November 7, 2021 - "National Vocation Awareness Week"

Today marks the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week, which will continue until Saturday, November 13, 2021.  National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education.  During this week we renew our prayers and support for those considering one of the vocations.  NVAW began in 1976 when the U.S. bishops designated the 28^th Sunday of the year as a week to promote vocation awareness.  In 1997 the bishops moved the celebration to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, but in 2014 they moved it once again to the first full week of November.
 
Perhaps some who are reading the bulletin today are in the process of discerning their vocation.  I thought that it might be helpful to outline some steps that the US Bishops recommend that those interested in priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life.  I found these steps were useful back when I was discerning my vocation.
 
1. Pray.  Establish a routine in your prayer life.  It might consist of attending Mass, regularly praying the Rosary, meditating on Scripture, making a retreat, and spending time with the Lord in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
2. Talk. Contact the Archdiocesan Vocation Directors to speak to them about your discernment thus far and to get their advice about next steps.
3. Spiritual Direction. Spiritual direction, often by a priest or consecrated person, attunes the heart to the voice of the Lord and will help you identify how the Holy Spirit is moving in your life.
4. Come and See.  Often coordinated by the Archdiocesan vocation office, these “Come and See” events offer a glimpse into the life of a seminarian or a religious sister and will help you identify if this is the life to which God is calling you.
5. Get Involved. Consider volunteering in your parish or community and finding trusted friends who can provide support and accountability for your discernment journey.
6. Rest. Discerning a vocation should not be considered an “accomplishment” that you can check off your to do list.  It is a daily walking with God that involves the whole person.  A healthy life balance of eating well, exercising, and getting the proper amount of rest and positively contribute to your well-being.

I am going to end this column with a Short Prayer for Vocations that is offered to us by the Catholic Bishops of the United States:
 
God, our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons.
 
Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call.
 
May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.
 
Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John