By Father Garrett Nelson, Director of Vocations
“Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10).
These profound words of our Savior were addressed to St. Peter on the shores of the Sea of Galilee two millennia ago, and they still resonate in the hearts of believers to this day. Peter, who was a fisherman by trade, had just confessed his unworthiness, not only to follow the God-Man, but even to be in the presence of Our Blessed Lord. Falling to his knees he said, “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8).
Nevertheless, Jesus chose to make him the primary instrument whereby countless men and women would come to believe and love His Holy Name, and therefore be saved. Peter was called to be a fisher of men, and that call continues to resound today in the hearts of men who are called to the priesthood and women called to consecrated life.
But where are the fishers of men of this generation? We hear about the “vocations crisis” that affects the entire Church. Where are the courageous Saints who will rise up and forcefully take this rapidly deteriorating world by storm—claiming souls in the name of Jesus Christ?
They are in our parishes. They are in the pews sitting next to you. They are in our youth groups and in our schools. The call of the Savior, “follow me,” is on the heart of countless young people around us—not just off in the distance somewhere, but right here among us. Those who are called know who they are.
Every excuse in the book can be made to run from the voice of Jesus. We may, like St. Peter cry out, “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man,” but it is precisely that humble and repentant recognition of our unworthiness that prompts the response: “Do not be afraid.”
In the diocesan pastoral plan, Bishop Warfel has boldly made the promulgation of this call a priority by appointing a full time Director of Vocations. But, the work of encouraging vocations lies not just with one individual, nor is it simply the duty of priests. Vocations grow from families that support them—both biological and parish families. Vocations arise where generosity of life and boldness of proclamation of the Gospel are fostered—where our youth are encouraged not to seek their happiness in the passing things of this life, but to live a life worthy of being called a Christian, bearing the name of Christ and becoming a living sacrifice with Him.
A religious vocation is something that is supernatural, and God does not cease to call. Are you listening?
Fr. Garrett Nelson is the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. If you feel called to the priesthood or religious life, he is happy to help you discern God’s call.
gnelson@diocesegfb.org, (406)852-3301
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