Resources > Seminarian Parent Articles > Carmen and Rosemarie Marrone

Name: Carmen and Rosemarie Marrone

How big is your family?
Our family includes myself and my wife Rosemarie, our three sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren.

What was it like raising your family in the Church?  Give an idea of what it was like raising your family, and the faith life present in your home.  Any family devotions/faith practices?
Our family centered by a strong devotion to the church and to each other. Through the years we made sure we attended Mass as a family every Sunday and on all holidays of obligation. All three of our sons attended Catholic grade school and high school and two of them attended Catholic universities.

What was it like for you and for your family when your son first told you he was thinking of entering the seminary?  What was your reaction, the reaction of family and friends?
When our son Michael told us that he wanted to enter the priesthood we were not shocked because as a child Michael frequently told us that he wanted to be the Pope when he grew-up. We were extremely proud when Michael told us he wanted to enter the seminary. Michael’s grandmother is Rose Kouri, the word “Kouri” means “priest” in Arabic, so it seems like the priesthood was Michael’s destiny.

What proved helpful to YOU during your son’s discernment process?  What
were your fears, concerns or surprises along the way?
We had no fear when Michael decided to enter the seminary because all of his life, his mother and I had a feeling that he would one day become a priest. After college Michael began teaching at North Catholic High School and his caring ways really began to emerge. Michael was a caring and involved teacher who went above and beyond what was required to help his students succeed in school. We felt it was a natural progression for him to move into the priesthood where he could combine his love for education and his strong religious beliefs.

What is it like now having a son studying to be a priest?
Our family is extremely honored to have our son follow a religious vocation and we joyfully anticipate his ordination. To see how happy and content our son is in doing all that is necessary to follow his vocation in the seminary and serving as a deacon is very fulfilling to us as parents.

What role do you play as a parent in your son’s current discernment?
As parents we try to always be there for our son and to support him with all of our courage, strength and prayers. We hope this will help to carry him on through with this vocation.

How do you think parents should encourage vocations to the priesthood within the home?
Parents should listen to their children when they are young and if they express an interest in becoming a priest, nun or even the Pope, they should react positively and encourage their sons and daughters to find out more about a vocation in the church. Parents should then find out how you can be of support to them spiritually, financially and with your prayers.

To a parent who has a son who is considering the call, what would you tell them?
Support your son’s vocation; let him know that his family and friends support him and that you will always be there for him when he needs you.

Anything else you’d like to share?
In the world today, vocations in the church are becoming fewer and fewer. As a parent, when a child has this calling, you should encourage their interest not try to talk them out of it. Until this happens to your family, no words can express how wonderful it is to see your child serve God as a priest or a nun