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Introduction
In the modern world, where distractions are constant and the pace of life relentless, finding a calling and pursuing it with dedication is increasingly rare. Brother Joseph, a member of the Verbum Spei fraternity, has embraced such a path, choosing a life of contemplation, prayer, and service. In a recent podcast interview, he shares his journey to the brotherhood, shedding light on the influences that shaped his vocation, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable role his family played in supporting his discernment. This blog delves into Brother Joseph's story, offering insights for parents who wish to foster a strong faith and sense of purpose in their children.
1. Who is Brother Joseph?
Brother Joseph is a member of the Verbum Spei fraternity, a religious community dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer, community life, and service. His journey to the brotherhood was marked by a deep sense of calling, nurtured by a strong Catholic upbringing. Born into a large family, Brother Joseph was homeschooled alongside his siblings, which played a significant role in shaping his faith and worldview. His mother’s decision to homeschool was driven by her desire to provide a Catholic education that she felt was lacking in both public and Catholic schools. This environment allowed Brother Joseph to grow up in a setting where faith was not just taught but lived out daily.
Brother Joseph’s story is one of quiet dedication and a deep commitment to his vocation. He is not just a member of a religious community but also a product of a supportive family that valued faith, education, and community. His life reflects the importance of a strong foundation in faith, which can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life, whether in religious life or another vocation.
2. Awakening the Intellect
A significant part of Brother Joseph’s upbringing was the emphasis on intellectual development within the context of faith. Being homeschooled, he experienced a form of education that was deeply intertwined with Catholic values. This environment fostered a sense of intellectual curiosity and a love for learning, both of which are essential in the process of discernment.
Brother Joseph’s mother recognized the limitations of formal education systems in providing a truly Catholic education. She took it upon herself to educate her children in a way that integrated faith into every aspect of their learning. This decision was not just about academics but also about protecting her children from negative influences, such as social bullying, that could hinder their development both intellectually and spiritually.
One of the key elements of Brother Joseph’s intellectual awakening was the daily routine of prayer and Mass attendance. This routine was not just a religious obligation but a formative experience that taught him and his siblings the value of silence, reflection, and the presence of God in everyday life. The practice of saying “thank you prayers” after dinner each night was another way his mother instilled in them a sense of gratitude and recognition of God’s gifts.
3. Brother Joseph’s Journey to the Brotherhood
Brother Joseph’s path to the brotherhood was not a sudden decision but a gradual realization nurtured by years of faith formation. The seeds of his vocation were planted in his childhood, through the daily routines of prayer, Mass, and a strong family life centered around faith. However, the journey to fully embracing his calling required more than just a solid upbringing; it required a deep, personal discernment process.
He emphasizes the importance of silence in this process. In a world filled with noise and distractions, finding time for silence and reflection is crucial for anyone discerning a religious vocation. Brother Joseph recounts how he needed to set aside time for silence, often spending hours in the chapel or church, simply being present before God. This practice of silent prayer was essential in helping him to focus on the present moment and to be attentive to God’s voice.
Brother Joseph also acknowledges that this process of discernment was not easy. It required discipline, commitment, and the support of others who held him accountable. He stresses that being present in the moment, especially in silent prayer, is where one truly encounters God. It is in these moments of silence that the distractions of the world fall away, and one can clearly hear God’s calling.
4. Family’s Reaction
When Brother Joseph decided to pursue a life in the brotherhood, his family’s reaction was mixed. While his immediate family, particularly his mother and full siblings, were supportive, his half-siblings, who were not as close and were not Catholics, were less involved. For them, Brother Joseph’s decision to enter religious life was not as significant, and they supported him from a distance, often through virtual means like Zoom.
Brother Joseph acknowledges that while it would have been great to have all his siblings physically present, he understood that for his half-siblings, attending events related to his religious life was not a priority. They were not as involved in his journey, but they still cared for him in their way. This dynamic illustrates the reality that not everyone will fully understand or share in one’s religious calling, but what matters most is the support from those who are closest and most involved in one’s life.
5. Advice to Parents
For parents who are raising children in the faith and hoping to foster a sense of vocation, Brother Joseph offers several pieces of advice. First and foremost, he stresses the importance of creating an environment where faith is lived out daily. This can be through homeschooling, regular attendance at Mass, daily prayers, and fostering a sense of gratitude in children.
Brother Joseph also highlights the importance of being present in the moment, especially during Mass. He shares how his mother would bring the children to daily Mass, even when they were young and restless. This routine not only taught them how to behave in Mass but also showed them the importance of being in God’s presence. He encourages parents not to stress about the challenges of bringing young children to Mass but to see it as an opportunity to teach them about the faith.
Another critical aspect of faith formation, according to Brother Joseph, is allowing children to experience silence. In a noisy world, finding moments of silence to be with God is essential. He advises parents to encourage their children to spend time in silent prayer, whether at home, in a chapel, or in church. This practice helps children learn to listen to God and to be present in the moment, which is crucial for discernment.
Conclusion
Brother Joseph’s journey to the brotherhood is a testament to the power of a strong Catholic upbringing and the importance of silence in discerning one’s vocation. His story offers valuable lessons for parents who wish to raise their children in the faith and help them find their calling in life. By creating an environment where faith is lived out daily, encouraging regular prayer and Mass attendance, and fostering a love for silence, parents can help their children grow into individuals who are open to God’s calling and capable of living out their vocation with dedication and joy.