At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for
them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said
to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of
the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38)
It is the duty of all Christians to encourage the consideration
of Church vocations. The call to the priesthood and religious life comes from God, but it is
our responsibility to prepare the ground in which these seeds are sown. God is generous, in
our pews are many He has called to service in the Church.
Prayer, Promotion, Support
St. Michael Vocation Group was formed in response to the 3rd Continental Congress
on Vocation's call to create a "vocation culture" in our parishes. We chose the Vocation Chalice Program to
begin our work toward this goal. The Chalice Program is based on a vocations program that was promoted by
Serra International, a group whose mission is to foster and affirm vocations to the ministerial priesthood
and vowed religious life. We chose this program because it effectively served our goal to bring awareness of
church vocations to all members of our parish through prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist.
Vocation Chalice Program
Each Sunday the chalice used at a Mass which is presented to an individual,
couple or family. This chalice is then taken and placed in a safe and prominent location in the home.
Participants select a time to gather each day for a week by the chalice to pray for vocations. The form of
prayer is left up to the participants. Many have chosen to pray before or after meals, as a reflection of
being present around the Eucharistic table. The chalice is then returned by the participants to the next
Mass scheduled where it is presented to the next participant. Prayer books, a journal, vocation materials
for all age groups, and information from the diocesan vocation office is also sent with the chalice.
An Answer to Prayer
The response to the program has been tremendous. It has promoted conversation between parents
and children about vocations, not only among children whose families have taken the chalice home, but also children of others
who have witnessed the chalice leave the church. Many of the children who have had the chalice at home have taken it to share
with other groups as part of their weekly prayer. The chalice in the home has brought together extended families to pray for
vocations. Some chalice program participants have become contacts for many in our parish who have considered vocations to the
priesthood or religious life, but who were uncertain and were afraid to speak with anyone about what may be their call.
Vocational Environment
- Do you pray for vocations?
- Does your parish or faith community pray for vocations together?
- Does your parish have a vocations group or committee?
- How are you living your vocation, your call to holiness?
- Have you encouraged anyone to consider a church vocation?
- Are you a witness to your faith?
- Do you tithe your time to the encouragement of vocations?
- Have you educated yourself on the various church vocations?
- Are you open to a call to the priesthood or religious life?
Resources
Executive Summary of the Pastoral Plan of the Third Continental Congress on Vocations
http://www.nccbuscc.org/vocations/3rdcontinental.htm
VISION: The Vocation Resource Guide published by the National Religious Vocation Conference
http://www.visionguide.info/default.cfm
Serra International
http://www.serraus.org/
Peace,
Lorraine Stuckey
