World Day of Prayer for Vocations

54th World Day of Prayer for Vocations 

“Each vocation has its origin in the compassionate gaze of Jesus…” – Letter on Vocations, Pope Francis This year World Day of Prayer for Vocations is observed on "Good Shepherd Sunday" - May 7, 2017.   The purpose of this day is to publicly 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 five areas: ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), Religious life in all its forms (men and women, contemplative and apostolic), 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". This year in his message for vocations, Led by the Spirit for Mission, Pope Francis states:  “There can be no promotion of vocations or Christian mission apart from constant contemplative prayer.” 2017 marks the 54th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  More information on WD of Prayer for Vocations is available on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website. (USCCB.org)  You are Not Alone Are you discerning a call from God?  Would you like to talk to someone about your call?  I’m just a call or an email away! If you’re unsure of God’s call in your life, and you’re waiting for some direction from the Lord, serve him generously where you are, as you wait for God’s plan to unfold. As you discern God’s call for you, I want you to know that you are not alone in all this.  I have created special prayer cards with your first name on it, and invited our Sisters to pray for you as you take this journey of inquiry.  A Sister has committed to place your name daily before God for guidance in your discernment.  Our prayer for  you is that you may discern your vocation to live out your Baptismal call to holiness in the way that God is leading you!  In the end it is between you and God – and trust me, God will lead you where God wants you! Praying with you and for you has turned out to be quite popular!  I received an overwhelming response from the Sisters, so that means that more than one Sister has your name (first name only), and is praying for you during your discernment journey!  Don't worry!  They aren't praying that you join us (although, I personally think that would be so ideal)!  Each Sister is praying for your discernment — that God may speak clearly to you, and that you may clearly see God's dream for you as you discern your call to holiness wherever God leads you.  This is a copy of the prayer card (below).  …and as I mentioned — in the end, it is a decision between you and God!   Also know that each one of you is on my daily prayer list!  I have this list of names in my prayer book, and on my office wall.  I include your names during Morning Prayer, and again when I pray my daily Rosary.  Some of you I have been honored to have had a face-to-face conversation, others have communicated to me via email and/or Facebook, and still others, I have spoken with over the phone.  I feel honored to journey with you!    Sunday, May 14th Is ‘Second’ Sunday! Don't forget!! The second Sunday of each month is set aside for you! You are invited to spend the day with us, and pray, worship, eat, play and meet with the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.  The next ‘Second Sunday’ is May 14th!  Some of you have indicated that you are coming on that Sunday!  I look forward to seeing/meeting you! That’s great!  Please know that other arrangements can also be made for other days or weekends – especially if you’re travelling far.   Either way, please do let me know if you’re coming, and I’ll make sure to have a place reserved for you! Call Us | Email Us | Visit Us! Continued Easter Blessings to you!