Works of faith

On those rare occasions when teens focus on their futures, chances are they are more likely to visualize fame, glory and fortune than humility and community service.

While most of us are looking for corporate employers promising big bucks and stock options, a handful are considering the clergy, hoping for inner peace and life satisfaction.

Phil Sutherland, a Gonzaga University sophomore considering seminary, said his calling gives him "a deep sense of peace and happiness," a stark contrast to the anxiety and stress many teens may feel about their futures.

"I think the reason a lot of people aren't thinking about becoming priests is that they are not even open to the idea," Sutherland said. "They don't even want to consider it."

Sarah Jackson, a junior at St. George's who is considering becoming a minister, said, "I think our culture sometimes looks down on ministry as a profession, as though it weren't a real job."

Katy McCallum, a minister at Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene, agreed.

"Our culture steers kids away from wanting to become ministers," said McCallum, whose pastor suggested she'd make a good minister when she was in high school. She dismissed the idea as "stupid" until she reconsidered in college.

Statistics show sharp declines in the number of people entering the clergy, particularly the priesthood. Currently, there are more priests 90 and older than 30 and under, according to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. A recent CNN report stated that only 300 of the 27,000 active priests in the country are under 30.

Research Services for the Presbyterian Church also shows a drastic decline in seminary students of all faiths.

Chris Kuhar-Pitters, a Gonzaga Prep sophomore, said he could never consider the priesthood for at least two reasons. "I want to make money, and quite frankly, I don't know a whole lot of rich priests ... I also want to get married."

Sutherland said he isn't surprised by the reaction of many of his peers. "I think kids are really influenced by their culture: wanting lots of money, a wife and a big house," he said. "But when you are a priest, you don't get those things."

Sister Cathy Beckley of Holy Names said teens should give the idea a chance: They might find the radical aspects of her life appealing.

"The religious life-style is really counter-cultural in the most radical way," she said. "If you look at the three vows we as sisters take - poverty, chastity and obedience - they really are quite counter-cultural, but I think this might attract some youth today that want to examine our cultural values."

Beckley said she first considered becoming a nun when she was a young girl but kept it to herself until she was 24.

The Rev. Chris Weekly of St. Aloysius parish in Spokane, said he kept his desire to become a priest quiet during his teen years.

"I knew kids would make fun of me, and sometimes they did," Weekly said. But later, after graduating from college and getting a job, he felt dissatisfied.

"The clothing industry was nice, but it just didn't make me happy," Weekly said. "I - through constant prayers - finally let go and decided to become a priest."

The rewards have been great, he said.

That's what keeps Jackson considering the ministry. "I want to be able to help God's people," she said.

Both Jackson and Sutherland think a religious life might be difficult.

"I wouldn't enjoy the long hard hours and having less time with my family than other jobs," Jackson said. "But I'm also afraid I would get bored after a few jobs, and this isn't one of those jobs where you can just quit."

"I think it is going to be really hard for me to not have a wife and kids," Sutherland said.

The Rev. McCallum advises those interested in the ministry to talk to those already there. "Come check it out, talk to your religious leaders and see if you might enjoy a life like that," she said. "The most important thing you can do is pray. You need to talk to God."

Copyright 2002 Cowles Publishing Company
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.