Part of the presentation asks questions to think about:
First, our youth, our future generation are leaving the Church. Make no mistake we are competing for the mindshare of our youth, and statistically we are being challenged. Marriages and Baptism are trending lower. We all want to see our children and grandchildren marry and baptize their children in the Church and stay connected to the Orthodox way of life. Are we doing enough to provide ministries and programs to meet the needs of our youth?
Our spiritual foundation is tested everyday with the challenges of modern society. Are we doing enough to meet the spiritual needs of His people?
We have a shortage of Priests, are we encouraging our youth to enter the Priesthood?
Are we serving the needs of the sick, the elderly, and the forgotten?
I wish to draw our attention to the question about priesthood. Are we doing all we can to encourage the young men in our parish to consider the priesthood? Vocations to the priesthood come from the parish and need to be nurtured. In this life we want the best for our children. Make as much money as you can, drive a big car, get a big house, etc. How about the church? If we as Orthodox ever hope to attain an American Orthodox Church then we need to start growing our own priests. Talk to your children about it and pray for vocations.
monastic life is another part of church life we often overlook. We need monastics in the church to pray for all of us and for the mission of God’s church. Support the monastics that you know, and if you do not know any leave me a comment and I will try and find some for you to help out.
Fr. P.: Many of our youth look for the success story for their future. The picture seems bleek for priesthood. Who wants to be impoverished, beaten down on and disrespected by the church members or by society in general. The numbers have dwindled in all parishes. Lets face it, it is a special calling. Not many could endure such a stessful existence.
Thanks be to God Fr. Peter that you are encouraging stewardship over dues. That takes courage. Thunderous applause from my end of town (so to speak).
Fr.Peter: As Stewards we are all called to be caregivers of all that God has given to us. Know that we also applaude your efforts.
being a priest or nun is a special calling it requires some who can be alone, not make much money,endure insults from the members of your own church and be treated differently by society. God bless any one who can do this and especially God bless you fr. peter your are truly one of those special people.
thumbs up on the stewardship its a step forward and very courageous on your part. hang in there. anne