Becoming a priest is by no means the only way of responding to this love of God. It is one obvious way in which a person can not only live this love, but also share it with others. Yet many parents, even people who themselves are quite active in the Church, seem to be uncomfortable with the idea of a son or daughter considering priesthood or religious life. A Temporary Culture We live in a world of change. Many of the things which we used to think of as permanent have become temporary.
People are slow to make commitments.
Parents are, understandably, anxious. Yet, week after week, fathers quite happily walk their daughters up the aisle to be given in marriage. To be a priest is quite demanding in human terms. To a large extent this is because we are engaged in serving people, and people can sometimes be quite demanding. Our ministry frequently brings us into contact with people in their moments of sadness, suffering, or sinfulness.