Browsing by Author "Kamau, Karanja Peter"

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    Spiritual Direction as A Tool of Nurturing and Discerning Vocations to Priesthood in The Catholic Diocese of Malindi, Kenya
    (Tangaza University College, 2020-02) Kamau, Karanja Peter
    Many young men and women are often confused when it comes to choosing their vocations and careers. This study explored the use of spiritual direction as a tool of discerning and nurturing vocations to priesthood within the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to investigate how spiritual direction is a means of discerning and nurturing vocations to priesthood; exploring the meaning of spiritual direction and discernment; identifying challenges in vocational discernment in the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, and to suggest appropriate strategies for addressing issues and challenges related to discernment and nurturing vocations to priesthood. The study was anchored and guided by Rulla’s theory of psycho-social dynamics of Christian vocation.The research adopted a mixed method research design, which was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. The target population was: 10 priests from across the diocese, 10 religious nuns from across the parishes, 10 parents, 12 seminarians, the vocation team (5), 20 Catholic male students (form IV) from different secondary schools in the diocese, and 40 Catholic male youth ranging between 18-25years from various parishes. The sample size was 107. The study used stratified sampling procedure to get the required data for the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interview guide. The data collected were coded and analysed using Microsoft Excel Programme with tables, charts, and figures generated in Microsoft Word Programme. Some of the elements measured took into consideration the parishes of the respondents, age, gender, and academic levels. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics which included frequencies, percentages, and deviation means. The qualitative data was analyzed using themes based on the research objectives and presented in form of narratives using figures and tables. The study found that spiritual direction plays a crucial role in facilitating discernment, nurturing, fostering growth and guiding candidates to embrace the vocation to priesthood as confirmed by the majority of the respondents. However, the study noted that spiritual direction is not utilized fully in the discernment and nurturing of vocations to priesthood in the CDM. It was noted in the research that spiritual direction is not widely practised among the youth. The study concludes that spiritual direction should be popularised among the youth and that there should be good collaboration between the Pastoral agents and parents in helping the youth discern and nurture their vocations. The study recommended the necessity of adequate training of the vocation team in the Diocese on vocational discernment and accompaniment and enhancing spiritual direction skills in both the directors and directees.
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    Young People and Discernment of Vocations According to the Teachings of Saint John Paul II
    (The Person and the Challenges: The Journal of Theology, Education, Canon Law and Social Studies, 2020) Kamau, Karanja Peter
    Many young men and women are often confused when it comes to choosing their vocations and careers. According to Pope John Paul II in PastoresDaboVobis, “Each Christian vocation comes from God and is God’s gift. However, it is never bestowed outside of or independently of the Church. Instead it always comes about in the Church and through the Church a luminous and living reflection of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.” What churches are doing with youth is commendable. Pope John Paul II earned the confidence of young people because he took them seriously. They sensed that he understood their concerns. He challenged them to give their lives to Christ. He appealed to their high ideals, inviting them to take a lead in the New Evangelization. Amidst the contemporary challenges facing young people, it would be appropriate to find ways of helping youth discern God’s call in their daily struggles. This implies learning to discern God’s voice hidden in the chaos of other worldly voices. The worldly allurements seem to have a great impact amongst youth. They therefore require some guidance from their parents and spiritual leaders in order for them to make the right decisions. This article looks at how Pope John Paul II treated the issue of vocational discernment among young people.