The purpose of having a diocesan plan to promote vocations in Catholic Schools is to coordinate our efforts to bear great fruit. This plan is inspired by the guidance given by Rhonda Gruenewald in her book, The Harvest. The proposed initiatives are offered as priorities – not limits! – to your own efforts.
PRAY
The first thing that the Lord asks us to do when seeking more shepherds is to ask the master of the harvest (Mt. 9:38). Only God can move the hearts of men and women to consider the priesthood and religious life – no other initiative will bear fruit without His grace. Point One of the Vocation Plan for schools includes praying for vocations in the classroom, at Mass, and at Holy Hours.
- Include intercessory prayers for vocations at school Masses.
- Lead prayers to know and follow one’s vocation in the classroom:
- “Vocation Prayer” classroom poster for K-5th
- ” Prayer to know God’s Plan” student prayer cards 6th-12th
Form
Helping our students answer the universal call to holiness includes forming them to discern the particular way God has planned for them to be holy. Point Two of the Vocation Plan for schools involves
teaching on vocations in the classroom and participating in our Vocation Office events, projects, and programs.
- Teach Vocations Lessons during National Vocations Awareness Week, November 5-11, 2023
- Invite students to attend Project Miriam and Project Andrew
- Submit names of students with the potential to be priets or sisters in Called By Name Sunday.
Affirm
A simple gesture of kindness and gratitude can make a significant impression not only on the priest or sister who receives the gift, but on the students who recognize their importance in their lives. Point Three of the Vocation Plan for Schools is affirming priests, seminarians, and sisters through positive words, kind notes, and thoughtful gifts.
- Start the Seminarian Adoption Program: this program involves a commitment by studets to pray for seminarians by name, everyday throughout the school year.
- Recognize priests and sisters on their special days.
