October 12, 2012

On October 12, Fr. Christopher and Br. Ignacio participated in a FOCUS 11 Calling All 5th Graders vocations day at Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore. The day’s activities were initiated and coordinated mainly by members of Region IV of NRVC (National Religious Vocations Conference). Many in consecrated religion and the priesthood have said that their first consideration of such a vocation came to them as early as age eleven. About 500 fifth graders from Catholic schools in the Baltimore diocese attended with their teachers and chaperons for a day of songs, skits, panels, games and awards to help raise their awareness of the possibility of a dedicated way of life in service of the church. Archbishop Lori gave an inspiring welcome describing his own call to the priesthood, and Auxiliary Bishop Madden led the liturgy service. St. Anselm’s shared a table with our Benedictine sisters from Emmanuel Monastery in Lutherville, Md., for brochures and other handouts for the children to take with them. We know we are just ‘planting seeds’ and hope that others down the line will ‘water them’ in order that God may give the church the increase.