Vocation Crucifix Prayer Program For Families

Vocation Crucifix Prayer Program For Families

INTRODUCTION Thank you for volunteering for the Vocations Crucifix Program. This booklet is intended to help you to pray during the week while this special Crucifix is in your home. In this booklet, there are prayers for each day of the week, as well as an appendix of additional prayers and readings at the back of the booklet. You will have a chance each day to pray for the Priests as well as Religious men and women who have had an influence on your life. The prayers may be said at any time throughout the day, whenever your family can be gathered together for prayer. Please place the Vocations Crucifix in a place of honor in your home. At the end of the week, please return the Vocations Crucifix to the parish rectory. Thank you for praying for vocations. Vocations are everybody s business!

Role of Families in Promoting Vocations By Cardinal Sean O Malley, O.F.M. Traditionally, Catholic homes have been a privileged place for a vocation to grow and be nurtured by parents who understood the importance of priesthood and religious life. My own family was a great source of encouragement for my vocation. Today we need to appeal to parents and teachers to instill a sense of vocation in our young Catholics. They should not confine themselves to asking their children, What do you want to be when you grow up? They must also ask, And what do you think God wants you to be? We must help young people look beyond careers and professions and answer a call from God to be holy. For most young Catholics the call is going to be to married life. We must do all we can to help prepare them for that vocation. We can also be certain that some of our young people are being called by God to lives of special service in the Church, to priesthood, permanent diaconate and religious life. It is particularly challenging to present the commitment of consecrated life and priestly ministry in the context of contemporary culture. Without support, these vocations will go unheeded. Parents can do so much by praying with their children and teaching them to seek God s will in their lives through vocational discernment. Parents need to have a sense of vocation and mission themselves to pass on to their children. Parents receive their children from God and must be willing to give them back to God for service of his people. In faith, parents need to understand that their children s true happiness depends on a generous response to God s call and that God is never outdone in generosity and love. Vocations tend to appear in families where parents are actively involved in the faith formation of their children and instill in them a love and respect for priests and religious. Asking children to pray for priests is a way to signal to them the importance of priests in our lives, and at the same time to indicate that priests are human and need the prayers and support of the faith community to persevere in their service to the Church. Following the Church s calendar and making the seasons and feasts part of our family rituals is also a way to promote Church vocations. Likewise, by honoring the saints we provide our children with Christian heroes and heroines whose virtues and lives of holiness and service offer challenging examples to a new generation of Catholics. The lives of the saints teach us that discipleship implies the cross, but where there is love and fidelity, life always has a happy ending. - Cardinal Sean O Malley, O.F.M.

Suggested Activities for Families As a family, pray a vocation prayer. Talk to your children about vocations and the importance of priests, sisters, brothers and deacons in the Church and in your life. Explain how these dedicated persons enrich the Church by their example, service and prayer. Support and participate in any school or parish vocation activities. Invite a priest, brother or sister to dinner or to an outing with your family. Use books and videos to familiarize your children with saints who are priests vowed religious. Use these lives of the saints as a springboard for discussion on these lifestyles. In your family prayers include petitions for those called to priesthood and consecrated life. Remember by name those who minister to your family. Cultivate an attitude of service by responding as a family to the needs of others. Seek out those in need and find ways to care for them. Share the story of your own vocational choice with your children. Celebrate the occasion of your wedding anniversary as you share the story of your vocation to married life. Celebrate the family feast days with stories of their saint's special gifts or work for others. Name the gifts of each family member on their birthday. Express gratitude for these gifts. Share with your children their Baptism pictures. Have the children make and send a card or note to the priest who baptized them promising him they will pray for them. Invite a priest to come and bless your home. Watch TV shows that present heroic lifestyles. Help them to realize these are normal people with special dreams. Plan an adult evening with 4-5 couples and a priest, brother, sister or deacon to have your questions answered. Challenge your adults to look at a Church-related vocation. Tell them about the gifts of ministry you see in them.

Sunday 1. Opening Blessing: - In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 2. Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen. 3. Read the following passage: - Luke 10: 1-12 Laborers For the Harvest 4. Intercessory Prayer Leader: That dedicated men and women may respond generously to the call of the Holy Spirit to serve Christ s Church in the priesthood, deaconate or religious life, we pray to the Lord. Leader: That the people of our parish may joyfully undertake Christ s command to pray to the Father, the Lord of the harvest, to send more laborers into the harvest, we pray to the Lord. Leader: In thanksgiving for those priests and religious men and women who inspire and strengthen us by the witness of their commitment (pause and remember them by name), we pray to the Lord. 5. Closing Prayer Prayer for Vocations 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 your 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 to 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. - Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) 6. Close with three recitations of The Hail Mary.

Monday 1. Opening Blessing: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 2. Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen. 3. Read the following passage: Matthew 28: 16-20 The Great Commission 4. Intercessory Prayer Leader For each of us, for our family and our friends, that we respond fully to the call of our baptism, and accept the grace to remain open to God s call to serve, we pray to the Lord. Leader: That families will strive to make their homes places where children can hear God call them by name, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For those priests who baptized us and our children (pause and remember them by name), we pray to the Lord. 5. Closing Prayer A Parent s Vocation Prayer for their Children Loving Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, You have created my children special and unique, and I give you thanks and praise for them. Help me to guide them well and to pray for them deeply. Open their hearts to Your Word that they may know the sound of Your voice in a world filled with distractions. May they hear Your call to live lives of Christian service. If you are calling my children to a life of Church ministry, my prayer is that Your call will be steady and irresistible. Grant me, too, a generous heart to open my arms one day to give them to Your service. Mother Mary, may your tender care keep my children safe, especially as they discern their vocations in life. Loving God, what I ask for my children, I ask for all children: help them to know Your presence in their lives, for You are God for ever and ever. Amen. 6. Close with three recitations of The Hail Mary.

Tuesday 1. Opening Blessing: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 2. Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen. 3. Read the following passage: Mark 1:16-20 The Call of the First Disciples 4. Intercessory Prayer Leader For the Holy Father, our Cardinal, Seán Patrick O Malley, our bishops, and our priests who continue to minister in humility and faithful service to Christ and His Church, we pray to the Lord. Leader: That young men and women will listen to the Spirit in their hearts and will respond to the cry from deep within, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For the bishop or priest who anointed us with the Sacrament of Confirmation (pause and remember them by name), we pray to the Lord. 5. Closing Prayer Prayer of Discernment O Lord, I do not know what to ask you. You alone know my real needs, and you love me more than I even know how to love. Enable me to discern my true needs which are hidden from me. I ask for neither Cross nor consolation.; I wait in patience for you. My heart is open to you. For your great mercy s sake, come to me and help me. Put your mark on me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up. Silently, I adore your holy will and your inscrutable ways. I offer myself in sacrifice to you and put all my trust in you. I desire only to do your will. Teach me how to pray and pray in me, yourself. Amen. Vasily Drosdov Philaret 1780-1867 6. Close with three recitations of The Hail Mary.

Wednesday 1. Opening Blessing: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 2. Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen. 3. Read the following passage: John 20:19-23 The Breath of the Holy Spirit 4. Intercessory Prayer Leader For those Religious Men and Women responsible for guiding the spiritual growth of students in our seminaries, novitiates, postulancies, colleges, high schools and grammar schools, that they will rely on the wisdom of the Spirit in their ministry, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For the Priests and Religious of the Archdiocese of Boston, that they continue to grow in holiness and zeal for the gospel, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For priests who have heard our confessions and given us absolution (pause and remember them by name), and for all Religious Men and Women who have taught us to live as Disciples of Christ (pause and remember them by name), we pray to the Lord. 5. Closing Prayer Prayer of Abandonment to God s Will and Direction Master of my heart, what I yearn for most is intimacy with you. Give me that deep-down faith that believes you love me passionately. In our heart-to-heart conversations, my Eucharistic Jesus, let me dream your dreams for me. And may I dream to make a difference for the people of today. Jesus Master, calm me as I go about my sometimes frenetic-paced life. Use my creativity, my energy, my enthusiasm in the way you see best, to bring light and grace to our overworked world. When I become overwhelmed by difficulties, doubts, and disappointments, may I let go of my own opinions and desires and trust that your will should be done. I can say more, but.whatever, Lord! May I live only for you. Amen. Sr. Nancy Michael, Daughters of St. Paul 6. Close with three recitations of The Hail Mary.

Thursday 1. Opening Blessing: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 2. Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen. 3. Read the following passage: Luke 22:14-20 Institution of the Holy Eucharist 4. Intercessory Prayer Leader That dedicated men and women may respond generously to the call of the Holy Spirit to serve Christ s Church in the priesthood, deaconate or religious life, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For our Pastor and Parish Priests that God s grace and love will powerfully sustain them in their priesthood, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For those priests who have celebrated Mass for us and from whom we have received our First Holy Communion (pause and remember them by name), let us pray to the Lord. 5. Closing Prayer Prayer for Priests Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By the same Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted. And may the gift of Mary your mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image, may form them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. 6. Close with three recitations of The Hail Mary.

Friday 1. Opening Blessing: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 2. Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen. 3. Read the following passage: Mark 10:28-31 Reward for Fidelity 4. Intercessory Prayer Leader: For all Priests and Religious who have accompanied us with their prayers, friendship and love (pause and remember them by name) that they continue to minister in humility and faithful service to Christ and His Church, we pray to the Lord. Leader: That the people of our parish may joyfully undertake Christ s command to pray to the Father, the Lord of the harvest, to send more laborers into the harvest, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For those priests who have anointed us with the Sacrament of the Sick (pause and remember them by name), and for all Religious Men and Women who have visited us when we were sick or in need (pause and remember them by name), we pray to the Lord. 5. Closing Prayer Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd, turn your motherly care to our Diocese. Intercede for us to the Lord of the Harvest to send more laborers to the harvest. 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. Draw them near to the heart of your Son so that they can understand the beauty and the joy that awaits them to be His witnesses. Amen. His Eminence Cardinal Sean Patrick O Malley, O.F.M. Cap 6. Close with three recitations of The Hail Mary.

Saturday 1. Opening Blessing: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 2. Opening Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen. 3. Read the following passage: Matthew 19:16-30 The Rich Young Man 4. Intercessory Prayer Leader That our Priests and Religious Men and Women may find refuge in Mary, the Mother of God, as she intercedes for them before the Father, who in turn through the power of His Spirit forms them into the image of His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For those in seminaries and religious formation programs, that they may know the support and love of our community as they continue to discern God s call, we pray to the Lord. Leader: For those priests from whom we or our parents have received the Sacrament of Matrimony (pause and remember them by name), we pray to the Lord. 5. Closing Prayer Prayer for One s Own Vocation Heavenly Father, I believe in your wisdom and love. I believe you created me for heaven, marked out for me the way to reach it, and await me there to give me the reward of the faithful servant. Give me light and show me this way. Grant me the strength to follow it generously. I beg this of you, through Jesus Christ, your Son, and through Mary, my Queen and Mother. At the moment of death, may I be able to say with St. Paul: "I have finished the course. I have fought the good fight. Now there is laid up for me the crown of the just." Amen. Blessed James Alberione, S.S.P. (1884-1971) 6. Close with three recitations of The Hail Mary.

Genesis 12:1-4 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Isaiah 6:5-10 Matthew 4:18-22 Matthew 5:13-16 Matthew 6:25-34 Matthew 19:16-30 Mark 1:16-20 Mark 2:13-17 Mark 6:34-44 Mark 14:22-26 Luke 1:26-38 Luke 5:1-11 Luke 11:9-13 Luke 22:24-30 John 1:35-51 John 13:1-20 John 15:1-17 John 20:24-29 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 1 Peter 2:2-10 Appendix I Scripture Passages for Reflection After Reflecting on these passages, take a moment to think about Priests, Religious Sisters and Religious Brothers who have played a special role in your life. Maybe take a few minutes to share with your family or friends who some of these people are and the positive ways they affected your family.

Appendix II Prayers Prayer for Priests Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By the same Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted. And may the gift of Mary your mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image, may form them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. A Parent s Vocation Prayer for their Children Loving Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, You have created my children special and unique and I give You thanks and praise for them. Help me to guide them well, to pray for them deeply. Open their hearts to Your word that they may know the sound of Your voice in a world filled with distractions. May they hear Your call to live lives of Christian service. If you are calling my children to a life of Church ministry, my prayer is that Your call will be steady and irresistible. Grant me, too, a generous heart to open my arms one day to give them to Your service. Mother Mary, may your tender care keep my children safe, especially as they discern their vocations in life. Loving God, what I ask for my children, I ask for all children: help them to know Your Presence in their lives for You are God for ever and ever. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us. Please help more young people to follow your example by giving their lives in service as Priests and Religious. If you are calling someone in our family to the Priesthood or the Religious Life, please help them to say, yes. Amen.

Prayer of Discernment O Lord, I do not know what to ask you. You alone know my real needs, and you love me more than I even know how to love. Enable me to discern my true needs which are hidden from me. I ask for neither Cross nor consolation.; I wait in patience for you. My heart is open to you. For your great mercy s sake, come to me and help me. Put your mark on me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up. Silently, I adore your holy will and your inscrutable ways. I offer myself in sacrifice to you and put all my trust in you. I desire only to do your will. Teach me how to pray and pray in me, yourself. - Vasily Drosdov Philaret 1780-1867 Prayer of Abandonment to God s Will and Direction Master of my heart, what I yearn for most is intimacy with you. Give me that deep-down faith that believes you love me passionately. In our heart-to-heart conversations, my Eucharistic Jesus, let me dream your dreams for me. And may I dream to make a difference for the people of today. Jesus Master, calm me as I go about my sometimes frenetic-paced life. Use my creativity, my energy, my enthusiasm in the way you see best, to bring light and grace to our overworked world. When I become overwhelmed by difficulties, doubts, and disappointments, may I let go of my own opinions and desires and trust that your will should be done. I can say more, but.whatever, Lord! May I live only for you. Amen. Sr. Nancy Michael, Daughters of St. Paul Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd, turn your motherly care to our Diocese. Intercede for us to the Lord of the Harvest to send more laborers to the harvest. 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. Draw them near to the heart of your Son so that they can understand the beauty and the joy that awaits them to be His witnesses. Amen. His Eminence Cardinal Seán Patrick O Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Prayer for One s Own Vocation Heavenly Father, I believe in your wisdom and love. I believe you created me for heaven, marked out for me the way to reach it, and await me there to give me the reward of the faithful servant. Give me light and show me this way. Grant me the strength to follow it generously. I beg this of you, through Jesus Christ, your Son, and through Mary, my Queen and Mother. At the moment of death, may I be able to say with St. Paul: "I have finished the course. I have fought the good fight. Now there is laid up for me the crown of the just." Amen. Blessed James Alberione, S.S.P. (1884-1971)