Testing the Waters
by Father John Murray

I’ve never been much of a fisherman. My only experience with fishing was living across from a beautiful lake growing up. In my few forays into fishing I caught just a few sunfish, and threw them back of course. I give thanks to God that my livelihood is not tied in with the fishing industry; if it were, I would starve. However, as we consider the theme of "Go out and fish!" for vocations in 2007, we have to ask ourselves about our livelihood as a Church. The type of fishing we are talking about is not the kind that involves a rod and reel. We are talking about the kind of fishing that involves the Word of God. The waters are deep and often rough and difficult, but we are called to venture out and to find what the Lord is giving us.

So the charge is given to all of us, "Go out and fish!" I think of the people in my own life who were the fishermen (and women) of my own vocation story; a story that goes back to my childhood. I think of my grandmother who was a woman of deep prayer. Her example of prayer, whether I realized it or not, was part of God’s own "bait" to draw me to serve his Church. My parents, bringing me up in the Catholic faith, by word and by example, also are part of that journey. I think of my sisters, three wonderful women that God has put into my life; their support and prayers for me assisted me in my journey into and through the seminary. I give thanks to God for my family and their support. They all helped in their own way to bring me to the priesthood, and they sustain me by their love and prayers.

God used people beyond my family to assist in my journey to priesthood; parish priests, catechists, teachers in public and Catholic schools — all of whom participated in their own way in this journey that brought me to serve the Church as a priest. I often think of Father Gerry Shovelton, my parish priest when I was growing up. His example of love for God and God’s people, and his commitment to the priesthood, formed one of my first and most important images of a priest. There are countless priests who I came to know along the way who have helped in my own journey to the priesthood. I give thanks for all of them.

Why do I write about these people? It’s more than mere sentimentality (although I am quite good at that!). I write because it illustrates how we all play a role in encouraging young men to consider the priesthood. When is the last time you encouraged someone to consider the priesthood? Who was (or is) he? What qualities does he possess? Does he laugh? Does he appear to be a man of prayer? Does he know how to speak to people kindly? Is he compassionate? If you see these qualities in someone, encourage him to consider priesthood. What harm will it do? It may do some good — some extraordinary good. I remember a classmate of mine in high school who had no idea I was considering the priesthood. One day, seemingly out of the blue, he told me he thought I would be a good priest. I hope he’s right. You never know what your word of encouragement, your question, or invitation might bring about, but take that leap. Go fishing and see what happens. You might help the Lord and our Church catch something good!

This article appeared in the January 12, 2007 edition of The Anchor.