Apr 29, 2017
The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in the particular sense of mission “ad gentes”.
2017 marks the 54th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Prayers of the Faithful
For young men and women; That God may give them the gift of understanding to discern their service in the Church, the priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life; And for the gift of courage to follow His call. We pray to the Lord…
For young people; That they may know the personal love of the Lord for them, and respond with open and generous hearts. We pray to the Lord…
Bulletin Quote
World Day of Prayer will be observed on Sunday, May 7th, also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The purpose of this day is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes. You can find many resources to promote a culture of vocations on the USCCB Vocations webpage (www.usccb.org/vocations).
Other Vocation Resources
Vocation Prayers courtesy of NRVC.net
2017 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
Apr 19, 2017
Thursday, May 4, 2017 – at Avila University 7 – 9 p.m.
Fr. Joe Nassal, provincial director of the Kansas City province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, is author of several books including The Conspiracy of Compassion, Rest Stops for the Soul, and Premeditated Mercy. Ordained in 1982, he has served in parishes, justice and peace ministry, and in formation, vocation and leadership for his religious community. Since 1988, he has engaged in retreat, renewal and reconciliation ministry, including three years as director of Shantivanam House of Prayer in Easton, KS. In 2002, he was on the team to establish the CPPS Ministry of Reconciliation on the south side of Chicago.
For more information or to register, visit https://contemporaryspirituality.eventbrite.com or contact Mike Matteuzzi at 913-253-2510 or Sister Audrey Doetzel at 816-868-3226.
(Admission: $10)
Apr 18, 2017
by Fr. John Wolf, C.PP.S.
“Enlarge the space for your tent…
Lengthen your ropes and make firm your stakes.” (Isaiah 54:3-4)
The second discussion on re-imagining community life focused on the question of how our relationship with lay associates (companions) might develop into a fuller communion. An accompanying question centered on community life in the context of a Mission House setting, given that this was the norm when our congregation was conceived. The majority of incorporated members continue to affirm the extent to which the companions have become integrated into our community life and spirituality. A fuller participation could mean more involvement in decision-making, more frequent gatherings with members for prayer, study and meals, and some connection with mission house living. Companions taking leadership in some of our province apostolates was also seen as a way of empowering them to fuller participation (e.g., the Precious Blood Renewal Center and the beginnings of a Precious Blood Resource Center).
The responses around the Mission House concept were varied. There are some elements of Gaspar’s vision that could translate for our times and culture, e.g., common prayer, study, meals, shared apostolates, mutual support, a welcome place for guests, evangelization and spreading our Precious Blood spirituality. We have some ministry sites in our province that could develop into a Mission House, but it would need to be intentional. It’s more than a residence; it’s an intentional mission.
Some expressed that wanting to embrace Gaspar’s vision runs in conflict with practicalities of our situation. We are small in number but that doesn’t mean we can’t be open to those who want to explore living together in a common house with a common mission and spirituality. The Vietnam Mission reported that there is some movement to establish a Mission House in a rural area near the Cambodia/Vietnam border.
The April discussions among the members are in the form of dyads or groups of three. The focus question centers on the essential elements and values of community life. Several articles from the Normative Texts on Community Life are given for reflection.
