Pray For Vocations

26 Apr

“Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest”  (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2).

Today is “Good Shepherd Sunday”.  The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest.

Prayer is of utmost importance.  It gives us strength and keeps us in constant communication with God.  That is crucial because this world in which we live is filled with distractions that can easily keep us from concentrating on the Lord.  When that happens, we find ourselves drifting and astray.

Vocations need to be at the forefront of all the faithful.  A quick look around and we can see that the numbers of priests are dwindling at an alarming rate.  As more priests reach the age of retirement and as fewer young men enter the seminary, we are poised for a crisis in the church.  We need all the faithful to do a few things:

  • Pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood or religious life.
  • Identify those young men and women whom you believe might have a vocation.
  • Invite people to pursue a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
  • Encourage those who are in the seminary or a house of formation.

Many priests will tell you that their vocation came about because someone — a friend or family member — told them that they would make a good priest.  Do not be silent.  Be the voice of God who invites someone to think about a Church vocation.

May God bless us with many vocations!

FAITH ACTION:  Pray for Vocations this day and encourage someone to consider a Church vocation.

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, religious, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help us respond generously and courageously to your call.  May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.