Tuesday, March 3, 2009

We're here, we're single, and we're not being listened to!

Nearly every week when I go to my Catholic parish, there is the constant invocation to "pray for vocations," that is, pray for people who are willing to become priests, sisters, brothers, and permanent deacons.

I've said this before, but I have to say it again: The way that is said -- pray for vocations -- apparently leaves no room whatsoever for the two other totally legitimate vocations that are available: Marriage and the single life. Married people get the shaft as it is, but it's us single people that really get shoved aside. I'm not the only single Catholic who feels that we're not treated as full members of the Church even though we've been baptized, taken communion, received the rite of confirmation.

Church dances and socials simply aren't enough. There has to be some kind of outreach to us singles to make us feel welcome. Right now, we still don't feel it. So the next time a priest asks us to "pray for vocations" maybe he should pray that us single people can find our place in our walk with Jesus. We're no less Catholic than someone who has taken a vow (real or imagined) of celibacy.

I'll "pray for vocations" when my church gives me six 40 oz. bottles of Jack Daniel's ™ as a going away present.

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

"We're here, we're single, and we're not being listened to!"

I'm listening lol!

BlastFurnace said...

Well, that makes two. Thanks. :-)

Babylonian777 said...

I agree with you in this respect. Are you actively invloved in your parish? KofC, youth leader, or just being around church? It's not like earlier times where life revolved around the parish in many respects, so you need to be more adaptable. I feel the same frustrations you feel, I will keep you in prayer.

:)