The cover of the most recent vocations issue of a Midwestern archdiocesan newspaper is shown here. One really has to wonder if the people promoting vocations have any idea whatsoever what appeals to young people interested in priesthood and religious life today. (Here’s a hint: complete dedication, conformity to Christ, a life of joy in sacrifice and prayer, Christian witness to the perfection of the eschaton, and so on.)

Enough clowning around. It’s time to get serious about what a consecrated life really means.