April 18, 2018

"Vocation is today! The Christian mission is now! Each one of us is called – whether to the lay life in marriage, to the priestly life in the ordained ministry, or to a life of special consecration – in order to become a witness of the Lord, here and now . . .
Message of His Holiness
Pope Francis for the 2018 World Day of Vocations

By Cathy Russell
Diocesan Vocation Coordinator

Sunday, April 22nd is the 55th anniversary of the annual World Day of Prayer For Vocations. How will you celebrate it?

On this day, the Church asks us to pause, to pray and to consider what a gift to the Church priests and consecrated religious are. Especially on this day, we are reminded of the responsibility we have to pray fervently for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in our own diocese.

To assist parishes in this endeavor, the Vocation Office has provided a packet of suggestions to focus attention on this theme.

One of our diocesan priorities, set forth by Bishop LaValley, is to create a culture of vocation in every parish. Our diocese has a plan entitled, “We Are Called.”

The plan encourages each parish or group of linked parishes to have a parish vocation ministry. The purpose of this ministry is twofold: to promote the baptismal call of every person to holiness and to promote through prayer and awareness vocations to priesthood and consecrated life. The plan is full of all kinds of ideas and activities and is available on the diocesan webpage.

The diocesan vocation office supports parish vocation ministries and offers regional training sessions for those involved in this wonderful ministry. Check to see when there is a training near you!

The diocesan vocation office also organizes Operation Andrew dinners twice a year throughout the diocese. At the dinners, we pray to know the vocation to which we are called, we enjoy a meal and Bishop LaValley shares his vocation story along with a couple of priests. The dinners are open to men middle school age and up and their parents. Do you know someone you think should attend? Invite him! This year we are also sponsoring an Operation Miriam lunch for young women to find out about consecrated life.

More information on these events or to register for an event can be found on the diocesan vocation page, by emailing crussell@rcdony.org or by contacting your pastor.

How will you celebrate the 55th World Day of Prayer For Vocations? Step up and let’s all get to work!

“We are not victims of chance or swept up in a series of unconnected events; on the contrary, our life and our presence in this world are the fruit of a divine vocation!” Pope Francis.