Catholic Diocese of
Office of Vocations
The following section contains ideas Parish
Representatives can review and choose from to begin “Growing a Culture of
Vocations” in their parish.
Parish Representatives, please review the ideas and
utilize the table provided at the bottom of each page to talk about your ideas
with your Pastor and Parish Vocation Team to facilitate the creation of your Parish
Vocation Plan.
Vocation Prayer Groups / Holy Hours
These groups take many forms.
They may be formalized groups with regularly scheduled meeting times or events
that occur throughout the year with an open invitation to all parishioners.
Some examples include:
1.
A group sponsors
a monthly Mass at a local parish. The
members of the group contribute to the Mass stipend, attend the Mass, and then
meet for breakfast/coffee afterwards.
2.
Many groups meet
in homes or chapels and pray a rosary or litany for Vocations, pray for each Seminarian
by name, and then socialize.
3.
Some parishes
hold a regular Holy Hour for Vocations. This may take various forms:
a.
a silent Holy
Hour of Eucharistic Adoration, possibly with appropriate scripture readings
b.
a structured Holy
Hour that follows a particular liturgical plan created specifically for
Vocations (a sample of such a plan is included in the Parish Vocation Manual)
c.
a Children’s Holy
Hour, with appropriate scripture readings, songs, and prayers to help them pray
about and be open to their calling in life
4.
Some parishes
offer a regular rosary for Vocations. These
may take various forms:
a.
A rosary or other
appropriate prayers and meditations can be recited before Sunday Mass during
the month of January, with the expressed intention of increasing Vocations to
the priesthood and consecrated life.
(“Vocation Awareness Week” occurs in January during the week when the
Gospel reading is about the Baptism of our Lord)
b.
Religious
Education classes, youth groups, etc. can recite a rosary or a decade of a
rosary weekly or monthly with the expressed intention of opening up their
hearts and minds to their calling in life; other appropriate prayers and
meditations can be used also
c.
A suggested form
of a Vocation rosary is included in the Parish Vocation Manual.
Questions to consider:
1.
Do any such
prayer groups exist in your parish?
2.
Does your
parish/school encourage students, youth groups, and religious education classes
to pray about and for Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life?
3.
Many young men
have said they became aware of their calling to the priesthood during
Eucharistic Adoration. Are there regular
holy hours / rosaries in your parish for Vocations?
4.
How might you
encourage such prayer groups / Holy Hours in your parish or school?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea |
Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
Beginning Date |
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Baptism Preparation
Parents should be educated
from the beginning that God has a plan for their child’s happiness. Whether that plan includes marriage and
parenthood or priesthood or religious life, they should be ready to encourage
their child to seek and do God’s will in all things.
Godparents, as well, have an
immense responsibility to see to it that their godchild knows that it is God’s
plan and not secular standards that will determine his or her happiness.
To start Growing a Culture of
Vocations beginning at Baptism consider these ideas:
1. Parents and god parents should all be encouraged to
pray for the child, “Lord, help him/her
to want to be what you want him/her to be.”
This prayer might even be prayed at the end of the baptism liturgy.
2. If resources permit, a gift of a holy card or prayer
booklet with an appropriate vocation prayer might be given. The Fishers of Men video is a great
gift to include, as well.
Questions to consider:
1. Does your parish require godparents to attend a
baptism preparation session? Their
responsibility is great and their prayers are needed.
2. Does your parish incorporate the values of a Culture
of Vocations into baptism preparation/celebration?
3. Who would you contact to find out the answers to these
questions? How might you suggest they be
implemented?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
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General Intercessions
Prayer is a powerful tool for
advancing the Culture of Vocations.
First and foremost we must acknowledge that it is God who calls and we
must beg the Master of the harvest to send laborers into the fields. A distant second to the grace that comes from
prayer, however, is that public prayer raises the awareness of the likelihood that God is calling men and women from
your parish to be priests and consecrated religious.
Ideas to consider:
1. Included in the Parish Vocation Manual are General
Intercessions that follow the themes of every Sunday and Holy Day throughout
the liturgical year. Feel free to use
one of these every week.
Questions to consider:
1. Does your parish currently include at least one
intercession for vocations during every Sunday Mass?
2. Who is responsible in your parish for writing
petitions?
a. How might you suggest that person go about including a
vocations petition each week? (For
example: give them a copy of the
intercessions from this manual; send them one every week, etc.)
3. When can your parish begin to include weekly
intercessions for vocations?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
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Bulletin Blurbs / Website Notes
Very often a sense of one’s
vocation seems to be faint at first. In
fact, God is actually shouting it out, but we have a hard time hearing it. Subtle suggestions often bring the voice of
God to the forefront. One parish cited
that since beginning weekly bulletin blurbs, two young men have begun
discerning a call to the priesthood. Both said they often thought God might be
calling, but seeing the announcement in the bulletin after Mass made the call
clearer.
Ideas to consider:
1. Included in the Parish Vocation Manual is a complete
set of bulletin blurbs for each of the weeks of the liturgical year. Most follow the theme of the scripture
readings for that particular week. All
list contact information from the Peoria Vocation Office.
2. Post the bulletin blurbs on your parish website each
week. Consider creating a “Vocation
Corner” on your site or in your bulletin where you can post the blurbs or perhaps
note the names of the seminarians to pray for the following week per the seminarian
prayer card.
Questions to consider:
1. Does your parish bulletin publish weekly blurbs in the
bulletin regarding vocations?
2. Who is responsible for putting such things in your
bulletin?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
Beginning Date |
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Seminarian Prayer Intention Card
Nobody can discount the power
of prayer for advancing the Culture of Vocations. Often those who sense a vocation are afraid
to respond because they are afraid of failing or that it will be too
difficult. Our seminarians credit their
strength to respond and persevere to the prayers of God’s people.
The Vocation Office puts out
a prayer card every six months which lists each day of the month and the name
of a seminarian or someone closely associated with our program. The card is distributed to all priests of the
diocese and to various persons and groups who have requested to be on our
mailing list. One card for this period
is included in the Parish Vocation Manual.
More are available on request from the Vocation Office.
This card may be used in
various ways:
Schools:
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Schools may wish
to keep one in the office and the pray for the “seminarian of the day” over the
school’s PA system during daily prayers and announcements.
·
Teachers may post
one on a bulletin board next to the seminarian poster in their classroom. Students take turns leading a daily prayer
that includes the seminarian’s name. Even something as simple as “St. Therese, we ask for your intercession
today as we pray for seminarian (seminarian
name)” is powerful. In addition to
praying for our seminarians, we are advancing our Culture of Vocations by
bringing awareness to our students.
Parishes
·
Keep the card on
the ambo so the priest or lector can mention the seminarian’s name during the
petitions at daily
·
Post a card on
the bulletin board or on the resource table in or near your Adoration Chapel.
·
Most parish
groups open their meetings in prayer. Distribute
cards to prayer groups, bible studies, men’s groups, and women’s groups in your
parish and ask them to pray for the seminarian of the day.
·
Ask families to
post the card on the refrigerator and pray for the seminarian of the day at
meal-time or bedtime prayers.
·
Distribute cards and
posters to shut-ins. It is often the
prayer of shut-ins that accomplishes more good in the world than the activities
of very active people.
Questions to consider:
1. How is the seminarian prayer intention card being used
in your parish/school?
2. How might you suggest your parish/school use the card?
3. Who will see to it that the plan is implemented?
4. Who will be responsible for getting the cards to the
appropriate people/places?
5. When do you think your parish/school can begin doing
this?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
Beginning Date |
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Seminarian Poster
Many people deny that God is
calling them to the priesthood or religious life because they think they are
too “ordinary”. Others are afraid
because they think the life of a seminarian is not happy. Seeing the smiling faces of our seminarians,
seeing that God calls young and old, large and small, etc. gives
confidence. It is also good to have a
visual reminder that God is still calling.
The posters are also powerful reminders to pray for the
seminarians. It is also good to be able
to know what the person one is praying for looks like.
Updated posters are available
from the Vocation Office each year in October.
They are sent out to every priest of the diocese and every school. The Vocation Office also maintains a database
of people/groups who have requested a poster each year. The posters are available
in small (8 ½ x 11), medium (11 x 17) and large (24 x 37).
The posters may be used in
various ways:
1. Minimally, at
least one should be displayed prominently in every parish church. In the Cathedral we have framed the medium one
and have it hanging in the vestibule.
2. There should also be at least one displayed prominently in every Catholic school.
3. Some schools have requested enough medium posters to
post in every classroom, hanging it on a bulletin board next to the seminarian
prayer intention card. Students will
soon learn the faces and names of our seminarians. We have even had children recognize
seminarians when they see them in person because of their familiarity with the
poster. It is amazing how excited they
get!
4. Many individuals have asked for a small one to put on
the refrigerator in their homes.
5. Some businesses (restaurants, pizzerias, barber shops,
salons, doctors, dentists, etc.) have them posted in public places, sometimes
along with the seminarian prayer intention card.
Questions to consider:
1. Where are the posters in your parish/school?
2. Where might you post one, along with the seminarian
prayer intention card, in your parish/school so that it is seen by your parishioners/students?
3. Are the posters distributed to shut-ins?
4. Are parishioners aware that the posters are available
for their use at home?
5. Are there business people in your parish who might be
willing to display one in a public place?
6. When do you think the posters will be displayed in
your church/school?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
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Fishers of Men Video
Fishers of Men is a powerful tool to raise awareness of priestly
vocations. One copy of the DVD and a
sheet of related discussion questions are included in the Parish Vocation
Manual. A common comment after viewing
the video is “Every Catholic should see
this video”. Fr. Brownsey agrees.
The video can be shown in
many different settings:
1. It is very useful to show to young people (6th
grade and up) when teaching about vocation discernment.
2. Younger grades – 4th and 5th –
can also benefit from the video by seeing the richness, beauty, dignity, and
responsibility of our Catholic priesthood.
3. Youth groups have found the video very enlightening as
well as entertaining.
4. Adult education/RCIA groups use the video when talking
about vocations and Holy Orders.
5. It can and has been used successfully at meetings of
women’s groups, parish councils, parents’ meetings, Cursillo reunions, TEC,
men’s groups, bible studies, etc.
6.
The USCCB
provides discussion questions to guide a group discussion after viewing the
video. These are included in your Parish
Vocation Manual. Feel free to adapt them
to the type of group you will be showing the video to.
Questions to consider:
1. How is the video used in your parish/school? Is there discussion afterwards?
2. Are people in your parish aware this video exists and
is available for use by their parish organization?
3. Who in your parish might be willing to use the video
as part of a group they lead (bible study, mom’s group, beginning of year
parent meeting for religious education / school year, Youth Groups, Cursillo,
TEC.)
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
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Traveling Chalice
This program was developed by
Serra International. Ideally the parish purchases a chalice with the intention
of gifting it to the next man ordained to the priesthood from their
parish. This should be a worthy vessel
and one that a newly ordained priest would cherish. Such things are not inexpensive. If parish resources would not permit such a
purchase, a wonderful alternative is to purchase a crucifix or piece of art
that would also be given to the native son upon his ordination.
The program works as follows:
1. The item is kept in a sealed, protective, and
decorative display case (usually glass).
2. Each week a different family takes the chalice home
and places it in a place of honor.
3. Each night of the week the family gathers around the
chalice and offers prayers that God will call one of their parishioners to the
priesthood and that the man be generous in responding to the call.
4. Prayers also include intercession for his perseverance
in seminary, for his future ministry, and for the Church.
Fr. Brownsey highly
recommends purchasing a very nice chalice.
The quality of vessel speaks very loudly to the dignity of the ordained
priesthood. The more worthy the vessel,
the more likely families will take seriously their commitment to pray. As well, fundraising activities for the
purchase create an excitement in the parish and go miles in advancing the
culture of vocations.
Fr. Brownsey would insist on the following:
Sacred Vessels used for Mass
are to be blessed and used only for the purpose for which they are
blessed. Once a chalice is thus used it
is not to be used for any other purpose, i.e., for this program. Therefore, the chalice used for the program
is not to be used in any Mass until after it has served its purpose in the
program. It is not to be used for the
consecration /distribution of the Precious Blood until it is blessed and used
by the newly ordained priest and thereafter not used for any other purpose.
Questions to consider:
1. Is this program an option for your parish?
2. Does your parish have the resources to purchase a high
quality chalice? Would a crucifix or
piece of art be an option?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Vocations from Our Parish
Recognizing native sons and
daughters who have been ordained or who have entered the consecrated life is a
fruitful way to remind parishioners of their parish’s contribution to the
Culture of Vocations and encourages further participation.
This recognition can take
various forms:
1. Many parishes place a plaque listing the names and/or
pictures of parishioners who have been ordained or made religious professions.
2. Some parishes display a picture of their native
seminarians in the vestibule. This is
more common in schools and Newman Centers.
It is a reminder to parishioners/students that there is one (or in some
cases two, three, or six) of us who is doing it.
3. In some places native sons/daughters are honored by
publishing “Congratulations!” in the
bulletin near their anniversary dates.
During the month of November (or at any time) one Mass is offered for
the peaceful repose of each of the deceased native sons/daughters.
Questions to consider:
1. Does your parish/school have any ordained or professed
native sons/daughters? Who are they and what are their ordination/vow
dates?
2. How are these people honored in your parish/school?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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Idea approved by Pastor? Yes or No |
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Honoring Your Priests
This is a very simple
project:
1. Encourage parishioners to send cards to the priests in
your parish to celebrate their birthdays or Ordination anniversaries. In some places, notes of appreciation are
collected and delivered at once.
2. School children will love this project! If their pastor’s anniversary occurs after
school lets out for the summer, they can celebrate Father’s half-year
anniversary or celebrate during National Vocations Awareness Week (in January
of each year) by inviting him to join them for lunch in the school cafeteria
and present him with cards and a cake during the lunch period.
Questions to consider:
1. Do you celebrate your priests’ birthdays/Ordination
anniversaries?
2. What is your pastor’s Ordination anniversary? What is the Ordination anniversary of the
other priests in your parish/school?
3. How might you celebrate these dates?
Parish Vocation Plan – ideas on this
topic to consider:
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More Ideas for Growing a Culture of Vocations in your Parish and School
Encourage Parent
Involvement
Invite parents of priests and
religious to give a talk about the joy of being the parent of a priest,
seminarian, or religious brother or sister.
Parents need to hear other parents speak on Vocations. These talks can occur:
1.
At the end of
Mass, especially during National Vocations Awareness Week
2.
As part of a
Moms/Women’s/Men’s group/bible study, etc. meeting
3.
During a Youth
Group meeting where parents are invited to attend also (this will help open up the lines of
communication between parents and children)
Annual Men’s Prayer Meeting
Sponsor an annual event where
the men of your parish – including boys and teens – meet to pray the rosary
strictly for the purpose of priestly vocations.
An ideal time would be close to our annual Diocesan Men’s March. If your
parish carpools or provides a van to the March, pray a rosary for Vocations
during the drive to
Encourage your parishioners to encourage each other !
Tell promising young boys and
men who show interest in truth, compassion for others, and an aptitude for the
spiritual life that they would make a fine priest. Ask them to pray and
consider the priesthood. Likewise, ask promising young girls and women to pray
and consider religious life, and tell them they would make a fine sister or
nun.
Involve your Parish Priest
The priest is often the primary
influence on young people considering priesthood and religious life. For
example, the priest at confirmation interviews can ask the candidates if
they’ve considered priesthood/religious life.
Invite the Director of Vocations to speak
Invite Fr. Brownsey to
celebrate Mass and/or give the homily at a weekend
A Panel of Religious
Sponsor a Vocations Panel
Q&A session for your School, Religious Ed, TEC, Cursillo, or Youth Groups.
Often a panel format with priests, religious sisters and brothers is a great
way to show the unity of the Church in Vocations. Open with a short talk by one of the panel
members and then open it up for questions.
Youth Ministry and Young Adult
Discussion Group
These ministries are the seedbed
of vocations. Youth ministry and young adult groups allow young people to
consistently pray and examine issues of faith that help them grow in the
spiritual life. Advocate praying for and
about Vocations in these groups.
Host Catholic Movie Nights – Ask youth or young adults to attend a Catholic
movie night at the parish. The night could consist of prayer, a meal or
refreshments, a Catholic movie, and discussion.
Movies about our great saints – heroes and role models for all of us –
can spark wonderful Vocations discussions.
Don’t forget to talk about the Patron Saint of Vocations – Saint Therese
of Lisieux!
Vocation Prayer in Parish Hymnals – Place a card
containing a Prayer for Vocations inside each hymnal. Your Parish Vocation Manual has many prayers
to choose from.
Support Our Seminarians – Parishes can write letters to our seminarians,
especially on their birthdays. Catholic school children often write beautiful
letters that seminarians find touching.
Some seminarians even have blogs where school children can learn about
seminary life.
Encourage young people to
attend conventions, rally’s, retreats and other events that promote Catholicism – Gatherings of young Catholics such as NCYC (National
Catholic Youth Convention) Youth 2000, Steubenville Conferences, World Youth
Day, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) conventions, retreats,
etc. are times where young people find themselves considering their lives and
their faith and are often graced occasions of personal discovery and
discernment.