Ordinandi Class 2021

Vocations

"Come, follow m​e,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him." – Matthew 4:19-20

God is asking each of us to “cast our net​​s” and discover where He is leading us. We need priests to lead the parishes of the archdiocese, deacons to assist them, qualified lay people to support our diverse ministries and flourishing religious communities. Every Catholic can be a vocations advocate, through prayer, encouragement and invitation. We recognize the need to integrate our formal programs of formation for ministry, to ensure their effectiveness. We also can’t forget the priests who have faithfully served us over the years, ensuring they are cared for in their retirement. Together, we can foster a culture of vocations in our archdiocese.

Goals

  1. Pray for vocations
  2. Foster vocations to ordained ministry and religious life
  3. Promote lay pastoral ministry roles within parishes and archdiocesan offices
  4. Integrate programs of discernment and formation for ordained ministry at St. Augustine’s Seminary
  5. Strengthen programs of formation and training for the laity
  6. Ensure ongoing formation for pastoral leaders through programs for clergy and laity

Questions for Discussion
To be used at parish meetings, personal reflection, etc.

  1. What are we doing as a parish community to ensure that the laity are formed and encouraged in their vocation to be witnesses of the Gospel in the world?
  2. What does it mean to “discern one’s vocation?” How is discernment being fostered and encouraged in our community?
  3. How can we encourage young people to realize their vocation? What structures are in place or need to be in place to guide youth in the discernment of God’s call for their lives?
  4. Why is ongoing formation important for both laity and clergy?
  5. What is your own personal vocation story?

Prayer
Loving God, your Son, Jesus, has shown us that an open heart finds the way. Help me find my way in this world. Keep my heart open to following Jesus' way of serving others in love. Give me the courage to accept the guidance you offer me through my family, my friends, and my parish community. Through the Holy Spirit, you call me to a particular way of life. If it is the way of a priest, sister, brother or deacon, then help me to walk in joyful service to your people. With you, my God, I know I can find my way. Amen. (From USCCB)

​Prayers of the Faithful
​We reflect on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan and its call to pray for vocations. For priests, deacons, religious men and women. We also pray for those called to the vocation of single and married life. May we embrace the path ahead, confident that God will guide us in love and compassion as we serve Him joyfully and faithfully. We pray to the Lord.​ (From USCCB)

Additional Resources