Hearing the Voice of God 

Topic of Mother Seton Address

In the evolving modern world, where technology is becoming society’s pharos, one might believe hearing the voice of God among the messiness can be difficult. 

But accessibility to God’s word even is easier today than in biblical times, according to Father Josh Johnson, director of vocations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

“How do we hear the voice God?” Father Johnson asked as he delivered the keynote address at the Catholic Schools Home and School Association Mother Seton Awards luncheon on April 5  at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. “Through prayer with the Bible.”

 It is the voice of God, it is inspired, it is infallible,” Father Johnson said during his spiritually-charged address. “Every time we read Scripture we are literally hearing God speak to us.

“If I don’t know how to spend time with that voice, I am not going to know the voice of God. Now is the time to open up our Bibles, to hear God speak to us.”

The Mother Seton Award, named after Sister Elizabeth Bayley Seton SC, the first citizen born in the United States to be canonized, honors individuals who have shared their gifts through exemplary service. Each of the Catholic schools in the diocese present the award to one of their parent volunteers.

The award also strengthens the relationship between the schools and community, and is evidence of how the relationship between school and home helps a Christian-centered education.

The home is where the roots of faith must first be planted, beginning with prayer, Father Johnson said

“Prayer can be cultivated not just in church, not just in our Catholic schools but in our homes,” he said. “You might be the mother and father of the next great saint. 

“To cultivate vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese, we must cultivate prayer in our homes.”

Father Johnson repeatedly stressed the importance of parents being role models of prayer. He lamented the fact that many people aren’t spending  time with Jesus other than attending Mass “one hour a week on Sundays.”

“I stand before you as the director of vocations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge grateful for your involvement in Catholic education but also worried that some of you, principals, administrators, teachers, parents, students, all of these years being vested in Catholic education and still don’t’ know Jesus,” he said. “Some of you have not seen with your own eyes the way Christ looks at you. Some of you have not heard the voice of Jesus Christ speak to you.”

Father Johnson passionately encouraged families to read Scripture at home together, explaining that after reading the word of God families should then meditate on that word, pray and then sit with God in contemplation. He said by doing so will set the example of children seeing mom and dad pray at home and because of that, young people will understand their own need to pray. 

“I want to encourage you to please be men and women of prayer,” he said. “Put Jesus Christ on your calendar, make an appointment with God every day. 

“Pray consistently and intentionally so that you can witness to your kids how to be in a relationship with God.”

Catholic schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Palmisano was honored for serving the diocese for the past 13 years. Palmisano announced earlier this year she is leaving the diocese at the end of the current school year and forming an educational consulting business. 

“You have a special place in my heart,” Palmisano told the attendees. “I know how difficult it is for you and for all that you do. I hope we have been able to support you during the time here because you have the most difficult and the most rewarding job in the world.”

Bishop Michael G. Duca expressed his appreciation to Palmisano, saying “It’s been great to me as the bishop to have Dr. Mel.”

“You have done great things with the schools and we will miss you. It’s been good having you with me and you taught me a lot,” he added.

“I truly hope Dr. Mel knows how many people she has inspired with her charismatic leadership and support,” said Joanne Harvey, president of the Diocesan Home and School Board.

Also during the ceremony, the 2022 Student of the Year Awards and Distinguished Ministry Award winners were honored.