National Vocation Awareness Week
The Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week on November 3-9, 2024. It is an annual weeklong celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and it is an opportunity to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.
During this week, you are invited to pray in a special way for vocations and for those who are discerning. Vocations begin with a relationship with Christ so reflect upon what you can do to help a young person come to know the Lord better. Pray. Witness. Encourage. Invite.
Vocation Awareness Week Prayer
God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. Send workers into your great harvest that the Gospel may be preached to every creature.
Bless your people, gathered together by the word of life and strengthened by the power of the sacraments, may advance in the way of salvation and love. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.
We pray, Heavenly Father, that our children will discover and respond enthusiastically to your desire for them whether it be to the vocation of single, married, ordained, or consecrated life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer Intentions
For young people in our community that they may respond generously with open hearts and willing spirits if the Lord calls them to the priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life. We pray to the Lord …
For men and women to be open to God’s call to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ as priests, deacons, or consecrated persons. We pray to the Lord …
Parish Celebrations
Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Old Town
A Mass and Holy Hour to pray for vocations will be held on November 9 at 8 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 429 Main Street in Old Town.
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Houlton
The Vocations and Evangelization Foundational Ministry joyfully invites all parishioners and their family members and friends to a Living Rosary for Vocations on Sunday, November 3, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton.
Additional Prayers
Prayers for Vocations (USCCB website)
Prayers for Vocations (Spanish)
Holy Hours for Vocations (USCCB website)
Rosary for Vocations (external site)
Additional Resources
Bold and Beautiful: Meet Today's Religious (External link)
Hispanic Vocations (External link)
National Religious Vocation Conference
Pope Francis' Message for 2024 World Day of Prayer for Vocations (Vatican website)
Resources for Discerners
Recommended Reading List for Discerners
Information on Different Forms of Consecrated Life in the Catholic Church
Seminary application Information
Background
NVAW began in 1976 when the U. S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for NVAW. In 1997, this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Beginning in 2014, NVAW was moved to the first full week of November.
In his message for the 61st annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis said, "The World Day of Prayer for Vocations invites us to reflect on the precious gift of the Lord’s call to each of us, as members of his faithful pilgrim people, to participate in his loving plan and to embody the beauty of the Gospel in different states of life. Hearing that divine call, which is far from being an imposed duty – even in the name of a religious ideal – is the surest way for us to fulfil our deepest desire for happiness."
For more information about discerning a vocation, visit on the Diocese of Portland’s Office of Vocations website. The section features a variety of helpful resources including information about the life of a priest in Maine, the path to the priesthood, the history of the presbyterate in Maine, vocation stories, answers to frequently asked questions, and ways to get in touch with Fr. Brad Morin, director of vocations and seminarians for the Diocese of Portland. Many additional resources can be found below. For more information, feel free to email Fr. Brad Morin at [email protected].
