In this episode Steven turns the tables and interviews Dad for his perspective on being the father of a seminarian.
Dad discusses what life was like before Steven declared his vocation. He and Mom saw the calling in Steven but they gave him room to grow and mature, wanting the decision to be an organic one.
At first Mom and Dad struggled supporting Steven. We didn’t want to pressure him but we wanted to show our support. Referring to the process of discernment helped provide clarity in that Mom and Dad could support Steven’s discernment, wherever it took him.
Our family life was also impacted at the start of Steven’s discernment process. Steven’s announcing his calling to the priesthood was a good thing, but it impacted our family. It took time for the whole family to grow into it.
As parents of a seminarian, a multitude of good will has come our way. We have been blessed by many graces and in many ways it has helped us deepen our faith. One of those blessings has been hearing people share their good wishes for Steven.
Being a father of a seminarian brings with it many great graces. It's not the loss of a son but the gain of a man.