We are all acutely aware of the lower numbers of men and women choosing to follow the call to priesthood and religious life.  Many young people today will tell you “but I don’t really know anyone who has chosen to be a priest, sister or brother” and many will also say “I cannot consider it if no one asks me to do so”

So what can we do…

Why not?   Have a Vocation weekend in you parish…

How?  

Many religious and diocese have full time or part time people engaged in the ministry of vocation promotion and are most willing to come to a parish for the weekend they will bring stands, promotion leaflets and be willing to speak to people individually and during the Sunday Eucharist about their vocation.

You can create a festival atmosphere in your church with the colourful stands and perhaps include displays of photos and stories of local people who have chosen this way of life.

Invite a guest speaker to tell his or her own personal vocation story at weekend masses.

Include a feature on your parish’s website or the parish newsletter.

Every year the church celebrates and highlights vocation on the 4th Sunday of Easter but we are not confined to this day.

Choose your weekend…make some contacts…start talking about the idea to other parish groups – involve the liturgy group, the choir, the youth group, the St Joseph’s Young Priests Society, the local religious communities

Vocation Sunday 2008 – Vocation Sunday 2009 (3rd May) is designated as a special year for Vocation.

Helpful websites:
    www.yourvocation.ie
    www.vocationsireland.com

You might also consider an Evening Prayer for vocations on the same weekend.

Resources are to be found in  “On the Journey”  a resource book for involving young people in prayers and liturgy (published by Columba press see www.columba.ie)