Sometimes it is hard for parents when their son first tells them they are discerning priesthood. There are many questions and thoughts that go through the minds of parents: Will my son be lonely? Is he too young? Will he be happy? I want grandchildren!
Maria and James Glenn are the parents of seminarian Ryan Glenn of Mountain Top. We had the opportunity to ask them a few questions in an effort to help other parents.
*What was your first reaction when you
learned that your son wanted to study for priesthood?
Maria: When Ryan first told us that he
was applying to the seminary, I was not surprised. Yet, I was ecstatic, happy,
grateful and of course, I got all choked up! As a mother, it is amazing to see
how God works in mysterious ways. I am blessed that Ryan is discerning and
answering God's call to the priesthood.
James:
My
first reaction was one of pure joy and elation. My wife and I truly felt
blessed that God called our son to the priesthood. I wasn't surprised by Ryan's
decision because even at a young age, he demonstrated a genuine concern and
regard for the down trodden. As he grew older, Ryan participated in college
service trips to feed the hungry and build housing for the homeless.
*What is like to have a son who is a
seminarian?
Maria: It is an honor
and a blessing!
James:
We
have two other sons and a daughter and are proud of their accomplishments.
There does exist a special sense of pride knowing Ryan is in the seminary. Each
seminarian goes through years of religious formation to be absolutely sure this
is the life they want to lead. The ultimate goal is to serve God's people in a
diocesan parish.
*What advice would you give to parents whose
son is discerning priesthood?
Maria: My
advice to parents is to be supportive as it is a life-changing and a tough
decision to become a priest, but having said that, to also let them know that
this is an invitation from Christ, it is God calling their son to the
priesthood. Who could argue with that? It is an honor that their son is
discerning priesthood.
James: My
wife and I were sad to learn many seminarians do not receive parental or family
support. One seminarian we met at St. Mary’s Seminary related that his father
has ceased communications with him. Can you imagine the pressure placed on this
man? My advice to any parent whose son is discerning the priesthood is to
give him all your love, support and encouragement. God only calls a finite
number of special men to the priesthood. These young men are not entering the
seminary wearing blinders. They know their discernment is counter cultural by
today's society. The church today is in dire need of good priests. Why not your
son? God will never abandon them.
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Ryan Glenn is pictured with his parents Maria and James at his
Institution
as Lector and Acolyte during Saint Mary’s “Family and Friends
Weekend.”
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