Vince and Marianne Burkemper’s witness to married life helped foster their son’s priestly vocation
As Marianne Burkemper shuffled through her kids’ school papers on the kitchen counter, she came across a permission slip for altar server training. She glanced over at her sixth-grade son, Drew, and asked if he wanted to sign up.
“I’ve waited my whole life for this,” she recalled him telling her.
Only later did Marianne and her husband, Vince, realize how much his matter-of-fact response said about the vocation God was already planting in their only son.
Vince described their son as a “self-made priest.” But years later, when Father Andrew Burkemper was preparing for his priestly ordination in 2014, they realized how much they had done in their own married vocation to support him along the way: going to Mass every Sunday, sending their three children to Catholic schools, encouraging participation in parish youth ministry, welcoming priests into their home and learning to model a united Catholic faith after Marianne’s conversion early in their marriage.
“We really had a united front,” Marianne said.
They encouraged altar serving — even if it meant juggling schedules — and made time for youth group, retreats and events like Kenrick‑Glennon Days. They showed up at the 5 p.m. youth Mass, fundraisers and parish activities where their kids were involved.
As their son was considering the seminary, the three of them met with Msgr. Michael Butler, then vocations director for the archdiocese, who told them that one of the biggest obstacles for men entering the seminary is their parents’ resistance.
That was surprising to Vince — and definitely not how he and Marianne felt about it. They wanted their children to get a good education and to learn where God was calling them to in their place in the world.
“Most parents are just looking for their children to be able to be happy,” he said. “We now have a priest, a social worker and a teacher. If that’s what they’re called to do, then it’s a beautiful thing.”
The Burkempers said the best thing married couples can do to support religious vocations is to take their own vocation seriously. That means praying about where God is calling you as a family, making Mass and the sacraments a priority and being present with your children. They also encouraged parents to not be afraid of mentioning the priesthood or religious life as a real possibility.
“We all are called to a vocation. One hundred percent I knew my vocation was to be a father, to get married and have children,” Vince said. Allowing God to take the lead and following His will is the way to discover your vocation, he added.
“I don’t think we’re going to say, ‘Oh, you’re going to be a priest’ so much as we want to develop a sense of God in your life,” he said. “Let Him be a part of your life, and He will lead you.”
Other resources
Image of God Institute: Parents can help their young adult children discover all that is offered by the Image of God Institute as they discern their vocation to marriage or religious life. imageofgodinstitute.org
Salt & Light Nazareth Nights: Evenings of prayer and fellowship hosted by the archdiocesan Young Adult Ministry are great opportunities for young men and women to take time to pray with other young adults as they discern where God may be calling them. www.stlyoungadults.com/nazareth-night
Kenrick-Glennon Days: This summer camp for middle grade and high school boys is a way to help boys connect more deeply with their Catholic faith, whether they are on a path to discern a priestly vocation or not. www.stlvocations.org/kgd
Serra Club of St. Louis: Members promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life and support those who are answering their vocational call. serrastl.org
