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World Day of Prayer for Vocations -- Action Steps
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The first step to successful promotion of vocations is to establish a vocations committee to coordinate the council’s efforts and activities. Keep in mind that people considering a religious vocation can come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from students in grade school, high school and college to laypersons working in the world and military personnel returning to civilian life. Each may require a slightly different approach. Below are a few suggestions to promote vocations. In addition to these, try to think of other activities and be sure to ask the council chaplain or pastor for suggestions on how you can assist the parish and community in promoting vocations.
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First of all, pray. Christ himself has told us, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" (Luke 10:2).
Encourage prayer for vocations by celebrating the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in April. Recite regular prayers for vocations at every council meeting, at family meals and at other suitable times. Sponsor a Mass for vocations.
Participate in the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP). Through RSVP, councils receive incentives for providing an individual seminarian or novice with meaningful financial aid and spiritual/moral support. This encourages direct interaction and gives council members a better understanding of men and women who pursue religious vocations. For additional information, click on the RSVP link above.
Obtain and distribute vocation materials. Enlist the cooperation of your diocesan or parochial family life committee in getting these materials and the vocation message into homes. Booklets, posters, prayer cards and other vocation items can be ordered through the Supreme Council Supply Department.
Invite a seminarian or novice to council meetings and events. Make him or her the guest of honor at a council dinner. Include seminarians and novices in religious appreciation dinners. Remember them in your prayers.
Arrange to show one or more of the Order’s vocation films in Catholic high schools, parish CCD classes and on your public access or diocesan television station. You may order the following from the Supreme Council’s Department of Fraternal Services: Everyone Has a Vocation to Love. What's Yours? (#50046 for DVD, includes all four vocations titles), The Vocation to the Priesthood #50029 for DVD), The Vocation to Religious Life for Women #50040 for DVD), The Vocation to Marriage #50036 for DVD), Vocation to the Laity (#50045 for DVD) and Vocation to the Religious Life for Men (#50048 for DVD).
Let interested seminarians know that the Knights of Columbus has a variety of vocations scholarships available.
Hold a vocations fair. Ask religious orders in your area and the diocesan vocations director to participate, and invite the young people of your parish to attend. Have each religious order give a short presentation to the group, describing the charism of their order.
Arrange for local youngsters, particularly altar servers, to visit a nearby seminary, friary or convent and meet some of the priests, seminarians or religious to get a feel for what it means to prepare for the priesthood or religious life. Make sure that today’s aspirants understand and are comfortable with those following vocations today.
Recognize newly ordained priests by presenting them with a personalized congratulatory letter, note or certificate. Consider the multi-purpose certificate (#2898) available from the Supply Department.
Coordinate periods of Eucharistic adoration with priests from your parish. Pray exclusively for more holy vocations in the Church.
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A priestly or religious vocation can be found at its heart many times in a place of worship. Speak with your diocesan vocation director, your parish priest, and/or council chaplain about sponsoring a Mass, a rosary service or even a weekend retreat to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
The key to success in any program is to get the word out … and get it out fast! Don’t wait until the last minute to let everyone know that you are sponsoring a Mass. In the preceding weeks, with your pastor’s permission, advertise the Mass in the Church bulletin. Sample bulletin listings are shown below:
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The (insert council name and number) of the Knights of Columbus is pleased to sponsor a Mass for vocations to be held on Sunday, (insert date ), at (insert time ) in the upper Church. This Mass will be for those who are discerning their vocation. The homilist will be (insert name and title ). A light reception will follow in the parish hall. All are welcome.
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Sunday, (insert date ), , is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. On this day, (insert council name and number) will sponsor a special Mass for vocations in conjunction with the (insert time ) parish Mass. A light reception will follow in the parish hall. All are welcome.
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(Insert name and title) will celebrate a Mass on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations at (insert time ) on (insert date ), . Young people and their families are encouraged to attend. A light reception with a question and answer forum will follow in the parish hall. The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring this Mass.
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Keep in mind that you are trying to promote vocations, so consider hosting something in conjunction with the Mass. For instance, ask the Diocesan Vocations Director to celebrate the Mass (get permission from your parish priest first!). Or, you might have some seminarians and novices speak about their callings. How about a vocations fair with different religious orders exhibiting, or a simple light reception to honor the priests of your parish?
When making plans to have a Mass, rosary service, retreat, or any other vocations activity make sure to get the pastor’s input on dates, times and his ideas. His support of this activity is not only crucial but necessary.
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