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St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Parish


807 Havens Corners Road
Gahanna, OH 43230
(614) 471-0212
Contact Us

  • Contact Us
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  • Home
      • Divine Mercy Perpetual Adoration Chapel
      • How Do I...?
      • Branding Resources
      • Facilities Calendar (Staff Only)
  • I'm New
      • Planning Your Visit
      • Becoming Catholic
      • Joining the Parish
      • About Us
  • Our Parish
    • About Our Parish
      • About Us
      • How Do I...?
      • Clergy and Staff
      • New Parishioners
      • Becoming Catholic
      • St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic School
    • Communications
      • Contact Us
      • Prayer Request
      • Bulletins
      • Weekly Newsletter
      • Email list sign up
      • Live Stream Schedule
      • St. Matthew Moments Podcast
      • Catholic Times
  • Sacraments
      • Baptism
      • Confirmation
      • Eucharist
      • Reconciliation
      • Holy Orders
      • Anointing of the Sick
      • Marriage
      • Becoming Catholic
      • Funeral Planning
  • Formation
    • Adult Faith Formation
      • Word of Life School of Prayer
      • Women's Retreat
      • Catechism in a Year
      • Small Groups
      • Walking with Purpose
      • That Man is You
      • Bible Studies
      • RCIA/Becoming Catholic
      • Threefold Cord: Marriage Enrichment
    • Family Faith Formation
      • Family Life Office
      • First Steps in Faith
      • Family of Faith
      • Youth and Young Adult
    • Formation Resources
      • FORMED
      • Vocation Discernment
      • Natural Family Planning
  • Ministries
      • Full List of Ministries
      • Safe Environment Program
      • Liturgical Ministries
      • Discipleship and Formation Ministries
      • Fellowship and Community Ministries
  • Family Life
    • Family Faith Formation
      • Nursery
      • First Steps in Faith
      • Family of Faith
      • Youth & Young Adult Ministries
    • Sacrament Preparation
      • Baptism
      • Becoming Catholic
      • Marriage
    • Family Life Office Events
      • Christmas Caroling
    • School and Sports
      • Athletic Association
      • St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic School
      • St. Matthew School Hometown Bazaar Craft Show
  • Give
      • Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund
      • Online Giving Portal
      • About Online Giving
      • Bishop's Annual Appeal
      • Mary Garden
      • Parish Wishlist
  • Community Support
      • Need Help?
      • Want to Help?
  • Vocation Resources for Parents

    • Imagine asking your son what he wants to be when he grows up, and he answers, “I want to be a priest!” What would your reaction be? Would you be worried or elated—or somewhere in between?

      The truth is that God has a plan for each of your children; he wants them to be happy even more than you do! And their true happiness is found in discovering God’s plan for their lives—their vocation—and following it wholeheartedly.

      So if you’re truly concerned about your children’s well-being, it makes sense to help them discern their vocations, whether to marriage, priesthood, or religious life. Here are some simple ways to foster openness to God’s call.

      1. Snuggle up and read a story. Sometimes the simplest ideas are best! Add some books about famous saints to your bedtime reading. There are dozens of fascinating, age-appropriate stories of saints who were priests and religious. There’s even a comic book about St. John Paul II as a child!

      2. Watch a better movie. When it’s time for family movie night, take a pass on Spy Kids 4 and check out A Mission to Love (the life of St. John Bosco). There are tons of other Catholic films that depict heroic and interesting priests and religious. The conversation afterwards is far more meaningful than which explosion was the biggest!

      3. Set the record straight. Media depictions of dating and sexuality are often opposed to authentic love. So when a TV show sends the wrong message, set the record straight about what leads to real happiness. Especially around teens, defend the sacrament of marriage.

      4. Play dress up! Just as children “play house” and pretend to be moms and dads, help them imagine the life of a priest, brother, or sister. A sheet or towel can serve as a sister’s habit. A Ritz cracker makes a good host for Mass. This kind of play normalizes what can otherwise seem to be an “other-worldly” vocation. Plus it’s a lot of fun!

      5. Pray from the heart. In your family prayers, pray for more priests and religious. Let your kids hear you praying for their futures. “Lord, watch over Simon today and give him the grace to grow up to be a strong man of God. Keep him close to You, always in Your perfect will.”

      6. Talk about vocations. Speak openly about vocations to marriage, priesthood, and religious life. From the earliest age, make it clear that happiness in life is following God’s plan. Tell kids that priests have an awesome job because they bring us the sacraments. Teach them that religious brothers and sisters make special vows to live like Jesus.

      7. Befriend priests & religious. Invite a priest, sister, or brother to dinner at your home. Personal relationships are key. When kids are comfortable around Fr. Sill or Sister Paulina, they’re far more likely to be comfortable with the idea of a priestly or religious vocation when they grow older.

      An Open Attitude

      If your child expresses interest in the priesthood or religious life, be supportive. If you’re excited, don’t push too hard. If you’re apprehensive, trust in God’s plan. The best thing you can say is, “Whatever God wants for you, I want for you, too.”

    • Quotes from Parents

      “When my little boy plays Mass, it brings joy to my heart. His older sisters play along, even though they’re trying not to laugh. Who knows if he’ll ever be a priest? It’s just great that his little heart is in the right place. I love that.” ~ Amanda C.

      “It almost broke my heart when Julie joined the convent. But when I visited her a year later, I could see the happiness and joy just radiating from her. My sadness melted away in an instant. I knew she had found her way in life. In retrospect, I’m glad my plans didn’t work out. As hard as it is for me to admit, God had a better plan for her.” ~ Carl R.

      “Our son joined a religious order right after college. We were happy for him, but then he left, saying it just wasn’t his call. But I think it was good that he explored it… He was peaceful when he went in, and peaceful when he left. His mother and I are fine with his decision either way.” ~ Salvatore S.

      “I wanted grandchildren so badly. I hid my disappointment when Colin went to seminary, thinking his interest probably wouldn’t last. By the time his ordination came along a few years later, God had really worked on me. I couldn’t have been prouder. His priesthood has been the greatest gift God has ever given our family.” ~ Jenni P.  

 
As a community of believers who know, love, and serve Jesus Christ, we celebrate the sacramental life of the Church, proclaim the saving message of Christ, and share the love of the Lord, especially with the least, the poor, and the suffering. 
 
Worship + Serve + Evangelize
 

807 Havens Corners Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Phone: 614-471-0212

Office Hours
Monday and Friday
8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Tuesday-Thursday
8:30 am to 2:00 pm

 
 
© 2023 St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Parish. All rights reserved.
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