Pray with your children and make ‘vocations’ one of your daily intentions. Attend Mass with your children. This creates a strong family bond. A strong, praying family is the seed-bed for vocations.
2. PARTICIPATE IN THE PARISH
Take part with your children in parish activities. A healthy parish community includes the participation of all its members. The involvement of your family will help to create the kind of parish environment that helps to encourage vocations.
3. SUGGEST A VOCATION
It takes a great deal of generosity on the part of a parent to suggest a vocation to the priesthood or religious life to your child. Some young people will not consider it unless they are asked first. Be courageous! Be generous! Do the asking!
4. GIVE SUPPORT
Speak positively about priests and nuns. Our words make a big impression on children. Ask yourself how you would feel if your child expressed an interest in such a vocation. If you are ever blessed that your child does express an interest, show support and encourage them.
5. READ THE BIBLE
Nothing nourishes a vocation like the Sacred Scriptures. Read the Bible to your children or, if they are old enough, encourage them to read themselves. Talk with them about what you have read. Your and their sense of vocation will benefit.
FIVE THINGS I CAN DO
TO PROMOTE VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD
AS AN ELDERLY OR HOMEBOUND PERSON
1. PRAY
Say a vocations prayer each day or read a passage from the Bible. Perhaps have in mind specific people who you think show signs of a vocation. Pray also for priests and seminarians whom you know.
Below are three other ways of praying for vocation.
2. ROSARY
Pray the rosary, or part of it, each day.
3. HOLY COMMUNION
When you receive Holy Communion offer it for an increase in vocations.
4. SICKNESS AND INFIRMITY
If you have to cope with sickness or infirmity offer up your suffering for this intention.
5. PERSONAL CONTACT
If you know someone you think would make a good priest tell them so and encourage them to think seriously about a vocation. You could be just the prompt that they need.
FIVE THINGS I CAN DO
TO PROMOTE VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD
AS A PARISHIONER
1. PRAY
Make a commitment to pray each day for this intention. Say a vocations prayer or read a passage from the Bible. Perhaps have in mind specific people who you think show signs of a vocation. Pray also for priests and seminarians that you know.
2. WEEKDAY MASS
Attend Mass with this intention especially in mind. The Mass strengthens the faith of a community and creates an environment were vocations are likely to grow.
3. PERSONAL CONTACT
If you know someone you think would make a good priest tell them so and encourage them to think seriously about a vocation. You could be just the prompt that they need!
4. SERVICE
In the Gospels Jesus directs each one of us to a life of service. Serve your own parish in some way. Your work will contribute to building up an active parish. When young people see the service given to others they may be inspired to serve also.
5. YOUNG PEOPLE
Support the families and young people of your parish by showing an interest in them. Encourage young people to take an active part in the parish as readers, servers, collectors, catechists etc and show them that you value their contribution. Serving the Church in some way may lead them to consider a vocation later on.
FIVE THINGS I CAN DO
TO PROMOTE VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD
AS A YOUNG PERSON
1. ATTEND MASS
The celebration of the Eucharist is at the centre of our faith and should be at the centre of our lives. Be faithful in attending Mass every Sunday without fail. Why not go sometimes also on another day? Make a commitment to pray for vocations every day.
2. VOLUNTEER FOR THE PARISH
Be generous with your time and energy and volunteer your services to the priest. There are many things you can do for your church. One of the most useful is to be a catechist for the younger children. This sets them a great example and you can help them to listen and relate to God. That is where every vocation starts.
3. TAKE PART IN PARISH ACTIVITIES
Your involvement in the parish will encourage old and young because it will show that there is a healthy and optimistic future for the parish and the Church. This will help those who are hesitating to respond to God’s call because they think that it is only for the elderly.
4. USE YOUR BRAIN
It is good to have an enquiring mind that asks many questions. God wants your brain as well as your heart. Find ways in which you can deepen your understanding of your faith. Talk to priests, read leaflets and books. Attend conferences where other young people are asking the same questions. This makes the Church healthy. It is a healthy Church that generates vocations.
5. ASK YOURSELF THE DIFFICULT QUESTION
As a single, young person you may still be searching for your role in life. You may be called by God to fulfil that role in married life. He may be calling you to something else. Ask God in an open and generous way what He wants of you. Ask for the courage to respond to His call.