World Day of Prayer for Vocations This Sunday is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In 1963 Pope Paul VI designated Good Shepherd Sunday as World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows us well and gives his life for us. In the name of Christ Jesus we rejoice in the Good Shepherd who leads us into fullness of life. As we celebrate this feast we pray for fidelity to our vocation. The Church invites us to honor the vocation of all Christians given at baptism. Through the vocation of marriage, priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, and the single life may we further the reign of God. May those who are discerning their life vocation listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd to guide them. We offer this prayer to be said on that day. Gracious God, You have called me to life and gifted me in many ways. Through Baptism You have sent me to continue the mission of Jesus by sharing my love with others. Strengthen me to respond to Your call each day. Help me to become all You desire of me. Inspire me to make a difference in others’ lives. Lead me to choose the way of life You have planned for me. Open the hearts of all to listen to Your call. Fill all with Your Holy Spirit that we may have listening hearts and the courage to respond to You. Enkindle in my heart and the hearts of others the desire to make the world a better place by serving as Lay Minister, Sister, Priest, Brother or Deacon. Amen.
Hear His Voice-Follow Him Five year old Aaron was teaching Grandma how to use the radio in her new car and showing her what the other buttons meant. Then he said, “Grandma, you are missing buttons. You don’t have a GPS ones like on Dad’s car! How do you know where to go?” When they got home, Grandma turned to Aaron and showed him the new road atlas she had just purchased. Aaron was fascinated by the paper map and spent over an hour studying it and asking questions. He asked his Grandmother, “Is this newer than Dad’s GPS?” Our Gospel today point to another guide, one not new at all, but one that will never be outdated and will never mislead us! This guide is Jesus himself, the Good Shepherd. Jesus can only be our guiding Shepherd if we become familiar enough with his voice so that we can follow him. Following his voice is the only way to new and abundant life. In 1963 Pope Paul VI designated Good Shepherd Sunday as World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, protects us as his flock and promises us the gift of eternal life. As followers of Jesus we are called to remain faithful to the grace of God. As we celebrate this feast we pray for fidelity to our vocation. The Church invites us to honor the vocation of all Christians given at baptism. May we who have dedicated our lives to God through the vocation of marriage, priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, and the single life remain faithful to our commitments. May those who are discerning their life vocation listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd to guide them. And we pray: Gentle God, You call us by name and lead us to life. Through baptism you commission us to proclaim the Good News. Bless and strengthen all men and women, lay and ordained, who serve in the Church. Guide and give wisdom to those discerning their vocation. Enrich our Church with dedicated married and single people, with priests, religious and deacons. Filled with joy and your Holy Spirit may we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, now and always. Amen. © 2010NCCV www.nccv–vocations.org
World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Is God Calling You? Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, is a special celebration of our Christian vocation. The world–wide Church unites in prayer on this World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Good Shepherd calls us and guides us on our Christian journey. By our baptism we are all called, chosen, and sent to carry on the mission of Jesus. In 1963 Pope Paul VI designated Good Shepherd Sunday as World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, protects us as his flock and promises us the gift of eternal life. As followers of Jesus we are called to remain faithful to the grace of God. As we celebrate this feast we pray for fidelity to our vocation. The Church invites us to honor the vocation of all Christians given at baptism. May we who have dedicated our lives to God through the vocation of marriage, priesthood, the diaconate, consecrated life, and the single life remain faithful to our commitments. May those who are discerning their life vocation listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd to guide them. One of the things that Catholics believe is that God calls everyone to some vocation, some specific way of living out holiness. It could be as a married person, a single person, a priest or vowed religious (a nun). So the answer to the question is that God IS calling you. The next question one needs to answer is this: to what way of life is God calling you. Do you think God might be directing you to think about becoming a nun? if you have a burning passion for Gospel service, especially with the poor an ability to take initiative and generate change a spirit of flexible adaptation a concern for families Then, The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown are who you want to meet. The Ursulines promise a prayerful, supportive community, centered in Christ, Scripture and Eucharist. We are willing to share our lives and our values with women who are interested in permanent, vowed community life or perhaps temporary commitment. Come and See For more information: call Sister Mary McCormick: 330.301.6891 or Email [email protected]