World Day of Prayer for Vocations (April 17, 2016)

In 1963 Pope Paul VI designated Good Shepherd Sunday as “World Day of Prayer for Vocations”. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, protects us as his flock and promises us the gift of eternal life. The Church invites us to honor the vocation of all Christians given at baptism. May we who have dedicated our lives to God through the vocation of marriage, priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, and the single life remain faithful to our commitments. May those who are discerning their life’s vocation listen to the grace of God to guide them. This year’s theme is “We are God’s people“.

To view the Holy Father’s message, click on the preferred language: ENGLISH SPANISH

Below are some resources that can be used in parishes and 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 (15 pages), click on the preferred language: ENGLISH SPANISH

The individual files start on the following pages:

PARISH RESOURCES
Resource Kit Introduction	page 1
Bulletin announcements for April 10 & 17, 2016	page 10
General Intercessions	page 6
Prayer Service booklet	page 7
Family Take-Home Page	page 13
Prayer for Vocations (in card format – 4 to a page)	page 9
Poster outline (to be filled in)	page 12
Liturgy Preparation Guide	page 2
Homily notes	page 4
World Day of Prayer for Vocations clip art	page 11
Vocation Awareness dates for 2016- 2018	page 15

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.