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``What our vocations directors were finding here _ and around the country _ was the men who've been thinking about it became more committed to working for the church, because what they saw in the scandal was not a reflection of priesthood and what a good priest is,'' Gibbs said.

I think this is quite true. I personally know a young man from Milwaukee who, after Weakland was driven from his post by his manly ex-lover, was so disgusted that he decided he had no choice but to go into the priesthood.

The effect that scandals had on him, and several men I know, is that it quite effectiveley drove them to think of things this way:

"And the saints are humble, that is to say, the mediocrity of the Church does not deter them from expressing once and for all their solidarity with her, knowing well that without her they could never find their way to God. To bypass Christ's Church with the idea of making their way to God on their own initiative would never occur to them. They do battle with the mediocrity of Christ's Church not by protesting but by enkindling and encouraging the better. The Church causes them pain, but they do not become embittered and stand aside to sulk. They form no dissident groups but cast their fire into the midst.Of course the Church "should do this, should do that." She "should do" everything, and much more than she is ever capable of doing. But should not the words "the Church should do this" mean "I should do it?""

--Hans Urs von Balthasaar

Interesting point about those inspired to answer their call. Good Catholic education is important. We all play some role in creating the ennvironment, atmosphere, trends, and perspectives from which priestly candidates emerge. We had a very good teacher ( a vowed religious, female)in grade school who focused on encouraging boys to serve as lectors for Mass. This reverent Sister of Notre Dame was playing that role of encouraging knowledge and piety from which vocations flow.

Just keeping lines of communication open and discussing faith issues creates a healthy environment for the faith. Reading sacred scripture in grade school is a great way to keep things alive.