Watched Fishers Of Men Recently

[tinytherese]

I got to thinking about why there seems to be a shortage of priests these days, particularly young priests, and what with the priest scandals that have happened rather recently- Fr. Alberto in particular.

1. We don't pray for priests, seminariarns, and vocations nearly as much as we should. The work that those in the priesthood do is very hard and demanding. The devil also likes to go after them especially because of the role that they play as pastors and leaders in their congregation and to all of the faithful. He knows how important they are and if he can snatch away a priest or a potential priest that truly is called then this has a very significant effect on the church.

2. There is such horrible catechesis in so called catholic schools, parishes, youth groups, and especially in families. What with so few learning about the faith and what it really means, the beauty of the priesthood often fails to be seen. And what with catechists and even their families not living out the faith, then many young men don't realize what being catholic is all about and even leave the church.

3. Real manhood is greatly lacking and is under attack. How many positive male role models do young men have? Many of them have had negative relationships with their fathers. Some never even met him, perhaps at some point he abandoned the family, treated his mother with dishonor, worked so many hours that he ignored his wife and children, was abusive in some way, was distant, or made his son think that he wasn't good enough for him.

Manhood in our messed up world often means to see women as nothing more than objects to be used and lorded over or really that a man needs to have domination over people in general. They are taught to compete against others particularly other men for whatever it is that they want no matter what the cost even at the price of morality and their own dignity and the dignity of others so that they can be on top and have as many accomplishments as possible as far as the world goes for what a successful life is.

When are men ever taught God's vision of true manhood? How many men know what the masculine genius even is? When are they told that the root of the word masculine is "virtue" and when are they taught how to live that out? Since when are young men taught how to treat a woman with honor, which is apart of being a real man? We can see that they are not because of the prevalence of pornography, masturbation, hook ups, using and dominating over women often with violence, and the lack of the practice of making attempts to protect and stick up for them. We live in a world where we wonder who we are, search for meaning and fulfillment that we cannot find, and are looking for true love but we don't know how to go about any of this. In such an atmosphere being a real man is possible but not easy to say the least. In the words of one priest from the film Fishers of Men, "It takes a real man to be a priest." If manhood is so misunderstood no wonder there is such a shortage of priests.

4. Real womanhood is greatly lacking and under attack. This ties in very much with #3 in that men and women complement and bring out the best in each other. The feminine genius often teaches men what the masculine genius is and how to live it out and vice versa. Very much of the radical feminist movement that is so prevalent today is anti-man and anti-woman which causes a great deal of pain, confusion, disrespect, and all that is not love which everyone is truly longing for. As it was said by Sister Joseph Andrew of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist that according to the Theology of the Body women particularly female religious authentically living out true femininity helps to teach priests (and I'd personally like to add in men in general) how to live out their vocation. So if we really want to promote the priesthood, the influence of a female religious can significantly turn the tide.

5. We live in an all about me society and in it the sacrifices that a priest makes are seen as burdens. So many men both young and old only see what the crosses along the way but not the resurrection through it all.

6. We also live in a society where people are trying to take God more and more out of the world. It's typically seen as weird to show piety and to stick to one's religious beliefs despite popular opinion. Heck, being a solid catholic is being seen as really hard core going against the grain. It's not easy being catholic and being as radical as becoming a priest is even more so. Even wearing the attire of a priest is bold for everyone can see who you are and what you are about. People see that you give your entire life to God. Because of their witness in the priestly wear many people come up to them asking their advice, paying them a complement for the work that they do, request that he hear their confession, and chat with them about catholicism.

[Maria Faustina]

Good thoughts and reflections! I loveeeee Fishers of Men!!! It's one of my favorite movies. Ever.

[saintwannabe 777]

[quote name='tinytherese' post='1875938' date='May 26 2009, 08:03 PM']I got to thinking about why there seems to be a shortage of priests these days, particularly young priests, and what with the priest scandals that have happened rather recently- Fr. Alberto in particular.

1. We don't pray for priests, seminariarns, and vocations nearly as much as we should. The work that those in the priesthood do is very hard and demanding. The devil also likes to go after them especially because of the role that they play as pastors and leaders in their congregation and to all of the faithful. He knows how important they are and if he can snatch away a priest or a potential priest that truly is called then this has a very significant effect on the church.

2. There is such horrible catechesis in so called catholic schools, parishes, youth groups, and especially in families. What with so few learning about the faith and what it really means, the beauty of the priesthood often fails to be seen. And what with catechists and even their families not living out the faith, then many young men don't realize what being catholic is all about and even leave the church.

3. Real manhood is greatly lacking and is under attack. How many positive male role models do young men have? Many of them have had negative relationships with their fathers. Some never even met him, perhaps at some point he abandoned the family, treated his mother with dishonor, worked so many hours that he ignored his wife and children, was abusive in some way, was distant, or made his son think that he wasn't good enough for him.

Manhood in our messed up world often means to see women as nothing more than objects to be used and lorded over or really that a man needs to have domination over people in general. They are taught to compete against others particularly other men for whatever it is that they want no matter what the cost even at the price of morality and their own dignity and the dignity of others so that they can be on top and have as many accomplishments as possible as far as the world goes for what a successful life is.

When are men ever taught God's vision of true manhood? How many men know what the masculine genius even is? When are they told that the root of the word masculine is "virtue" and when are they taught how to live that out? Since when are young men taught how to treat a woman with honor, which is apart of being a real man? We can see that they are not because of the prevalence of pornography, masturbation, hook ups, using and dominating over women often with violence, and the lack of the practice of making attempts to protect and stick up for them. We live in a world where we wonder who we are, search for meaning and fulfillment that we cannot find, and are looking for true love but we don't know how to go about any of this. In such an atmosphere being a real man is possible but not easy to say the least. In the words of one priest from the film Fishers of Men, "It takes a real man to be a priest." If manhood is so misunderstood no wonder there is such a shortage of priests.

4. Real womanhood is greatly lacking and under attack. This ties in very much with #3 in that men and women complement and bring out the best in each other. The feminine genius often teaches men what the masculine genius is and how to live it out and vice versa. Very much of the radical feminist movement that is so prevalent today is anti-man and anti-woman which causes a great deal of pain, confusion, disrespect, and all that is not love which everyone is truly longing for. As it was said by Sister Joseph Andrew of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist that according to the Theology of the Body women particularly female religious authentically living out true femininity helps to teach priests (and I'd personally like to add in men in general) how to live out their vocation. So if we really want to promote the priesthood, the influence of a female religious can significantly turn the tide.

5. We live in an all about me society and in it the sacrifices that a priest makes are seen as burdens. So many men both young and old only see what the crosses along the way but not the resurrection through it all.

6. We also live in a society where people are trying to take God more and more out of the world. It's typically seen as weird to show piety and to stick to one's religious beliefs despite popular opinion. Heck, being a solid catholic is being seen as really hard core going against the grain. It's not easy being catholic and being as radical as becoming a priest is even more so. Even wearing the attire of a priest is bold for everyone can see who you are and what you are about. People see that you give your entire life to God. Because of their witness in the priestly wear many people come up to them asking their advice, paying them a complement for the work that they do, request that he hear their confession, and chat with them about catholicism.[/quote]

Most Def. I have kind of a non-sequitor though. Do you know that epic music that is being sung after the priest says "we need good men for the priesthood we need them now". It sounds like battle music foro the Church Militant.

[loveletslive]

fishers of men gives me goosebumps every time. this video makes me want to be a priest...too bad i'm a girl.

[Brigid]

[quote name='loveletslive' post='1876138' date='May 26 2009, 10:44 PM']fishers of men gives me goosebumps every time. this video makes me want to be a priest...too bad i'm a girl.[/quote]
it's not too bad. you will be able to do greater good through what you ARE called to do than you would be able to do in something you aren't called to. just because you aren't called to be a priest doesn't mean you can't make a difference or bring souls to heaven.

I love fishers of men, too.

tinytherese,
all valid points and good insights.

[CatherineM]

[quote name='loveletslive' post='1876138' date='May 26 2009, 09:44 PM']fishers of men gives me goosebumps every time. this video makes me want to be a priest...too bad i'm a girl.[/quote]

I go to school with seminarians. I'm not sure I'd want to walk their path. It is a really hard one. They just about go nuts during finals. I let them borrow my notes when they miss class working on term papers.

[johnnydigit]

people are telling me how these days it is much harder to answer the call. people are attacking from all sides. the devil is out to destroy our priests.

i've heard these things before, but i'm really starting to sense this more as the days draw nearer, but then i'm even more motivated to stand and fight the battle as a soldier for Christ at any cost.. to be a knight for Our Lady.

oh yes, every Catholic boy and single man should watch this. documentaries on JP2 and talks by Fr. Corapi also make me want to be a priest.

[MissScripture]

[quote name='tinytherese' post='1875938' date='May 26 2009, 08:03 PM']I got to thinking about why there seems to be a shortage of priests these days, particularly young priests, and what with the priest scandals that have happened rather recently- Fr. Alberto in particular.

1. We don't pray for priests, seminariarns, and vocations nearly as much as we should. The work that those in the priesthood do is very hard and demanding. The devil also likes to go after them especially because of the role that they play as pastors and leaders in their congregation and to all of the faithful. He knows how important they are and if he can snatch away a priest or a potential priest that truly is called then this has a very significant effect on the church.

2. There is such horrible catechesis in so called catholic schools, parishes, youth groups, and especially in families. What with so few learning about the faith and what it really means, the beauty of the priesthood often fails to be seen. And what with catechists and even their families not living out the faith, then many young men don't realize what being catholic is all about and even leave the church.

3. Real manhood is greatly lacking and is under attack. How many positive male role models do young men have? Many of them have had negative relationships with their fathers. Some never even met him, perhaps at some point he abandoned the family, treated his mother with dishonor, worked so many hours that he ignored his wife and children, was abusive in some way, was distant, or made his son think that he wasn't good enough for him.

Manhood in our messed up world often means to see women as nothing more than objects to be used and lorded over or really that a man needs to have domination over people in general. They are taught to compete against others particularly other men for whatever it is that they want no matter what the cost even at the price of morality and their own dignity and the dignity of others so that they can be on top and have as many accomplishments as possible as far as the world goes for what a successful life is.

When are men ever taught God's vision of true manhood? How many men know what the masculine genius even is? When are they told that the root of the word masculine is "virtue" and when are they taught how to live that out? Since when are young men taught how to treat a woman with honor, which is apart of being a real man? We can see that they are not because of the prevalence of pornography, masturbation, hook ups, using and dominating over women often with violence, and the lack of the practice of making attempts to protect and stick up for them. We live in a world where we wonder who we are, search for meaning and fulfillment that we cannot find, and are looking for true love but we don't know how to go about any of this. In such an atmosphere being a real man is possible but not easy to say the least. In the words of one priest from the film Fishers of Men, "It takes a real man to be a priest." If manhood is so misunderstood no wonder there is such a shortage of priests.

4. Real womanhood is greatly lacking and under attack. This ties in very much with #3 in that men and women complement and bring out the best in each other. The feminine genius often teaches men what the masculine genius is and how to live it out and vice versa. Very much of the radical feminist movement that is so prevalent today is anti-man and anti-woman which causes a great deal of pain, confusion, disrespect, and all that is not love which everyone is truly longing for. As it was said by Sister Joseph Andrew of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist that according to the Theology of the Body women particularly female religious authentically living out true femininity helps to teach priests (and I'd personally like to add in men in general) how to live out their vocation. So if we really want to promote the priesthood, the influence of a female religious can significantly turn the tide.

5. We live in an all about me society and in it the sacrifices that a priest makes are seen as burdens. So many men both young and old only see what the crosses along the way but not the resurrection through it all.

6. We also live in a society where people are trying to take God more and more out of the world. It's typically seen as weird to show piety and to stick to one's religious beliefs despite popular opinion. Heck, being a solid catholic is being seen as really hard core going against the grain. It's not easy being catholic and being as radical as becoming a priest is even more so. Even wearing the attire of a priest is bold for everyone can see who you are and what you are about. People see that you give your entire life to God. Because of their witness in the priestly wear many people come up to them asking their advice, paying them a complement for the work that they do, request that he hear their confession, and chat with them about catholicism.[/quote]
Regarding 1) It struck me that we really don't pray for our priests nearly enough while watching a video about Sisters. I don't quite remember why, but the more and more I thought about it, the more I realized how much harder it must be for a priest to get into Heaven than a lay person --for one thing, they are educated regarding the faith, so they can't plead ignorance. And for another, they are responsible for people's SOULS! It freaks me out that I'm going to one day work in the health care field and be responsible for people's bodily health. I can't imagine how much more intimidating it must be to be responsible for their ETERNAL SOULS!

Regarding 6) I had a friend in high school (a CATHOLIC high school) who got chastised for being TOO PIOUS DURING MASS, after which, there was an announcement to the school that excessive piety was not to be tolerated during Mass. It also makes me sad to see fewer priests wearing the priestly attire.

[dUSt]

How long is Fishers of Men?

I ordered the DVD, expecting a longer version of what I saw online, but it was the exact same video. I thought it was rather expensive for such a short video.

[johnnydigit]

Fishers of Men - 18:17

welp, at least you contributed to the cause for one of the best vocation videos out today that has probably helped hundreds discern their vocation so far.

[TeresaBenedicta]

[quote name='tinytherese' post='1875938' date='May 26 2009, 09:03 PM']1. We don't pray for priests, seminariarns, and vocations nearly as much as we should. The work that those in the priesthood do is very hard and demanding. The devil also likes to go after them especially because of the role that they play as pastors and leaders in their congregation and to all of the faithful. He knows how important they are and if he can snatch away a priest or a potential priest that truly is called then this has a very significant effect on the church.[/quote]

I'm probably in a very unique situation, but it's one that has really opened my eyes to this point you're making here... I go to a university that is connected with a major seminary. I know a majority (probably 75%) of the 150+ seminarians, and there are quite a few that I know well. Some even that have become very close friends/mentors. Being surrounded by these great men and witnessing their lives as seminarians has taught me so much about the vocation of the priesthood. I take classes with these men and I hear about their struggles, as well as their triumphs. There's not a day that goes by now that I don't pray for priests and seminarians.


[quote]3. Real manhood is greatly lacking and is under attack. How many positive male role models do young men have?

4. Real womanhood is greatly lacking and under attack.[/quote]

I think this is perhaps one of the biggest problems our society is seeing today. Boys and young men need good male role models. Girls and young women need good female role models. And we need to teach the true beauty of what it means to fully embrace our sexuality. What it means to be a man. What it means to be a woman.

As a female, I know that I struggle in having good female role models. I know this is generally more a probelm for males, finding good role models- that is, but I can honestly say that all of my role models right now are male. And I don't think that's exaclty healthy.

[quote]5. We live in an all about me society and in it the sacrifices that a priest makes are seen as burdens. So many men both young and old only see what the crosses along the way but not the resurrection through it all.[/quote]

Men need to be challenged to be something great. Too often this comes solely in the area of athletics. Young men certainly make a plethora of sacrifices in their dedication to a sport or hobby. That same zeal can be directed in the priesthood. We simply need to show these young men that the priesthood is a challenge and it is something worth doing, even with the sacrifices.