus, the brothers are dedicated to Saint Joseph and the sisters are dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows."
The three sisters shared their vocational stories and how it was they felt called to religious life. They also talked about life in community, praying together, their spiritual life and their ministries of education, health, immigration, as lawyers and their charism to meet the needs of the world.
Jocelyn Alcala, a Juan Diego senior, has heard a call to religious life and she has spoken to her pastor for guidance. Father John Evans of Saint Andrew Parish in Riverton introduced her to the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist," she said.
"It was interesting to see how the different orders live," Alcala said. "I want to go into education and I liked the Sisters of the Holy Cross because they had a lot of different types of ministries and they focused on the needs in society and in the world. I just want to encourage others that if they have a feeling that they are being called to speak to a sister or a priest."
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