It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise that occupations and professions often run in families! It is not uncommon to see signs on business premises and vehicles that read “So-and-so and Son” (These days it can even be ‘and daughter’).  My father was a teacher, and I became a teacher. My uncle was a doctor, an orthopaedic surgeon, and his son, my cousin, is an orthopaedic surgeon. And now, in the third generation, his daughter is studying medicine. I know a family of six siblings—all of whom are chiropractors! Late last year, I was working with a printer, creating a new brochure. Phone calls and e-mails were flying back and forth between us. One day, I rang to speak to him, only to be informed that he had taken ill, and would be away on sick leave for the foreseeable future. Naturally, I was concerned for him, but I was also concerned for me! My heart sank and my mind went into overdrive! This would mean a delay and I had a deadline! My panic, however, was short-lived, as the young voice at the other end said: “But I’m his daughter, and I’ve been working on this project with him.” Then, as if she had read my thoughts, she assured me: “I can help you, and there won’t be any hold-up!” Yet another example of a family business! No doubt most people could cite similar situations.

Why do occupations and professions often run in families? Of course there must be many factors and variables that come into play and contribute to this reality. Obviously, the perennial nature-nurture debate would be central to any discussion around this question. There is one factor, however, that must, unquestionably, be a major contributor to this phenomenon—and that is the influence of older role-models upon the younger generation, especially those children and young adults with whom they have a significant relationship. I have no doubt that one of the major reasons why younger people have followed in the footsteps of grandparents, parents or older siblings is that these people have been positive role-models, who com­municated to them, perhaps even wordlessly, that they love their profession or occupation, and that it could well be a viable choice for them.

I would respectfully suggest that priests, sisters and brothers could do well to reflect on this reality with regard to fostering interest in religious vocations. I have so often heard, either directly, or indirectly, of priests and religious women and men who have said: ‘Why would anyone want to join us?” ... or something to that effect!  This tired line has been around for at least two decades, and, quite frankly, I find this kind of thinking difficult to fathom!  My response is always an emotional one.  Here we go again! I find it angers, saddens and frustrates me.  Every time I hear of something spoken in that vein, I find myself asking these same questions: “Why have you stayed?  ...Are you living a lie?  … Has your life been so negative or meaningless that you wouldn’t want to invite someone else to take it on board?”

Of course I am not so naive as to be unaware that there are many challenges which need to be addressed around the question of inviting and accepting new members, especially the reality of age and cultural and generational gaps.  The oft-asked question “What are we inviting them into?’ is obviously a valid one, which calls for urgent and honest exploration— and action!  But, if we seriously believe that our charism (be it that of diocesan priesthood or consecrated life) has not run its course—and most charisms haven’t— this question cannot be used as a cop-out, an excuse for either not inviting, or actively blocking potential new membership!

Sandra Schneiders IHM, in her recent, monu­mental tome “Selling All”, addresses this issue of fostering and inviting new membership in her inimitable rank and challenging way:

[Priestly and Religious] Vocations, like health, are God’s gift, but that does not obviate legitimate effort on our part to promote them. Especially because so many younger Catholics have had no exposure to Religious in parish or school, there is a real need to present the life to them if incipient vocations are to be recognised and encouraged. If Religious believe their life is worth living, is indeed a gift of God to themselves, the Church, and to the world, they should be eager to offer it as a possibility to others. If professors challenge their students to consider higher education or research as a life work, and doctors invite talented young people to apply for medical school, should not happy Religious invite spiritually idealistic young people to take a look at Religious Life?

(Religious Life in a New Millennium: Volume 2 Selling All)

These words gladden my heart—as did my recent experience of sharing a week with a bunch of over a hundred vocations ministers, formators and congregational leaders during CVMA’s Fostering Psychosexual Integration workshop. Like Sandra Schneiders’ words, their optimism about the future of religious life and ordained ministry, their first­hand accounts of their efforts to cultivate a vocational culture in their local area, their courage in inviting new members, their news of enquirers (and there are many of them ‘out there’!), of candidates, of recent or forthcoming professions and/or ordinations …were all music to my ears!

Fostering new membership is the privilege and responsibility of all of us! Let us keep in mind that every single one of us, irrespective of our age or ministry, can be a very significant role-model for younger people.  Let all of us be mindful, at all times, we are our best—or our worst—advertisements! Let all of us be continually inspired by Jesus, the role-model par-excellence, who treasured his vocation and his ‘craft’, and who contin­ually invited others to ‘come and see’. Let all of us too, remember that inviting the future is OUR call!

                                                          Mary Ryan RSJ

First published in VocNet – Journal of Catholic Vocations Ministry Australia.  Winter 20