Mid-January of every year in the United States is declared National Vocations Awareness Week by the USCCB to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Why is this week so important? From the USCCB website:
“National Vocation Awareness Week gives dioceses and parishes across the country a chance to promote vocations through prayer and education,” said Archbishop Robert Carlson, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “This is especially important in this Year of Faith and as the Church continues to focus on the New Evangelization. Vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life are essential in the Church’s mission of spreading the joy and love of Jesus Christ. Our world and culture needs the Good News of Christ more than ever.”
Vocations Prayer Service
Leader: Let us begin in the name of the + Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Leader: Today we pray for all those being called to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. May they have the courage to discern this call, listen to God’s voice, and overcome the pressures that our culture puts upon them to ignore their path in life.
Reader 1: Isaiah 42: 1-7
The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Leader: Let us offer our prayers for the fostering of vocations of people of all ages to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.
Reader 2: For young people in our community that they may respond generously with open hearts and willing spirits if the Lord calls them to the priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life. We pray to the Lord. . .
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader 3: In this Year of Faith, for men and women to be open to God’s call to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ as priests, deacons, or consecrated persons. We pray to the Lord. . .
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader 4: For those who encourage others to respond to God’s call, may they be driven by the Holy Spirit to be excellent examples of their own vocations in life. We pray to the Lord. . .
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader 5: For the Church and all who minister in it, especially Pope Benedict XVI and our Bishop __________, may they continue to guide us inspired by their own vocations in life. We pray to the Lord. . .
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader 6: For the parents of young people responding to God’s call, may the find comfort and joy in the brave answer that their children make to their vocation. We pray to the Lord. . .
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader 7: For those preparing to make their consecrated vows and for those receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders this year, may they be strengthened in their determination to do God’s will in service to him and his holy Church. We pray to the Lord. . .
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: May the Lord give us all the courage to heed his call into discipleship and may we all be drawn into his loving care as we go out and make disciples of the people who need him most. May he bless this week vocations awareness in the United States; may it inspire many young men and women to listen to their true calling.
We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen
All: +Sign of the Cross.
Other National Vocations Week Resources
National Vocations Awareness Week Home (check out the “Items of Interest” on the right hand side) (USCCB)
National Vocations Week Lesson Plans (USCCB)
Prayers for Vocations (USCCB)
Activity Ideas to Help Increase Vocations (Engaging Faith)
Vocations Lesson Plan (VISION)
*In 2014, National Vocations Awareness Week will be moved to the first full week of November.
