World Day of Prayer for Vocations Sunday, April 25th

Next Sunday, April 25th, is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. On this day, the Church throughout the world, in a special way, encourages prayer for vocations. It also asks us to do the following:

· Make a special effort to ask the Lord for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

· Pray for the priests who have ministered to you throughout your life, both living and deceased.

· Keep our parish priests in your prayers throughout the week.

· Encourage your children, grandchildren, or other young people to consider a vocation as a priest, or religious brother or sister.

· Pray a rosary for more young men and women in our Diocese to respond to God’s call.

The Church reminds us that “God transforms whomever He chooses. You do not have to be perfect or sinless to be a priest, brother, or sister. If God calls, His grace is sufficient.” “While we are all called to imitate Christ, some in the Church are called to more closely imitate Jesus the Good Shepherd. Priests and religious people give their whole lives to the Church. Those who are called to be shepherds must themselves learn to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.”

We are invited to join in this special day, and pray for holy, happy, and healthy priests, deacons, religious brothers, and sisters to shepherd and assist the Church of tomorrow.

Please pray that hearts will be touched and minds will be opened on this World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

Fr. Chester