“Affirmation is important for vocations to grow”

We need priests, religious and consecrated lay people for the Church. In this time, when the number of vocations seems to decrease, God is still calling. Maybe the call needs more fertile soil: families that pray together and teach their children about God, calling everyone on a unique path to follow Him. Parishes that are aware of vocations accompany young people in finding their path. Youth groups that highlight the beauty and fulfillment of a celibate vocation… We asked Vocation Director Bob Cummings what everyone can do during this week and all year long.
 
“First, everyone can pray for vocations,” he says. However, his office wants to help every parish foster a “culture of vocations.” Parishes can start saying the prayer for vocations together. The “Traveling Crucifix” is another opportunity: it is hosted by a different family every week, and the family prays every evening together for an increase in vocations.
 
Another initiative: “Sometimes, other people see that someone could be called to be a priest or a sister, but the person itself never thought about it.” On “Called by Name Sunday,” parishioners could send their names to the Office for Vocations, and they would approach them, always respecting their personal freedom. “Affirmation is important because most young people think they can’t do it.” The fact that other people see their potential can be helpful.
 
Now, his office tries to establish Vocation Ministries in every parish. “We just had a gathering in Kingsville for their deanery, which was encouraging! We developed action plans to increase vocations in their parishes,” shares Cummings. More meetings in the other deaneries will follow.
 So, what does a vocation minister do? Dorothy Garza, a member of the Serra Club, which promotes vocations, wants to remove any anxiety that you need to have unique talents: “There are no mandatory meetings or experiences needed,” she said. 

The Vocation Ministry in the parish functions to close the gap between the Office of Vocations and the parish, where the staff might be busy. “We’ll send material and invitation directly to them.” There are a lot of tools that the Serra Club and the Vocation Office would provide, and the Vocation Ministers would get information about encounters and youth ministry events. 
There are more options that can be done in a parish: “There is the tradition of the Traveling Crucifix or the Traveling Chalice, inviting people to pray for vocations in their homes,” said Dorothy Garza. No one should hesitate to sign up for Vocation Ministry – there will be training sessions, and often, it is beneficial if people who are not involved in so many other ministries sign up. “Vocations come from the parishes.”
 
Young men aged 16-25 are invited to attend the Andrew Dinner during National Vocation Awareness Week. This year, it will occur on Tuesday, November 5, from 6-8 pm at St. Pius X Youth Center. Several “Come and See” meetings are annually sponsored by the Office for Vocations. And last, if someone from your family feels called – don’t feel sorry about not having grandchildren… God promises the hundredfold to those who leave everything behind and follow him.