Dear Brthers and Sisters,

I like to write something about our vocation and mission to be effective faith formators. The apostles’ mission was to proclaim God’s kingdom in word and deed by teaching and healing.  And in a way, that is every baptized Christians’ vocation, to be a witness of Christ to those around us.  All we have to do is pray and listen for God’s call.  Each person may be called to raise a family where faith starts at home, to be a consecrated single person, or serve the Church as an ordained priest or religious brother or sister.  

But, when God does call, will we say as Moses did, “Who am I to do such a task?  I am slow of speech and tongue.  Please send someone else.”  Most will reject God’s initial call, because we feel unprepared for the mission.  God understands and reaffirms us with his words, “I will be with you.”  This is similar to what I experienced in my own vocational journey towards the priesthood.  I don’t have a big story to tell behind my vocation. I was born and raised up in a very practicing catholic family. We attended church regularly, we had family prayers every evening, I was an altar boy since my 5^th grade until I go to the seminary in 1992 and was able to get the guidance from many holy priests and nuns, and most importantly I got very good and holy faith formators in my faith formation classes.

But during the 11 years of my seminary formation, I have experienced doubts, confusions and at times I found it very difficult to take a decision whether to go forward or quit. I went to the chapel and spent several hours in front of the blessed Sacrament to find an answer. When God gives an answer, I would ask like Moses, ‘Who am I to do such a task’? Finally, God guided me through all difficult situations, and  made me strong to accept my vocation to priesthood. My call is no more unique than how God calls each and every one of us to live in accordance with his will.

I mentioned about my faith formation teachers. I came to know about a situation in our parish where we don’t have enough faith formators. The faith formation coordinator told me the other day; nobody is willing to teach in faith formation classes. I wish to have different teachers for each class, because the faith experiences of different people will help the kids to grow in their faith. Unless we have strong faith, unless we are practicing our faith, how can we form someone in faith. I have been in small parishes before, they all had somebody to teach in each class even if there is only one kid. Ours is comparatively a larger parish, we have so many good and practicing Catholics here. I know it is not easy to deal with kids. But it is great challenge and vocation to form our kids in faith. Take the challenge and help the parish. Though we have a faith formation program, we see very few kids in the church. I like to see more kids and youngsters in the church. I like to see this worshipping community growing year by year. It will not be possible unless we form our kids in faith. So I request you to come forward to help with faith formation by teaching in one of the classes. You don’t need a degree. Your faith is your qualification. The rest of what you need will be given by the Spirit of God.

Fr. Binu Joseph.