Dear brother bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, catechists, pastoral workers and all of you who are engaged in the field of educating young people: I fervently exhort you to pay close attention to those members of parish communities, associations and ecclesial movements who sense a call to the priesthood or to a special consecration. It is important for the Church to create the conditions that will permit many young people to say “yes” in generous response to God’s loving call.
Can. 233 §1. The duty of fostering vocations rests with the entire Christian community so that the needs of the sacred ministry in the universal Church are provided for sufficiently. This duty especially binds Christian families, educators, and, in a special way, priests, particularly pastors. (Canon Law)
The task of fostering vocations will be to provide helpful guidance and direction along the way. Central to this should be love of God’s word nourished by a growing familiarity with sacred Scripture and attentive and unceasing prayer, both personal and in community; this will make it possible to hear God’s call amid all the voices of daily life. But above all, the Eucharist should be the heart of every vocational journey: it is here that the love of God touches us in Christ’s sacrifice, the perfect expression of love, and it is here that we learn ever anew how to live according to the “high standard” of God’s love. Scripture, prayer and the Eucharist are the precious treasure enabling us to grasp the beauty of a life spent fully in service of the Kingdom.
- Pope Benedict XVI (Message for the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations)
The Office of Vocations has been using resources from Vianney Vocations and as a trusted mission partner that makes pamphlets, books, lessons, and so much more for our parishes and schools. Please visit www.viannayvocations.com to find materials to suit your needs. The Vocations Office has a budget allocated to support parishes and schools to purchase resources for vocation promotion. Please visit our free vocations store by clicking the link below.
VOCATION EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS
K-12 Vocation Lessons
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BOOKS FOR DISCERNERS
D180 for men and Women is a six-month discernment plan to help men and women dive deep into prayer while discerning the priesthood or religious life. It lays out a clear “rule of life” including spiritual practices and specific discernment actions. The bulk of the book contains daily readings to aid in discernment. The goal is to grow in holiness, prayerfully consider the priesthood as a man and religious life for women, and peacefully accept the life God has prepared for you.
TO SAVE A THOUSAND SOULS
A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood is the definitive guide for men considering the priesthood. Using powerful and entertaining stories, the book explains in down-to-earth language how to carefully discover God's call. To Save a Thousand Souls has been bulk-ordered by over 100 U.S. dioceses, and has become the standard "catechism for discernment" throughout the country.
A Priest in the Family
Is a comprehensive resource for the parents of future priests, thoughtfully addressing common questions and concerns about seminary, celibacy, and the life of a priest. Whether you're uneasy or elated about your son's interest in the priesthood, this book is for you.
NOTE: Books are free of charge to discerners and parents.
If you’re a parish or school or require orders of 5 or more please contact the Vocations Office directly - vocations@gidiocese.org
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