The Vocation Chalice. The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Transcription

1 The Vocation Chalice The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

2 The Vocation Chalice THANK YOU for agreeing to take the vocation chalice this week and pray for vocations. There are many people out there who are still searching for vocations who will benefit from your prayers. There are also many who have found their vocation, but are having trouble living it out. For these people as well your prayers will be fruitful. Please do your best this week to pray everyday for vocations. You may find it helpful to use the prayers that are included in this booklet or you might find it easier to simply pray from the heart. If you are a family we encourage you to pray together as a family. The need for vocations to the priesthood and religious life is becoming more and more obvious, both in our world and in our diocese. It would be good for us to think about the opportunities that are made available to us through the ministry of priests and religious. Whether it be the Eucharist or being visited in the hospital, we are reminded of their unique role in our church and world. As you pray for more priests and religious, be thankful for those who are currently serving God s people. Let this week also be an opportunity for you to speak to your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews about considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. The influence of close family members is critical for the development of a strong understanding of God s call for young people. Talk to your children or other young relatives about what God wants them to be when they grow up and listen to what they are telling you. Just because they are young does not mean that God is not calling them. It is also good for us to remember that God continues to call us to serve, no matter our age. As you pray, listen for the voice of God. And may God bless you for the time you spend praying for men and women to serve God and the Church.

3 a Please return the binder with the chalice to the priests vesting room 15 minutes before the scheduled Mass. a

4 Put simply, a vocation is a calling from God. It is our own unique way of responding to God s invitation to happiness. God wants us to be happy and fulfilled and at peace. This is the invitation that God extends to us. To find peace in our lives is to focus our lives around God and to allow everything that we do to be centered around His presence in our lives. There are four possible vocations into which all of us fit. 1. Married life: A life shared between a man and a woman that is a witness in the world of God s love for humanity. 2. Single life: A life of one person lived for the service of others and the Church. 3. Religious life: A life dedicated to a particular community in which someone usually prays and works according to the mission of their particular order and the mission of the Church. 4. Ordained life: This refers to the life of deacons, priests and bishops. It is a life dedicated to the service of the people of God and guiding them in the way of holiness. It can be difficult to figure out who God is calling us to be and which direction He wants us to go. The most important way of discerning God s will for us is to pray. Through prayer we establish a relationship with God and through this relationship we find out the best way for us to grow closer to God. This best way is our vocation: it is the way that will lead us to happiness and peace. Another way of figuring out where God is calling is to listen to the people around us. God calls us through other people and we have to listen to the voice of God even though it comes from the face of a family member or a friend. A third way of discovering which vocation we are called to is to become active in the life of our parish community. By using our talents for the sake of others we can become aware of what we are good at and how we can use those gifts to help others come to know God.

5 There are many ways of asking about vocations. For younger people it is important to talk to your parents and ask for their advice. If you are a parent, then you may want to ask the parish priest on how to talk to your children about vocations. There are also many resources online that might help you direct your children in the right direction. Here are some websites that you might find helpful: Diocese of Evansville Vocation s Website The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Official website for vocations. The vocations page for the Diocese of Joliet, which offers some helpful information on vocations. The vocations page for the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, which offers more information as well as some stories from other people discerning their vocation. Offers tons of articles and documents on vocations to the priesthood and religious life. A fantastic website that provides information on living a pure and chaste life as well as some questions from curious teens about marriage, singe life, priesthood and religious life. An excellent article that walks through what a vocation is and how you can find out what that means for your life. Offers links to a lot of religious order websites that provide descriptions of that various orders. Website for the Benedictine sisters in Ferdinand that provides resources on how to figure out what your vocation is and how to follow it. A comprehensive resource that offers some great information and links to other helpful sites.

6 1. I am not holy enough. 2. I am afraid I ll fail. 3. I ve made mistakes. I m a sinner. 4. I am not talented enough. 5. I am from a dysfunctional family. 6. I could never stand up and speak in front of a crowd! 7. I am afraid of making a permanent commitment. g g g g g g g I AM NOT HOLY ENOUGH. Who is? No one is worthy of God s attention and love, of Baptism, of a church vocation. They are pure gift from God. I AM AFRAID I LL FAIL. Explore these feelings of failure. Do you think Jesus ever feared taking the next step? If we are paralyzed by fear of failure, what will we ever do? Another consideration is that perhaps the worst thing is not failure. It could be part of God s plan. Jesus life looked like a failure. I VE MADE MISTAKES. I M A SINNER. Who hasn t? Who isn t? I AM NOT TALENTED ENOUGH. It s like the multiplication of the loaves. You give God what you have and you watch it transformed into the gifts you need for ministry. I AM FROM A DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY. It is said that 60-90% of those in the priesthood and religious life, those in discernment and formation come from dysfunctional families. You re in good company. Apart from the personal work you need to do on issues coming from such a family background, you will also recognize that you have sensitivities and certain gifts from your experience that will enable you to minister well pastorally. I COULD NEVER STAND UP AND SPEAK IN FRONT OF A CROWD! Many priests and religious thought the same thing. Look at them now! I AM AFRAID OF MAKING A PERMANENT COMMITMENT. Seminary and initial formation programs give you the time and space to really see if priesthood or religious life fit before you make any kind of commitment. All we are asked to do is be in conversation with God and to listen to where He may be asking us to go. From Vocations Anonymous: A Handbook for adults discerning priesthood and religious life by Sr. Kathleen Bryant, RSC

7 PRAY. Open yourself in a conscious way to God s presence. God is bombarding us with blessings and His presence everywhere and at all times but we are often closed. Relax...Open up...give God some quality time. If the recommendation for good health is a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise three times a week, then spend a similar amount of time listening to God for your spiritual health. You don t have to pray some great prayer, just pray from your heart. GET A NOTEBOOK. Start writing down the things you are experiencing. When did you first notice the call? What have other people said to you? What do you think God is asking of you? Are there any Scripture passages that have sparked your interest? REMEMBER. Recall your personal story of faith. Where did it all begin? When did you first experience God? How has your image of God changed over the years? TALK TO SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST. Talk to one person. In the early stages of vocation discernment, you may not want to tell your family and friends. They may start treating you differently and not give you the freedom to genuinely discern your call. START LOOKING AROUND. Gently start looking around at the priests and religious you have known. Pick up the Message and look for ads for vocation events, retreats and other activities. Some people begin writing seminarians or religious orders and keep a hidden stash of vocation literature under the bed or in the closet. It never hurts to do some investigating. GET INVOLVED. Get involved in some form of service or parish ministry (teaching a religious education class, serving as a lector or minister of the Eucharist, visiting the elderly or feeding the homeless). ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF PRAYERFUL PEOPLE. Ask people to pray for you. You don t have to specify an intention. You cold suggest that you are trying to discover God s will for your life or that you are trying to make a decision. Consider asking prayer from your family, close friends, or a prayer group at the parish. PAY ATTENTION! Notice and pay attention to what is life-giving, energizing for you. What sparks fly out at you in your life? Where s the passion? The attraction? From Vocations Anonymous: A Handbook for adults discerning priesthood and religious life by Sr. Kathleen Bryant, RSC

8 Prayers for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life For Those who have been called Pray to the Master of the Harvest Almighty and eternal God, in your unfailing love you provide ministers for your Church. We pray for those whom you call to serve our parish as priests. Inspire in them a generous response. Grant them courage and vision to serve your people. May their lives and service call your people to respond to the presence of your Spirit among us that, faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus Christ, we may: announce glad tidings to the poor proclaim liberty to captives, set prisoners free and renew the face of the earth. For Openness to vocations Gracious and loving God, help the men and women of our parish to hear the call to serve in the Diocese of Evansville. Our needs are great and our people thirst for your presence. Open the hearts of many, raise up faithful servants of the Gospel, dedicated, holy priests, sisters, brothers and deacons, who will spend themselves for your people and their needs. Bless those who are serving now with courage and perseverance. Grant that many will be inspired by their example and faith. For faithful leaders Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future. Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice. Bless our parish by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends who will serve Your people as sisters, priests, brothers, deacons and lay ministers. Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

9 For those discerning a vocation Gracious God, You have called me to life and gifted me in many ways. Through Baptism You have sent me to continue the mission of Jesus by sharing my love with others. Strengthen me to respond to Your call each day. Help me to become all You desire of me. Inspire me to make a difference in others' lives. Lead me to choose the way of life You have planned for me. Open the hearts of all to listen to Your call. Fill all with Your Holy Spirit that we may have listening hearts and the courage to respond to You. Enkindle in my heart and the hearts of others the desire to make the world a better place by serving as a lay minister, sister, priest, brother or deacon. Amen. St. Ignatius Prayer for generosity Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Take, Lord, and receive Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own. Whatever I have or hold, you have given me. I return it all to you and surrender it wholly to be governed by your will. Give me only your love and your grace and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more. -from St. Ignatius, the end of the spiritual exercises

10 For help in discerning Lord, you told us that the harvest indeed is great but the laborers are few. Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest. We ask that we may know and follow the vocation to which you have called us. We pray particularly for those called to serve as priests, Brothers and Sisters; those whom you have called, those you are calling now, and those you will call in the future. May they be open and responsive to the call of serving your people. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. For strength We praise you for your goodness. We thank you for your gifts, O Lord. We ask you to strengthen us to live in love and service to others after the example of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to see our vocations as a journey toward you. You have called us, not to set us apart, but to bring us together with others who need our love. Make us faithful signs of your presence in our midst. We ask you through Christ, our Lord. Amen. For God s blessing Heavenly Father, bless your Church with an abundance of holy and zealous priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Give those you have called to the married state and those you have chosen to live as single persons in the world, the special graces that their lives require. Form us all in the likeness of your Son so that in him, with him and through him we may love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully, always and everywhere. With Mary we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. - Vocations Committee, Supreme Council, Knights of Columbus For the courage to follow Lord Jesus, up until now you have been quietly preparing me to be your disciple. Now the time of preparation is ending. I seem to hear you say to me as once to Peter: Will you also go away?" You were saddened then by friends who failed you. But Peter did not fail. "Lord", he said, "to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." I stand with Peter. Through prayer and counsel, show me, Lord, where it is in your vineyard that you want me to serve. Then give me strength to be faithful. Mary, Mother and Model, help me to respond in generous love to the call of your divine Son.

11 For youth O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service. Amen. Dear Jesus, Please grant to me the grace to know my true vocation. In Baptism I was signed in your name and have grown to share in the work of bringing the Father's love to our world. May I respond to the special life's work to which you are calling me. I ask that many will hear the particular call to serve in the Church as priests, religious and consecrated lay people. To whatever you ask of me, may I freely, courageously and lovingly respond. Amen. To discover my true vocation Enlighten my mind Great and glorious God, and my Lord Jesus Christ Enlighten the darkness of my mind. Give me a right faith a firm hope and a perfect charity. Grant that I may know you, Lord in order that I may always and in all things act according to your most holy and perfect will. Amen - St Francis of Assisi

12 For guidance on how to serve Father, we're your people, the work of your hands. So precious are we in your sight that you sent your Son, Jesus. Jesus calls us to heal the broken-hearted, to dry the tears of those who mourn, to give hope to those who despair, and to rejoice in your steadfast love. We, the baptized, realize our call to serve. Help us to know how. Call forth from among us priests, sisters, brothers and lay ministers. With our hearts you continue to love your people. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. For Direction MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. For laborers in the harvest - Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude" Lord Jesus, as You once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound: Come, follow Me! Give young men and women the grace of responding quickly to Your voice. Support our bishops, priests and consecrated people in their apostolic labor. Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are carrying out the ideal of a life totally consecrated to your service. Awaken in our community a missionary eagerness. Lord, SEND WORKERS INTO YOUR HARVEST, and do not allow humanity to be lost for the lack of pastors, missionaries and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel. Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say Yes to the Lord who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation. Amen. - Pope John Paul II

13 For Parents Loving God, thank you for blessing me with the gift of children. Give me the grace to raise them well and to love them with all my heart. Help me to educate them in the faith and model a spirit of generosity. In your goodness, give my children a life of happiness and fulfillment. Help me to support them in whatever vocation you call them and to abandon my own desires for their future into your loving hands. Give them peace and lead them closer to yourself. May they live long and happy lives spent building up your Kingdom here on earth. Help me to be a good parent and to imitate your love for all of humanity. For the intercession of mary Hail Mary, full of grace; all generations call you blessed. Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel to bear the Son of the Most High, filled with faith, you responded: "Let it be done unto me." Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana, you prompted your Son to perform his first sign. Be with us as we discern our life's work and guide us in the way we are called to follow in the footsteps of your Son. Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross you mourned the death of your only Son. Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd, turn your motherly care to this nation. Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers to the harvest in this land dedicated to your honor. Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick, inspire vocations in our time. Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim the good news of everlasting life. Amen.

14 Consider placing a family photo, flowers, a candle, or some item(s) of significance to your family on the table with the Vocations chalice. Before prayer you may want to light a candle, reminding us that Christ is the Light of the World, which shines through our lives! Welcome your family, extended family, and friends. Invite everyone to a moment of quiet, remembering that we are always in God s loving presence. An opening prayer is included with each daily devotion. See each daily devotion. See each daily devotion. Invited family members to offer prayers either in thanksgiving for blessings received or for the needs of family, friends, and the world. This is an opportunity to name those priests, religious sisters, brothers, and other ministers through whom you have experienced God s love. Several prayers are included later in this packet. You can select one or more of these or provide your own. A closing prayer is included with each day s suggested activities.

15 SUNDAY Marriage and Family Focus: In family life, children learn from their parents how to love and follow Christ. Marriage is a vocation which encourages generosity and openness to the will of God in all Vocations. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son, Jesus, calls us to a new and more abundant life. Each day He draws us ever closer to You and each other. May our time in prayer now be a special moment of this closeness. May we feel the presence of your Holy Spirit in our words and thoughts. May our prayers be a sign that we are confident of Your care for the Church. May our prayers help others to know how best to serve You and Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:28-6:4 So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord. Consider the following Questions: 1. Do I attempt to understand and appreciate the close companionship and generosity that the sacrament of marriage requires? 2. What are the challenges to married couples today and how do I offer these couples warm support and encouragement? 3. In what ways am I helping to encourage the openness of my children s hearts to God s will? 4. What resources does our parish offer to help support married couples? Conclude with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, a Vocation Prayer or the following Closing Prayer. Closing Prayer: O God, we thank You for one another and for giving us the holy family of Nazareth as our model. Daily each member sought to serve the other in unselfish love. Your will was their guide. May their inspiration lead us to draw closer to You and to value the human person, especially those related to us by family ties. Amen.

16 MONDAY Single Life Focus: For many people, as it was with Jesus, the single life is their true calling. It enables them to use their gifts and talents freely for the service of Gods Kingdom. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son, Jesus, calls us to a new and more abundant life. Each day He draws us ever closer to You and each other. May our time in prayer now be a special moment of this closeness. May we feel the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our words and thoughts. May our prayers be a sign that we are confident of Your care for the Church. May our prayers help others to know how best to serve You and Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:1-15 My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands; For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you. Let not kindness and fidelity leave you; bind them around your neck; Then will you win favor and good esteem before God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil; This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce; Then will your barns be filled with grain, with new wine your vats will overflow. The discipline of the LORD, my son, disdain not; spurn not his reproof; For whom the LORD loves he reproves, and he chastises the son he favors. Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding! For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue; She is more precious than corals, and none of your choice possessions can compare with her. Consider the following Questions: 1. How have single persons enriched our family, our parish, our church, and our world? 2. How can I better encourage single persons in their vocation? 3. Do the single people in my life feel fulfilled in their life and how can I help them to reach fulfillment? 4. What does our parish do in terms of young adult ministry? Conclude with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, a Vocation Prayer or the following Closing Prayer Closing Prayer: Gracious God, we praise and bless You for all the many great and wonderful gifts You give to our world. Bless all single people. Give them Your peace and joy. Give us a sprit of discernment to find new and creative ways to support their much needed ministry in today s world. We make this prayer through Your Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

17 TUESDAY Priesthood Focus: As a representative of Christ, the Head, priests gather the community and keep it united. He leads the community in prayer, especially the sacraments, and helps to form the community he serves as a body of true disciples, dedicated to the teaching and work of Christ. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son, Jesus, calls us to a new and more abundant life. Each day He draws us ever closer to You and each other. May our time in prayer now be a special moment of this closeness. May we feel the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our words and thoughts. May our prayers be a sign that we are confident of Your care for the Church. May our prayers help others to know how best to serve You and Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshipped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. Consider the following Questions: 1. How have priests made a difference in our lives? 2. What qualities make for a good priest, especially the pastor of a parish? 3. What makes the priesthood a difficult vocation to answer? 4. How do we offer encouragement to the priest(s) who serve(s) our parish? 5. Would I support the call of my son, grandson, my brother, or my friend to the priesthood? Conclude with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, a Vocations Prayer or the following Closing Prayer. Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, in your mystery, you choose men from among your people to serve as priests. Raise up for us holy men to serve your Church in this way. Help those who are being called to have the courage to respond to your will. Help those who are in formation for the priesthood to grow in holiness and zeal for souls, and give your strength and love to priests already faithfully serving in your fields. Give us priests who are faithful in the celebration of the Sacraments and generous in their time for others. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. Amen

18 WEDNESDAY Diaconate Focus: Deacons remind all of us that humble service is a true hallmark of someone who professes to follow Jesus. They are ordained members of the Church and have a proper liturgical role. But more importantly, they are asked to give witness through married life, through their presence in the work place and through involvement in the civic community. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son, Jesus, draws us ever closer to You and to others. May our time in prayer now be a special moment of this closeness. May we feel the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our words and thoughts. May our prayers be a sign that we are confident of Your care for the Church. May our prayers help others to know how best to serve You and Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: John 13:4-17 He rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Master, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus answered and said to him, what I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later. Peter said to him, You will never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me. Simon Peter said to him, Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well. Jesus said to him, Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all. For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, Not all of you are clean. So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me teacher and master, and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Consider the following Questions: 1. Do we know anybody who has the generous and obedient heart of the deacon? 2. How do deacons give witness to Jesus call to serve one another? 3. How is the community helping to nurture this vocation in its members? Conclude with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, a Vocations Prayer or the following Closing Prayer. Closing Prayer: Loving God, You sent Your Son as a powerful and real sign of Your love for us. He was especially compassionate toward sinners, the poor and sick, and those longing to find You in their lives. Give a generous heart like this to the men You have called to be deacons. Help them to balance the demands of their ordained ministry, family life and work. Keep them from growing tired or discouraged, we ask this through the loving, sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen.

19 THURSDAY Religious Sisters Focus: God calls some women in the Church to consecrate themselves to the Kingdom of God in a vowed way. They carry out this calling by embracing community life and renouncing material possessions, and by engaging in apostolic works or contemplative prayer. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son, Jesus, calls us to a new and more abundant life. Each day He draws us ever closer to You and each other. May our time in prayer now be a special moment of this closeness. May we feel the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our words and thoughts. May our prayers be a sign that we are confident of Your care for the Church. May our prayers help others to know how best to serve You and Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42 As they continued their journey Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at this feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me. The Lord said to her in reply, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her. Consider the following Questions: 1. In my day to day activities, do I take time to feel the presence of God and to hear the call of God? 2. How are sisters important to the prospering of our parish? 3. What am I doing in my parish to promote this vocation? 4. Would I support the call of my daughter, granddaughter, my sister, or my friend to religious life? Conclude with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, a Vocations Prayer or the following Closing Prayer. Closing Prayer: Thank you, O God, for calling some women to be totally dedicated to Your glory and to serving You through the Church. Give them Your desires so that they may work to bring the world to You. Bless those women who already serve You in a vowed life. Help each of us to be faithful to our own commitments so that in fidelity we may support all seeking to be faithful to You as was Your beloved Son. We ask this in His name through the Spirit who binds us all as one. Amen.

20 FRIDAY Religious Brothers Focus: Brothers are men who accept a way of life similar to women called to religious life. They belong to communities like the Franciscans, Dominicans, Benedictines, or Marianists. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son, Jesus draws us ever closer to You and to others. May our time in prayer now be a special moment of this closeness. May we feel the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our words and thoughts. May our prayers be a sign that we are confident of Your care for the Church. May our prayers help others to know how best to serve You and Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6: 1-12 In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple. Seraphin were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they veiled their faces, with two they veiled their feet, and with two they hovered aloft. Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! they cried one to the other. All the earth is filled with his glory! At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke. Then I said, Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts! Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it. See, he said, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? Who will go for us? Here I am, I said; send me! Consider the following Questions: 1. Do I know of the communities of brothers in our diocese? Of their life and works? Am I supportive of them? 2. How are brothers helping to create a better Church and parish? 3. What qualities does a person possess who is called to the brotherhood? 4. Would I support the call of my son, grandson, my brother, or my friend to the brotherhood? Conclude with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, a Vocations Prayer or the following Closing Prayer. Closing Prayer: Loving God, You call all Your children to universal love and sharing, and You have given us Jesus, Your Son, as model. We praise and thank You for Your goodness and for that of our religious brothers, ministering to the needs of people in our diocese and throughout our world. We ask You to choose from our families many more young men who will serve You as brothers in love and faithfulness. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen.

21 SATURDAY Lay Ministers Focus: God calls all Christians to find appropriate ways to live out their baptism. Some lay persons feel the desire, and the gifts, to devote themselves to significant roles of leadership and ministry in the life of the Church. Many parishes today depend on the service of catechetical leaders, pastoral associates, etc. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son, Jesus, calls us to a new and more abundant life. Each day He draws us ever closer to You and each other. May our time in prayer now be a special moment of this closeness. May we feel the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our words and thoughts. May our prayers be a sign that we are confident of Your care for the Church. May our prayers help others to know how best to serve You and Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:7; But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ s gift. And He gives some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body s growth and builds itself up in love. Consider the following Questions: 1. Who are some of the people I know in the parish or diocese who are really serving others in the spirit of the gospel? How are they doing this? 2. Am I using these gifts to better my parish community? 3. How might I better support my parish with the use of my talents? How am I supporting the development of the gifts of others? Conclude with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, a Vocations Prayer or the following Closing Prayer. Closing Prayer: O God Almighty, we thank You for calling each of us into deeper life through Jesus. We thank You for the love we are called to bear one another. Teach us to respect the many ways in which Your spirit is manifested and the many gifts needed to bring Christ s life in us to its fullness. Never let us forget that the greatest among us in the one who serves with joy and humility, using Your gifts for the common good. We ask this in the name of Your Son through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

22 WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? Pray to the Master of the Harvest FROM THE BEGINNING: Let the child experience in parents an attitude of openness to God s will. Place priority on family prayer as a time of speaking and listening to a loving God. Encourage the child to listen and to talk to God when alone. Point out evidence of God s love for the child loving people, created beauty, daily surprises, and unexpected events. Help the child take time to thank God each day. AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL: Read and tell about Mary s Yes to God (Luke 1:26-38) Read and talk about Jesus calling His apostles and friends to follow Him (Mt. 9:9-13; Mark10:17-31; Luke 5:1-11; John 21:15-19) Answer the child s questions about who is a priest? Who is a sister? Who is a brother? Who is a deacon? At family prayer ask God to bless priests, deacons, sisters, or brothers who are members of the family or who are known well to the family. Speak in a positive attitude about religious vocation and your parish priest. They are human beings; so if they make mistakes, as we do, be kind to them as you would be kind to us. Notice their happiness in their work, and also notice when they are overworked as we can be. Invite a priest, deacon, sister or brother to visit your home for a meal, house blessing or some special occasion. AT THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL: Encourage children to read in their own Bible about Mary s response to God s call, about Jesus calling the apostles (see Scripture passages above). Provide opportunities for the children to read about people who responded to God s call to serve in priesthood or in religious life Benedict, Bernard, Francis, Damien, Therese, Catherine, Vincent de Paul, John Bosco, Ignatius, John Vianney, Mother Cabrini, Mother Theresa, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI. Point out the ministry of the parish priest(s) in celebrating the sacraments, calling people to prayer, explaining Scripture, reaching out to bring Christ to the lonely, the elderly, and the neglected. Help children realize that the religious life is an option, the same as becoming a nurse, teacher, electrician and being married. Continue to pray as a family group for priestly and religious vocations. AT THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH LEVEL: Encourage the young person to pray to discover and use the gifts God has given. Provide opportunities for young people to work on service projects with religious. Encourage young people to give freely of their time, efforts and talents for neighboring families in need or elderly persons in the parish. If possible, attend an ordination of a priest or deacon or a profession ceremony of a sister or brother. Speak honestly and positively about the challenges of living a life of Christ. Keep alive a regular time for family prayer. Include a prayer for vocations.

23 Modified Prayer Plan for Families with Young Children Suggested Opening Prayer: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen. Sunday Family prayer that offers up the activities for the week to the Lord in hopes that He will answer our prayers. Monday Recite this Prayer for Strength: We praise you for your goodness. We thank you for your gifts, O Lord. We ask you to strengthen us to live in love and service to others after the example of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to see our vocations as a journey toward you. You have called us, not to set us apart, but to bring us together with others who need our love. Make us faithful signs of your presence in our midst. We ask you through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Tuesday A family discussion on why our efforts during this week are important and make a difference. Wednesday Recite one decade of the Rosary for Vocations asking Mary to intercede for us that God may send us holy and devoted priests and that there be an increase in those answering the call to the priesthood and religious life. Thursday Ask each family member to offer a suggestion on how we can promote an increase in vocation awareness. Friday Have each child or member of the family say their own prayer on asking Jesus to guide people to religious life. Saturday Family prayer which thanks God for the opportunity to offer up an entire week to vocation awareness. Suggested Closing Prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

24 Children s Prayers for Vocations For my future Heavenly Father, Thank you for my parents and for all the love that they show to me. Thank you for all the things that you have given me. Help me to use all that I have been given to do good things. I know that you have a plan for my life. Help me to understand what you have in mind for me and to always listen for your voice. Amen. Some things to remember: ï ï ï ï ï ï ï God knows everything about me God wants me to be happy I should listen to my parents God loves me more than I can possibly imagine Treating others like I want to be treated is very important Serving God sometimes means that we have to do things that aren t easy Nothing is more important than God!

25 Scripture verses relating to vocations New Testament Old Testament Night in Prayer Lk 6:12-15 The Twelve Mk 1:13-15 Rich Young Man Lk 18:15-30 Requirements Lk 9:57-62 The Cross Mt 16:24-28 Few Chosen Mt 22:1-14 Temptations Lk 4:1-13 Martha & Mary Lk 10:38-42 Seek First Lk 12:22-31 What Matters Phil 1:9-10 All Things Rom 8:26-31 Gen 12:1-4a Abraham Ex 3:10-12 Moses Ex 4: 1, Am 7:14-15 Amos Is 6:8 Isaiah Jer 1:4-8 Jeremiah Ez 3:1-4 Ezekiel 1 Kings 10 Kings

26 Scriptural Meditation on Matthew 14:22-33 g WALKING ON WATER Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. I want to discover who it is God wants me to be in this life. I want to know who I am called to be because I know that the closer I am to being who God wants me to be, the closer I am to God. I have realized that there is nothing more important in this life than growing closer to my God; closer to the One who gave me life; closer to the One with whom I desire to spend all eternity. PAUSE When evening came, Jesus was there alone on the mountain, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. I try so hard to draw close to the Lord and to keep praying but sometimes it seems like the closer I try to get, the farther away I seem to be. Sometimes when I pray I feel like there is no one listening or I become distracted and can t stay focused when I pray. I have such a hard time overcoming my sinfulness and every time I sin I feel like I am thrown back and have to start all over again. And early in the morning Jesus came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." PAUSE Sometimes I am so scared of what God might ask me to do: what calling He might have for me in this life. As I get closer to the Lord through prayer and through serving others, I get a little nervous that I might not be able to be the person God is asking me to be. I don t think I can be that holy. I m not sure if I can handle it. What if I fail? What will people think of me? Sometimes I am very afraid, but I believe that Jesus is with me. I believe in my heart that as long as I have Jesus, I have nothing to fear. Continued...

27 Having heard Jesus voice, Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. I m not exactly sure where God is calling me, but I am willing to take a leap of faith and step out of the boat. I believe that by opening my heart to the Lord and giving myself to Him that He will take what I offer and do great things with me. I believe that God has put me here on this earth for a specific purpose and only I can fulfill that purpose. I believe with all my heart that nothing will make me happier or give me greater joy than to give myself to the Lord just as He gave Himself for me. PAUSE But when Peter noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." I am so weak. I want to follow the Lord, but there is so much that I will have to leave behind. What if the Lord asks me to give up a family and children? What if the Lord asks me to give up a career to stay at home and raise children? I have so many questions, so many things that hold me back. PAUSE Lord, this day, I offer all of my concerns to you. You are here before me at this moment, reaching your hand out to me, waiting for me to grab a hold of it, so that you can pull me closer to yourself. My precious Savior, I believe that you are the Son of God: that you came into this world to bring me back to the Father and to give meaning to my life. Help me to give all that I have and am to you. Help me to follow. By Fr. Alex Zenthoefer

28 Scriptural Meditation Luke 5: Pray to the Master of the Harvest The Paralyzed Man & His Friends One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. There are times when I feel like there is nothing I can do on my own. Sometimes I feel like my sin controls me and keeps me from doing what God wants me to do. But God s grace is always there for me, it is always there to show me the way and to help me overcome my sin. But there are times when I can t do this alone and I have to rely on others to help me to see God s presence in my life. This isn t easy because I can be very stubborn and proud and not allow others to help me. But I know that I cannot do it alone and so I turn to others and I turn to the Lord who has the power and the desire to heal me and to help me through all of the difficult times. PAUSE They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went upon the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, Friend, your sins are forgiven you. There is always another way. There are times in my life when I feel like things are going so well that nothing could possibly stand in my way. There are also times when I am ready to give everything to the Lord, but there is something standing in the way, something holding me back. But I trust that if I persist in searching for the Lord that I will find him. And so I will not give up because God will not give up on me. But again, I cannot do this by myself, I have to ask for the help of others to keep me going. PAUSE Then the scribes and Pharisees began to question, Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Stand up and walk? Continued...

29 I believe that Jesus has the power to do all things. The world around me tells me that Jesus was just a nice guy that lived a long time ago. But I believe that Jesus lives now. I believe that he is present in the people around me and that he never stops seeking me. I believe that no matter what I do, no matter how bad things get, that Jesus is always there and he is always ready to heal me of whatever it is that holds me back from him. More than anything I desire to walk in the freedom of God; I desire to be set free from sin and to follow the Lord without hesitation, because I know that only God can fulfill all the desires of my heart. PAUSE But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins he said to the one who was paralyzed I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home. Jesus says to me today, Stand up and take your bed and go to your home. I have been knocked down by sin, by all those times when I failed to follow Christ. I have been knocked down everytime others harm me, everytime I am the brunt of a joke, everytime others gossip about me. But today, Jesus tells me to stand up and to throw out those things that keep me down. I am throwing out all the anxiety, all the temptations, all the things that keep me from truly walking with the Lord. My home is with the Lord wherever the Lord may lead me and wherever the Lord calls me, that is my home. PAUSE Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, We have seen strange things today. Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today if it weren t for God. All the good things that I have been given are free gifts that I did not deserve, but God gave them to me out of His graciousness. Indeed, I am amazed by God s goodness to me, who am a weak and sinful human being. I have no doubt that no matter what God will call me to, He will always give me all that I need. He will always help me up when I fall, he will always be there to take away those things that keep me from following him. It is a strange thing indeed that God came from heaven to walk among us and to save, but how fortunate we are that he did. PAUSE Lord God, Almighty Father, we give you thanks for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. May all of us who share in the Body and Blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit. Help us to always put our trust in you and to believe that you will do great things with us, if we welcome you into our lives. Give us the grace to get up and follow you. By Fr. Alex Zenthoefer

30 For Parents and Grandparents 1 DON T BE AFRAID TO ASK THE QUESTION. You may be surprised to find out that your child or grandchild has already thought about their future vocation. Get into the habit of asking your child, What does God want you to be when you grow up? rather than, What do you want to be when you grow up? It is a reminder to them and to yourself that we are called to live our lives for God and others and not merely for ourselves. 2 HELP YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD TO RECOGNIZE THEIR PARTICULAR GIFTS. It is very important that children are able to name the things that they are good at. It helps them to build self-confidence and it helps them to have a sense of direction in life. Remind your child that God gave them those gifts for a particular reason and one of the most exciting things about the Christian life is uncovering what it is that God has in store for us. 3 PRAY WITH YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD. There is perhaps nothing more important that you can do with your child than to pray with them. By praying with your child or grandchild, you remind them that God has a place in their life, a very important place. Praying helps your child to establish early in life a solid relationship with God that will grow over the years with the proper encouragement. Even though you may be nervous, don t be afraid to just pray from the heart. 4 REMIND YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD THAT THE VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE IS NOT A SECOND CHOICE BUT IS JUST AS MUCH AN OPTION AS BEING MARRIED OR SINGLE. So often in our society the vocation to the priesthood or religious is seen as the choice of those who couldn t get married. Unfortunately this view of these vocations cheapens their value and keeps many from entering into the vocation to which God is calling them. Assure your child or grandchild that if they feel that God is calling them to be a priest or a religious brother or sister, they should not be afraid to talk about it. 5 ASK YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD IF THEY HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS DO. Usually young people have a slightly skewed view about what priests and religious do. It is good to ask them if they have questions and if you don t know the answer, it is a good chance for you to put them in the touch with a priest or a religious brother or sister. Clearing up important questions is a good way to help your child or grandchild have a clearer view of which vocation they might be called to. 6 REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE TALKING TO YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN ABOUT VOCATIONS FOR THEIR OWN HAPPINESS. Your child or grandchild will be much happier if they can uncover what is God s will for their life. By asking them and talking with them about it, even though they may resist it at times, you are helping them along the road to happiness and a life of fulfillment and peace. It can be as simple as asking, What does God want you to be when you grow up?

31 Many priests, brothers, and sisters will tell you the most difficult part of their vocation is obedience, not chastity. You must humbly accept where your director takes you. You are called to be obedient to Church teachings, regardless of you personal opinions. You must be obedient to your bishop. If you are a diocesan priest, you are a committed member of a team. You must support other priests in the diocese and the work of the bishop. There is no taking the place of a marital sexual relationship, but as a priest, brother, or sister, you are able to experience deep intimacy with God and others. Many people have sex but never have intimacy. You focus your sexual energy on serving God and His church. "Usually we have this thing, 'if I only had the right girlfriend, if I only had the right spouse, if I only had this, if I only had that, I wouldn't be lonely anymore and my life would be perfect,' and that's not true. That's an illusion because you can't cure loneliness by anything except embracing it with faith and giving it to God. So that's part of what I think priestly life is about and celibate life is about. That's part of the whole reason for it." - Fr. Tim Hepburn, Atlanta Independence! Without a family to take care of, you are able to go wherever God calls you. Travel Working with people Knowing that every gift you have will be used for the glory of God. Having many children! As a parish priest, you have an entire parish that becomes your family. Job security! Although you gain a new family, you sacrifice having your own family. You are called to a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience. These are blessings, but they are difficult. From

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