National Vocations Awareness Week
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This past week the Church in the United States celebrated National Vocation Awareness Week, a time set aside to reflect on God’s call in each of our lives and to encourage a culture that supports vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life. While we often think of “vocation” as referring only to priests or sisters, the truth is that every baptized person has a vocation — a call from God to live in a particular way that leads to holiness and service.
The word vocation comes from the Latin vocare, meaning “to call.” Throughout Scripture, we find that God calls people personally and purposefully. God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1–3). He calls Moses from the burning bush to lead His people out of slavery (Exodus 3). The prophets are called to speak God’s word even when it is difficult. In the New Testament, Jesus calls His disciples by name: “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19).
A vocation, therefore, is not simply a career choice or a lifestyle preference — it is a divine invitation. God calls each of us to follow Him in a particular way that will bring both personal fulfillment and spiritual fruitfulness to the world. St. Paul writes, “I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). That calling takes different forms: marriage, priesthood, religious life, or dedicated single life. Each is a sacred response to God’s initiative of love.
Among all these ways of life, the Church gives special attention to vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, because through them, Christ continues His mission in a unique and visible way. The priest acts in persona Christi — in the person of Christ — bringing us the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and shepherding the faithful. Religious brothers and sisters witness to the Kingdom of God by lives of prayer, simplicity, and service.
Our parish has an important role in helping young people hear and respond to God’s call. Here are a few meaningful ways we can do this together:
- Pray intentionally for vocations. Jesus Himself told us, “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest” (Matthew 9:38). Consider offering a Rosary or Holy Hour for vocations each week. Families might include a simple prayer for vocations before meals.
- Encourage openness in the young. When we see signs of faith, leadership, or compassion in our young people, we should name it and nurture it. A simple word like “Have you ever thought about becoming a priest?” or “You have the heart of a sister” can plant a powerful seed.
- Foster a culture of discernment. Encourage our youth and young adults to ask not, “What do I want to do with my life?” but rather, “What does God want me to do with my life?” Help them to see discernment as a prayerful journey, not a quick decision.
- Witness with joy. Perhaps the most persuasive way to promote vocations is for each of us to live our own vocation with faithfulness and joy. When others see the peace and purpose that flow from a life rooted in Christ, they are more likely to ask how they can experience the same.
May the Lord of the harvest bless our parish with many generous hearts willing to say “yes” to His call.
God bless,
Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish & School