I have no idea what inspired this story – a feature on vocations recruitment and response. Perhaps it’s the release of the Grassroots Films – produced video called Fishers of Men.

(Grassroots has an association of some sort with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. It might be simply that they have produced work for them, but I’m thinking there’s another connection.)

(I’m also imagining the discussions over the title of this film. Chances are high that there are email trails with the words "hurt" "not inclusive" and "insensitive" floating about in the air around the USCCB)

The article was sort of interesting, but ultimately, not very. It sort of struck me as a reporter called up a couple of youth ministers and said, "Hey, do you have any kids who have talked about religious life" and then picked a few. It’s all kind of ethereal and unconnected to anything solid about exactly who is inspiring these kids, what the bigger trends are, and so on.

But – it is positive and respectful. Great progress, that.