Homily on 4-21-24

If you've seen the 2024 priest appointments from the Archdiocese of Dubuque, it's pretty clear that we have shortage of homegrown priests in Northeast Iowa.  One reason why might be a lack of vocation culture in our homes.  In your family, do you talk about vocations to the priesthood and religious life?  Do you plant the seed in your children's  or grandchildren's minds?  Do you ask them if to consider becoming a priest, brother, or sister when they grow up?  Without more priests, we will have no more Eucharist!  And the Eucharist is the central part of our lives, or at least it should be!  As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and First Communions this Eastertide, let's consider how we're (re)building a culture of vocation in our homes and towns.