Pray and Celebrate

Sunday, May 7, is "Good Shepherd Sunday" as well as the 54th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This year's theme is "Led by the Spirit for Mission." In his message for this day, Pope Francis reflects on the missionary dimension of our Christian calling. He says that "commitment to mission is not something added on to the Christian life as a kind of decoration, but is instead an essential element of faith itself. A relationship with the Lord," he adds, "entails being sent out into the world as prophets of his word and witnesses of his love."

Today, the Church throughout the world prays for vocations. Will you make a special effort to ask the Lord for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life?

• Pray for priests who have ministered to you throughout your life, both living and dead.
• Keep our parish priests in your prayers throughout the week.
• Encourage your children, grandchildren, or other young people, to consider a vocation as a priest or religious brother or sister.
• Pray a rosary for more young men and women in our diocese to respond to God's call.
• Join an "Invisible Monastery." Pledge to pray for vocations at the international website, invisible-monaastery.com. It was inspired by a call from the Vatican urging Catholics to "organize an 'invisible monastery' in which many persons, day and night, are committed to continuous prayer for priestly vocations."

Please pray today—and every day—for vocations.

Prayer for Vocations

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, may young people in our parish hear your call and follow your voice as they discern their vocations. Lead your people to heaven through the ministry of holy priests and consecrated men and women. Jesus, we trust in you! Amen.