May
24
18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
The USA Council of Serra International fosters and promotes vocations through prayer, awareness, affirmation and support.
here are vocations…
…which manifest themselves. They must be fostered.
… which are not conscious of themselves. They must be awakened.
… which do not dare manifest themselves. They must be found and encouraged.
… which are in fear of being lost. They must be reassured.
… which meet with opposition. They must be strengthened.
… which are paralyzed by poverty. They must be helped financially.
Look around you.
How many men and women in your parishes are caring and compassionate individuals who are good listeners, articulate speakers, and loving enthusiastic Catholics?
How many of these special, gifted people have ever been invited to consider becoming a priest, sister, brother, permanent deacon, or full-time lay minister?
Statistics show that 80% of the 18-30 year olds in the United States and Canada have never been asked to consider a Church Vocation.
About Vocation Ministry
Since 1935, Serra International has responded to this challenge through the first of its two objectives, fostering Church vocations. Through the years, Serra has supported the ministry of its members to call out and affirm dynamic men and women as they share their ministry in the service of the Church.
Serrans’ particular ministry focuses on promoting vocations to the ministerial priesthood and religious life. We know that men and women of all ages are seeking the opportunity to serve God and their neighbor.
Serrans, through their prayers and vocation activities, invite these men and women to explore their call to service in the Church.
To engage in those projects and programs that will prepare Serra clubs and parishes to assist their bishops and vocation directors in carrying out their vocation ministry in the diocese and parishes.
To continue to develop and distribute new manuals and promotional videos dealing with such topics as: affirmation of vowed religious, ordained priests, Single Adult Discernment retreats, parish vocation committees, and programs for youth groups.
Key Areas of Emphasis
Hail Mary, full of grace;
all generations call you blessed. Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel
to bear the Son of the Most High,
filled with faith, you responded:
“Let it be done unto me.”
Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana,
you prompted your Son to perform his first sign.
Be with us as we discern our life’s work
and guide us in the way we are called to follow
in the footsteps of your Son.
Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross
you mourned the death of your only Son.
Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests,
deacons, brothers and sisters.
Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd,
turn your motherly care to this nation.
Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest
to send more laborers to the harvest
in this land dedicated to your honor.
Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick,
inspire vocations in our time.
Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew
in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim
the good news of everlasting life.
Amen.
Awareness
The National Coalition for Church Vocations is a partnership of the:
- National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors
- National Religious Vocation Conference
- J. S. Paluch Company, Inc.
- Priests of the Sacred Heart
- Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus
- USA Council of Serra International
NCCV is a charitable not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization.
Mission
NCCV exists for the purpose of promoting Catholic Church vocations, especially by providing quality resources for vocation ministry, awareness, education, and discernment. We believe that:
- Vocation ministry is a way of participating in the mission of Jesus.
- Each Christian vocation is rooted in the baptismal call to holiness and invites mutual respect and encouragement.
- The involvement of the church community through prayer, support, and invitation is essential in the discernment of each Christian vocation.
“The task of promoting vocations should increasingly express a joint commitment of the whole church.”
– John Paul II
Affirmation
“Every Vocation is a personal and unique event but also a community and ecclesial event. No one is called to walk alone. Every Vocation is raised up by the Lord as a gift for the Christian community, which must be able to benefit from the Vocation.”
-Pope John Paul II
Support
Is your child or grandchild kind, outgoing, faith filled, caring, intelligent? Do you think that he or she would make a good priest, sister, or religious brother? Have you ever talked to your child or grandchild about the possibility of priesthood or religious life? Surveys tell us that young Catholics think seriously about church vocations, but that no one has ever asked them.
