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Discernment of vocation is involved process
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
The Rev. Christopher Luoni described the process of discernment about a vocation as casual and formal and part of a collaborative effort.
The vocation director in the Diocese of Youngstown said the casual part may involve parishioners. “Parish members may recognize qualities in a young man or woman,” he said, that would make them a good priest or nun. “Parish members should take an active role in helping youth.”
For those who feel a calling to ministry, Father Luoni said they are encouraged to talk with priests and nuns about religious life. “Everyone has a calling. Some are called by God as priests or to the religious life,” he said.
As the discernment process moves along, Father Luoni said it becomes more formal. For men thinking about the priesthood, he tries to pair a candidate with a priest “who can give good direction.” A candidate also wouldo participate in a retreat focused on vocations and meet with Father Luoni.
As the process moves forward, Father Luoni said, there is a extensive application process, background check, psychiatric and psychological testing. “After all that, a recommendation is made to Bishop [George] Murry,” Father Luoni said, adding that the bishop has the final decision to accept someone. After that process, the candidate goes through another application process for the seminary.
For women thinking about being a nun, Sister Joyce Candidi, director of the office of vowed religious in the diocese, is a resource. Father Luoni said a woman would be encouraged to match her “gifts and talents” to the charism (mission) of an order. Spending a weekend with the order also would be suggested. There is a discernent process for religious sisters and brothers.
“Working together gets people to the right place,” Father Luoni said.
Having a good nature, openness, sense of hospitality, compassion, “people person” and wanting to be of service are qualities often demonstrated by those seeking a religious life. “Living for Christ ... living a life of service is key,” Father Luoni said. Improving leadership skills and speaking ability can be addressed during the educational process.
Once a priest is ordained, he usually is an associate pastor as a first assignment. “He mentors with an pastor to experience how a parish is run and get experience,” Father Luoni said.
In his own experience, Father Luoni said he “came to understand that God was calling me.”
Before his own discernment, Father Luoni said he dated, owned his own home and had a successful career in marketing then human resources. He also owned a business. “But I realized I wasn’t in the right place,” he said. A cradle Catholic, he became more active in his church. “It was a great deal of fulfillment,” he said, adding he “came to understand that he wanted to make a a life of service his life’s work.”
In addition to his role as vocation director, he also is pastor at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown. “There are challenging days,” he said. “I’m extremely happy” he said of his choice.
He noted various factors have contributed to fewer vocations and include smaller families, lack of support, priest scandal and misunderstanding of priestly life.
The Youngstown Diocese has 12 men in the seminary.
In meetings with priests of the diocese, Bishop Murry has addressed the priest shortage and noted there is no easy solution.
The Youngstown Diocese has 91 active priests. Of that number, 21 are older than 70 years; 19 are between 65 and 69; 16 are between 60 and 64; 17 are in their 50s; 11 are in their 40s; and seven in their 30s. There are no priests from 25 to 29 years old. The diocese will ordain one priest in 2015 and none in 2016.