World Day of Prayer for Vocations–Sunday, May 3rd

Today, Sunday, May 3rd, 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 dead.

· 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 all called to imitate Christ, some in the Church are called to more closely imitate Jesus the Good Shepherd.  Priests and religious 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.