USCCB - (Office of Media Relations)

May Pitches

Spring's Ordinations Breathe New Life Into Dioceses

May resonates with Springtime and rebirth. In many dioceses new life is infused when men are ordained for the priesthood. "It's an exciting time for the diocese and for families of deacons who are about to become priests and especially for parishes which take pride in the vocations they've nurtured," said Father Timothy Reker, who advises the U.S. bishops on vocations and priestly formation. "Vocations come from God but the parish is the place where they are nurtured. Studies show that parishes that emphasize the spirituality of young people, that offer youth groups and provide many different opportunities to serve in the parish reap the reward of seeing members enter the priesthood and become ordained."

Father Timothy Reker can be reached at 202-541-3033.

Best Mother's Day Gift Is Time

Celebrate Mother's Day, May 10, by giving the gift of time, says Sheila Garcia, mother of two sons and an adviser to the U.S. Bishops on women's issues. "For many mothers, the best gift they can receive involves time," says Ms. Garcia. "For mothers with young children, it can be enabling them to have time for themselves -- for uninterrupted reading, reflection, even shopping! Follow the Way of Love, the bishops' pastoral message to families, notes that 'Time given to solitude is also time well spent.' Conversely, mothers of grown children appreciate a leisurely visit with their sons and daughters. Maybe the day can begin with adult children accompanying their mothers to church. Follow the Way of Love points out that 'Spending time together builds intimacy, increases understanding and creates memories.'"

Sheila Garcia can be reached at 202-541-3041.

College Graduations Prompt Youth to Give Time to Others

College graduations nationwide will celebrate the achievements of thousands of students in May. Some of their graduates merit special commendation as they take off a year to offer service to the Church before they launch their careers. "A recent development in the Church has been the growth in programs of volunteer service," notes Richard McCord, head of the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth. "Annually, an estimated 5,000 persons, associated with the Catholic Network of Volunteer Service, serve in about 180 programs, both here and abroad. Many programs are associated with religious orders, such as the Jesuits and the Sisters of Mercy. This bodes well for the Church since people who give generously in these programs often develop a lifelong attitude of Christian service and leadership."

Richard McCord can be reached at 202-541-3043.