Second career vocations

Monday, January 10, 2011

*Father David Zirilli - Vocations Office

English Spanish

It used to be that if a young man entered the seminary in his 20s, he was considered a �late� vocation! That is not the case these days. There are certainly those men who discern the Lord�s call at a young age and know from their grade school years or in their teens that Christ is calling them to the priesthood. These men enter the seminary right out of high school.

But for many, that discernment takes a little longer � sometimes, a lot longer. In fact, during the last few decades, we have seen a growing trend toward what we might call �second career� vocations. Often, the perception of the Lord�s call comes during college, after graduation, or even after many years of work in a chosen profession. Is there a possibility that these men can become priests? The answer is: yes, absolutely!

The Gospels record that Jesus called fishermen, tax collectors, Pharisees and others to leave behind their former way of life in order to follow him. He continues to do the same today. Right now in the Archdiocese of Miami, there are priests serving in our parishes who were once doctors, attorneys, architects, investment bankers, teachers, entrepreneurs and a whole host of other professions. And in our seminary today, there are men who previously had careers as policemen, firefighters, accountants, pilots and many others. Our seminarians today are in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even in their 50s.

Have you felt the call of the Lord to become a priest but thought your opportunity had passed you by? Think again! Your chance to serve the Lord and his Holy Church is here and now!

For more information, call the Vocations Office at 305-762-1137 and visit our website at www.miamiarch.org/vocations. You may also e-mail me directly at [email protected].

"Lord, let me know clearly the work which you are calling me to do in life, and grant me every grace I need to answer your call with courage, love and lasting dedication to your will. Amen."

Comments from readers

Sister Lucia Ceccotti - 01/11/2011 08:51 PM

Dear Father Zirilli, as a Director of Vocation, you speak very well about a call to the priesthood. You do not mention about religious vocation, which is greatly needed. Is your office promoting religious life? I know that you will speak at the Visitation Church, my parish. Will you mention religious vocations? Our Lord still calls. Do you want to be His voice? Thank you Father. I assure you my prayer and gratitude for what you are and what you do for the Kingdom of God.

Liz Lantigua - 01/11/2011 02:39 PM

Hi Fr. Zirilli:
I remember when you were a seminarian and spoke at our house to our Club Spirit group of Middle School Students about your vocation. It is so important that we are all open to hear the calling-no matter the age- or whether it is to become a Priest, Nun, or Lay Minister. Our Lord is always calling us to make a difference. He calls the single, the retired, the married and the busy executives. We just have to put Him first and when we do, we see that nothing is impossible with God!

Sister Lucia Ceccotti - 01/11/2011 08:51 PM: Dear Father Zirilli, as a Director of Vocation, you speak very well about a call to the priesthood. You do not mention about religious vocation, which is greatly needed. Is your office promoting religious life? I know that you will speak at the Visitation Church, my parish. Will you mention religious vocations? Our Lord still calls. Do you want to be His voice? Thank you Father. I assure you my prayer and gratitude for what you are and what you do for the Kingdom of God.

Liz Lantigua - 01/11/2011 02:39 PM: Hi Fr. Zirilli:
I remember when you were a seminarian and spoke at our house to our Club Spirit group of Middle School Students about your vocation. It is so important that we are all open to hear the calling-no matter the age- or whether it is to become a Priest, Nun, or Lay Minister. Our Lord is always calling us to make a difference. He calls the single, the retired, the married and the busy executives. We just have to put Him first and when we do, we see that nothing is impossible with God!