Vocation Sunday is a day the Catholic Church prays for Vocations, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday.
What is a Vocation
It is a call from God. One must be called by God. You cannot call yourself to any way of life. Some are called to Priesthood, Religious Life, Marriage and also Single life.
We will focus more on Priesthood and Religious life. It is a life of prayer and service. You have to pray and discern if God is really calling you to this way of life.
Word of encouragement
If you feel God is calling you to Religious life, the first step is to seriously pray about it, talk to the right people, e.g. any religious sister, Priest or your Spiritual director if you have one. Be courageous enough to make the first step and try it out. If it doesn’t work that is not a failure in life, it’s a discovery of another way of life.
When I look back, even with the overwhelming doubt that I had, am super proud that I made the first step and said YES to Christ. It is an incredible life. A life to follow Christ closely. Being His feet, hands, eyes and his mouth here on earth ( St Teresa of Avila)
Thought for Celebrating Vocation Sunday
God has a plan for every person on earth. He called us to different vocations to live a certain way of life with a purpose. Although all vocations are important, the church celebrates Vocation Sunday specifically for those men and women who generously responded to God’s call to ordained ministries and consecrated life in all its form. It is also an opportunity to promote and inspire young men and women to consider the priesthood and religious life as a path to live the gospel in our society. Vocation Sunday is also a reminder to all priests and religious men and women to cast the net to deeper water for faith-filled inspirations to be Christlike and persevere in this life until the end. As Sisters of Nazareth, through different ministries, we strive to embrace the message of the gospel, the teachings of the church, and congregation rules and regulations for the good of those entrusted to our care.
‘The zeal we have for our way of life proclaims how we value the gift of our vocation and encourages others who may be attracted to religious life as Sisters of Nazareth’. (Constitutions C31.3)
The World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Loving Father,
you call us by name.
As we journey through life
help us to be confident in our own unique identity
and to find opportunities
to develop our own gifts and passions.
We pray that the Holy Spirit
will pour on us wisdom and guidance
to help us realise and follow our dreams,
discerning your plan for our lives.
Bless your Church
by raising up dedicated and generous people
from our families and friends
who will serve as Priests, Deacons,
Sisters and Brothers.
May we support one another in response to God’s call.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Joining the Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth
If you are considering joining the Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth or would like more information, please contact your local region’s Vocation Directors. Contact details are provided in the following link Contact Vocation Directors
The following resources are also here to provide information and show opportunities that vocations can provide:
