I have taken opportunities in the past to talk about my father and his role in my vocation. In this month, I would like to talk about my mother's influence. She will not have to wait until Mother's Day.

   My mother has been the picture of sacrifice in many ways. I think of many instances when she has put her own needs behind hers, buying clothes for us instead of buying some for herself, spending many on braces for my brother and I and doing away with her own wants and needs, or spending money on our education and sacrificing in other areas. The one instance that comes to my mind is when I contracted bronchitis as a young boy. I was very sick. I really did not know how sick I was until she told me later. She was present to me around the clock giving me medicine, putting Vicks VapoRub on me, giving me liquids, etc. as she tried to nurse me back to health.

   I realize many mothers that would do that for their children. Yet, this whole incident helped me realize how much she gave of her time and energy instead of attending to her own needs.

I can also remember when she invited my whole second grade class to my birthday party. She did not want to leave anyone out whether they were people of means or those without means. She welcomed all of them.

   She has taught me much about sacrifice and helping those in need.

   While she never pushed me to consider the priesthood, I believe her lived faith example which continues to this day has been a great help. She once told me after my diaconate ordination that my grandmother who was ill at the time of my birth said to her, "I am going to get to see this little boy grow up, but I believe he will be a priest."

   I believe my mother unknowingly planted the seeds of this vocation, encouraging me, but never forcing me to serve whether that be at the altar or to be a lector or to be charitable to others.

   I am often saddened when I hear young men come to me and tell me that their father, their mother, or some family member has discouraged them from considering a vocation to the priesthood. They might think they will be lonely, unhappy, or being associated with the less than exemplary priests of the past. Well, I have news. Did you know, according to the book by Fr. Stephen Rosetti, 'They Joy of the Priesthood,' that 90 percent of the priests say they are happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. This is after the 2002 scandals. Second, did we ever think our son could be a part of the solution?

   We attend church weekly and we expect a priest to be there for us at Mass, or to baptize our newborn, or to reconcile us to God and the people of God, to marry our son or daughter, or to anoint a parent or grandparent before surgery, illness, or even before death,  or to give holy communion before a parent or grandparent meets our Lord. Where do these priests come from? They come from our homes!

   This is a sacrifice on our parts just as it was Mary to give her own Son, Jesus so that we might be forgiven, we might experience his unconditional love, so that we might have salvation one day.

   During this Lenten Season, we are invited to journey with our Lord to the cross, to Calvary, the road was not taken in vain but for our sake. Jesus became sin, although he did not sin, in order for us to be free from sin and death.  What am I being called to sacrifice? Am I willing to say, 'yes' to that invitation, even if it may mean helping my son or daughter come to realize their call in life, whether it be single, married, or even to priesthood and religious life.