WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR PRIESTLY VOCATIONS
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." (Luke 10:2)
Priests' Preaching and Witnessing for Vocation
Vocation promotion is first and foremost the duty of the bishop and his priests. All priests are especially reminded to proclaim directly and witness by way of life the priestly vocation.
Pope John Paul II says, “we need a direct preaching on the mystery of vocation in the Church, on the value of the ministerial priesthood, on God’s people’s urgent need of it…a priest can be, not only by his words, but his very presence, a concrete and joyful witness which can raise questions and lead to decisions, even definite ones." (Pastores Dabo Vobis, # 39)
Appeal to Families
Pope John Paul II makes a special appeal to all families to cooperate and assist in promotion of vocation.
“I appeal especially to families. May parents, mothers in particular, be generous in giving their sons to the Lord, when he calls them to the priesthood. May they cooperate joyfully in their vocational journey, realizing that in this way they will be increasing and deepening their Christian fruitfulness in the Church and that, in a sense, they will experience the blessedness of Mary, the Virgin Mother: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!' (Pastores Dabo Vobis, #81)
Appeal to Teachers, Educators, Youth Ministers
“Each with his or her own resources and style, have great importance in the pastoral work of promoting priestly vocations: the more they inculcate a deep appreciation of young people’s vocation and mission in the Church, the more they will be able to recognize the unique value of the priestly vocation and mission." (Pastores Dabo Vobis, #41)
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