You are here Home ~ serraUSA >> Sharing Serra - Communications >> The Serran >> Fr. Hero

Fr. Hero:

Helping youth discover the courage to follow the Master’s path

by Anne McCormack

Ask a boy what he wants to be when he grows up, and, with stars in his eyes, he’ll tell you: "A firefighter!" "An astronaut!" "A pilot!" "A football player!"

Why don’t any of them ever respond, "I want to be a priest?"

Let’s face it, the priesthood doesn’t exactly carry with it the same kind of heroic glamour that the above professions do.

But it could.

Father Robert Barron, a professor of Systematic Theology at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago, recalls the first time he realized that priests actually have a lot in common with Jedi knights, the heroes of the Star Wars films.

"When I went to see Star Wars on the big screen, I felt like standing up in the theater and saying to everyone, ‘That’s what the priesthood is all about! This is our language!’"
Still not convinced? "In the last one that came out, Episode One, the Jedi knights are portrayed as spiritual warriors. One of their major roles is to find replacements for themselves," Barron continues. "In previous Star Wars installments, they are dressed in monks’ robes and other priestly garb, and are always trained, disciplined, focused and mentored by an elder."

Like the Jedi knight, the priest is a warrior – in this case, a non-violent warrior, but still capable of transforming the world.

"It’s so romantic on the screen, but in real life, it’s like, ‘Why would anyone want to do that?’" Barron says. "We have to let people know that priests are certain figures in the Church who have very important roles to play: teaching, leading and sanctifying the people, as well as battling the forces of darkness."

Generations ago, and in the centuries that preceded it, the Catholic Church and the ministerial priesthood enjoyed a kind of glory that it doesn’t have now. The priesthood was considered a desirable and honorable profession. So what happened?

According to Fr. Barron, "A lot of confusion was generated after the last Council, during the past 30 years. . . (The Church) reached out to the modern world, but instead of sailing in the great ocean-liner of its own tradition, it went out in a rowboat and got knocked around by the waves.

"My complaint is that we have presented a beige version of Catholicism and the priesthood. Our religion has become culturally accommodating, and we have tried to present the priesthood as something in line with other jobs."

It’s no secret that youth are never enticed by the mundane. Drawing on the Church’s rich tradition, and identifying priests as warriors rather than trying to make them blend in with other occupations of our time, may be key to opening youth’s eyes to the possibility of a religious vocation.

Perhaps part of the reason Pope John Paul II is so popular with Catholic youth is because he always calls them to a higher purpose, a vocation even greater than themselves, as Fr. Barron points out. In his message to young people on the 16th World Youth Day, the Pope reminds them of the uniqueness, courage and honor in following Christ:

"‘If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’ (Lk 9:23). These words denote the radicality of a choice that does not allow for hesitation or second thoughts. It is a demanding requirement that unsettled even the disciples and that, throughout the ages, has held back many men and women from following Christ. But precisely this radicality has also produced admirable examples of sanctity and martyrdom that strengthened and confirmed the way of the Church. Even today these words are regarded as a stumbling block and folly (cf. 1 Cor 1: 22-25). Yet they must be faced, because the path outlined by God for his Son is the path to be undertaken by the disciple who has decided to follow Jesus. There are not two paths, but only one: the one trodden by the Master. The disciple cannot invent a different way."
It almost sounds like the words of Obi-Wan Kenobe as spoken to the young Luke Skywalker.

"My personal belief about kids is that the more you challenge them, the more they respond," Barron says. "We need to present the priesthood as more demanding, colorful and vibrant. . . We (the Church) have to boldly be ourselves, and offer what kids can’t get elsewhere."

The outside influences of a modern culture, geared more toward materialism and instant gratification is one thing, but what happens in the home is another. For various reasons, parents present some of the greatest obstacles for potential religious vocations. Fr. Barron offers advice for parents who may be experiencing anxiety over a budding vocation under their roofs.

"First, parents should stop being so non-supportive. I prefer a neutral parent to one who’s actively opposing a religious vocation.

"Second, let the Holy Spirit do His work. Don’t block it!

"Finally, watch for the signs. Dedication to prayer, concern for the poor, an enjoyment of spiritual and corporal works of mercy – all those classic things that signal compassion – and a love for the liturgy, church, and a devotion to study. Parents should not only model the Christian life, but also watch for the charisms, point them out and say, ‘You could use that for the good of the Church.’ Parents also need to rejoice with children in what gifts they bring."

While Barron says that parents, teachers, grandparents and priests play the most significant roles in nurturing children toward a possible religious vocation, Serrans, too, are vital to the effort. In addition to the various youth-centered vocations Serrans sponsor, such as essay and poster contests, retreats and vocation fairs, Fr. Barron has a few suggestions.

Be an educated Catholic.

One can only tell others of the greatness of the Church and its traditions if one really does their homework. "The Catholic tradition is so rich," Barron says. "It helps to be aware of that richness. . . And that is something we should be trying to recover, to get reconnected." This knowledge and attitude can reinforce and instill in youth a respect and love for the teachings, tradition and history of the Church.

Let the Church be itself.

Fr. Barron reiterates how important it is to help youth picture the Church in its own beauty and individuality. "Catholic Christianity is beautiful and compelling. We take that away when we soft-pedal it, apologize, fill in the blank with psychology or politics. Catholicism is like baseball. If you translate it into something else, you wreck it. If you turn it into stickball or wiffleball, it’s just not the same."

Radiate a sense of joy.

It’s easier to get kids excited about vocations and the Church if one conveys excitement in his or her message. "Have people who really know and love the Church talk about it. . . For example, the lives of the saints: young and old alike find them compelling. When it’s told in all its power and uniqueness, it’s irresistible," Barron says.

Use appropriate modern-day legends as tools to connect with youth.

One of the best ways to connect with kids is to draw on what they know best. Like Fr. Barron, Serrans can point out the similarities between priests and warriors, as in the Star Wars Jedi knight comparison. Discussion may also be generated around the perennial children’s favorite, "The Hobbit," by devout Catholic J.R.R. Tolkien, which is considered a metaphor for the spiritual path and the perils along the way.

Speak from your own life experiences.

Barron addresses those Serrans who honored America by fighting for it. "The Greatest Generation did their duty and faced evil. They did it with discipline and selflessness. That’s what a priest is – a warrior," Barron says. "According to the Bible, we’re permanently at war with powers of evil and hatred. Serrans in the Greatest Generation should teach our young people that."

Fr. Robert Barron has published two books, "Heaven in Stone and Glass," about the symbolism of art in Gothic cathedrals, and "And Now I See," an exploration of Christian theology. A new book, which explores in more detail the need to re-enchant Christianity, is due out in February. He has been teaching at Mundelein for nine years.

Return to Top

---