Vocation Discernment Events

Project Andrew Dinner

Ever wonder what a calling to the Priesthood is life? What is it about this calling and life that for nearly 2000 years continues to have the power to compel ordinary guys like Andrew and his brother Peter to leave their “nets” behind?

Project Andrew is an opportunity to learn the answer to these questions, and more, as they pertain to the joy and life that is to be found in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Join Bishop Zinkula, Fr. Jake Greiner (Vocation Director) and area priests for an evening consisting of Mass, prayer, and dinner, with witness talks and Q&A with our priests. In a relaxed setting, you will learn alongside other young men (high school juniors and up), how God continues to call ordinary guys to extraordinary lives. Furthermore, you’ll be given advice on how best to discern, discover, and ultimately, say “yes” to the vocation God is calling you to, whatever that may be.

Wednesday, February 21st, Newman Center, Iowa City 5:15 Mass, Dinner and Conversation to follow
Please RSVP to [email protected] or 319-321-5452 by Friday, February 16th. 
 

Exploring Priesthood Weekends- Mundelein

During Exploring Priesthood Weekend, you will have the chance to learn about the steps for discernment, values of priestly life, and the structure of seminary formation. Current seminarians will share their vocation stories with you, and you will join them at Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Liturgy of the Hours. Our historic campus with its many chapels will also be open to you for your personal prayer and exploration. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussions, fraternity, recreation, and presentations from current faculty and seminarians, you will better understand God’s movement in your life as you experience life on campus.

There is no cost to attend, a private room and meals are provided.

March 15-18, 2024
 

National Days for Vocations

World Day for Consecrated Life- 1^st weekend of February

Consecrated life is a blessed gift given by Jesus Christ, who chooses a person to answer his great call of love in a distinct and special way. He requests that person leave behind features of the world such as marriage and wealth to serve their brothers and sisters.  Bringing awareness to and praying for those consecrated to Christ is a fundamental goal of this ministry. Resources: https://vocationministry.com/parish-3/phase-ii/#world-day-for-consecrated-life

World Marriage Day- 2^nd Sunday in February

National Marriage Week- February 7-14

The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. Resources: https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/national-marriage-week

Religious Brothers Day- May 1

Religious Brothers Day is held annually on May 1, the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker.  All religious brothers are recognized during this international event. Prayer services and reflections for celebrating this day are available at ReligiousBrothers.org.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations- 4^th Sunday of Easter

Established in 1964 Pope Paul VI designated Good Shepherd Sunday to be World Day of Prayer for Vocations which is the day each year that all Catholics are asked to pray to God that he send more workers into the harvest. Resources: https://worlddayofprayerforvocations.com/

Upcoming Dates:
April 21, 2024

World Priest Day- Feast of the Sacred Heart (mid-late June)

On this day, the Church encourages priests to prayerfully reflect upon the gift of their vocation. The faithful are also invited to mark this celebration by praying for all priests that they may live lives of holiness and fidelity to Christ and his Church. Resources: https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations/priestly-life-and-ministry

International Buy Your Priest a Beer Day- September 9

Buy a Priest a Beer Day is not a real holiday. But some would argue that it should be! Remember that your priests are people too, and enjoy relaxing with friends and family as much as the rest of us!

Priesthood Sunday- Last Sunday in September

Each fall the Vocation Ministry has the perfect opportunity to guide parishioners in showing their priests appreciation and love. This can take a variety of forms from a note or prayer to a more complicated reception for all parishioners. No matter the form, assuring the priests of the loving care and gratitude of the parish will stay with him long after Priesthood Sunday is over.

Deacon Sunday- 2^nd Sunday in October

Deacons deserve much affirmation for their tireless work, proclaiming the word of God, giving homilies, performing baptisms, and witnessing marriages, among other responsibilities. These selfless servants are fully ordained clergy, reporting directly to the bishop.

National Vocation Awareness Week- First full week of November

National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), initiated in 1976, is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

Pope Francis, in his message for the 2018 World Day of Vocations, emphasized that it is at the loving initiative of God, and by His personal encounter with each of us, that one is called. “Even amid these troubled times, the mystery of the Incarnation reminds us that God continually comes to encounter us.  He is God-with-us, who walks along the often dusty paths of our lives. He knows our anxious longing for love and he calls us to joy. In the diversity and the uniqueness of each and every vocation, personal and ecclesial, there is a need to listen, discern and live this word that calls to us from on high and, while enabling us to develop our talents, makes us instruments of salvation in the world and guides us to full happiness.”

During this National Vocation Awareness Week, we ask you to pray to Our Lord, asking for more dedicated, holy priests, deacons and consecrated men and women. Pray that they may be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith communities, and respond generously to God’s gift of a vocation.

Upcoming Dates:
Nov. 3-9, 2024

World Day of Cloistered Life- November 21

On November 21 (the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple), the Church will celebrate World Day of Cloistered Life, an ecclesial event for all Catholics worldwide to commemorate the hidden lives of contemplative religious in cloisters and monasteries. On this day, the faithful are encouraged to reach out to the cloistered religious in their diocese, through prayer, encouragement, and material support. Resources: https://cloisteredlife.com/blog/celebrate-world-day-of-cloistered-life-2020