National Vocation Awareness Week (November 1-7, 2015)

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed or All Souls Day is a time to remember those who have gone before us and died in Christ. Their lives are remembered as disciples of the Lord committed to the Christian faith. It is a day to recall their lives of service as we recommit ourselves to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Initiated through our baptism we too are commissioned to proclaim Good News with our lives.

The observance of National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) began in 1976 when the National Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year as the beginning of NVAW. This celebration was moved in 2014 to the first full week of November for the first time. This year’s NVAW theme is “Baptized in Christ Jesus“.

Below are some resources that can be used in parishes, grammar schools, and high schools. The materials posted are provided by the National Coalition for Church Vocations and are intended to assist preachers, teachers, catechists, and other ministers. By fostering a culture of vocations, the Church is enriched. May these materials facilitate your local celebration.

To download the entire kit (37 pages), click on the preferred language: ENGLISH SPANISH

The individual files start on the following pages:

PARISH RESOURCES
NVAW Resource Kit Introduction	page 1
Bulletin announcements for Oct 24/25 and Oct 31/Nov 1	page 34
General Intercessions	page 30
Ideas and games for families	page 24
Prayer Service booklet	page 31
Prayer for Vocations (in card format – 4 to a page)	page 33

Liturgy Planning Guide	page 27
Homily notes	page 2
National Vocation Awareness Week clip art	page 36
Vocation Awareness dates for 2015- 2017	page 37
RESOURCES for SCHOOLS or RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Resources for grades 1 to 3	page 4
Resources for grades 4 to 6	page 8
Resources for grades 7 to 8	page 12
Resources for grades 9 to 12	page 17
Resources for young adults	page 21

The USA Council of Serra International would like to also thank Mr. Frank J. Zolvinski M.A., Coordinator of Religious Education and Dr. Kristopher W. Seaman, Director: Office of Worship/Diocesan Music for Diocese of Gary, IN for their time and thoughtful assistance in preparing these materials for our celebration National Vocation Awareness Week.

The USA Council of Serra International Vocations Committee is able to prepare and provide this planning kit to dioceses, parishes, schools, religious congregations, and Serra clubs at no cost through a generous grant from the Bishop Britt Vocation Fund. Should you want to insure our ability to continue this program at no cost please consider a gift to the Bishop Britt Vocation Fund. For more information please contact the USA Council of Serra International 1-888-777-6681.