Vocations
Why Do We Need Vocation Ministry?
Vocations are integral to the life of the Church. The vocation of marriage produces religious vocations, and religious vocations are the human means for the entry point of all Catholics into a grace-filled sacramental life.
Fostering strong and courageous vocations in the modern world is the lifeblood of the future of the Church.
· Currently 3,500 parishes in the United States are without a resident priest.
· Many dioceses, particularly in the north and northeast, are anticipating 50 percent of their priests to reach retirement age by NEXT YEAR.
· Simultaneously, the ranks of religious sisters have dwindled to levels last seen a century ago.
· Sacramental marriages, the foundation of all vocations, have plummeted by 55 percent since 1990.
These startling statistics highlight the importance and absolute necessity to encourage vocations to the priesthood, religious life and sacramental marriage.
HOW WE PROMOTE VOCATIONS
A parish vocation team ensures that every parish fosters an environment where each baptized person can joyfully explore the potential of God’s call in his or her life by providing resources for prayer and discernment.
FOUR TYPES OF MINISTRY ACTIVITIES FOR FLOURISHING VOCATION
Prayer
Awareness & Education
Youth
Affirmation
JOIN US!
Members pray for Vocations and meet as needed to plan and participate in Special Vocation Days and Activities that increase prayer, awareness and provide affirmation.
Volunteers are extra set of hands to help at any of our
Events.
WHAT WE DO…
Some of our efforts include:
VOCATION CORNER BULLETIN
Weekly Bulletins that highlight Special Vocation Days and provide Vocation awareness, education and prayer.
Priesthood Sunday - Last Sunday of September
National Vocation Awareness Week - First week of November
World Day for Consecrated Life - First Weekend of February
World Marriage Day - Second Sunday of February
Holy Thursday, founding of the Priesthood and the Eucharist
World Day for Prayer for Vocations (Good Shepard Sunday) - Fourth Sunday of Easter
World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests (World Priest Day)- Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
ROSARY for VOCATIONS
Every Wednesday at 4:15 pm OLV Church
Please join us in Eucharistic Adoration as we pray the Rosary for priests, religious, deacons, married people, and those discerning their vocation. Blessed Mary our Mother, Queen of Vocations, pray for us!
THE 31 CLUB
Parishioners sign up, choosing a day of the month to consistently pray for vocations. They commit to praying the Vocation Prayer on that day each month over the following year. Their monthly prayer is devoted to an increase in vocations and for priests and religious already serving the Church.
AFFIRMATION ACTIVITES for our Diocese Seminarians such as holiday cards and invitations to our Parish Events.
If you feel you are being called to be a priest, be not afraid! Pray daily, seek the sacraments, and talk to a priest. To contact our Albany Diocese:
Office of Vocations, Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany Office
40 North Main Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
Email: vocations@rcda.org or call (518) 453-6690 |
"It is not surprising that where people pray fervently, vocations flourish.” Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Francis said in his letter for the 2017 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, “I ask parish communities, associations, and the many prayer groups present, not to yield to discouragement but to continue praying that the Lord will send workers into his harvest.”
For any questions or information, please contact Mary Eaton at maryeaton10@gmail.com
Prayer For Vocations
Almighty Father, your son Jesus taught us to pray for laborers for your harvest. We humbly ask you to bless the Diocese of Albany with a bountiful increase of Priests, Deacons and Consecrated men and women, so they may attend to the needs of your church with dedication and love. O Virgin Mary Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church, we entrust to your care our Seminarians, Deacon Candidates, Religious Life Candidates and all discerning their vocation.
You understand O Mary the struggles, doubts and challenges they face. Be their comfort in trials, their strength in tribulations and their companion in need. Inspire them to embrace the divine call, just as you did when the angel invited you. Holy Mother, draw them close to your heart, shielding and guiding them. Help them grow in wisdom and love granting them peace and revealing the joy that comes with answering your Son's call to be witnesses of his love in the world. Amen.