(USCCB/SNR) – National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), celebrated Nov. 1-7 this year, is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education.
It is an opportunity to renew prayers and support for those considering one of these particular vocations.
NVAW began in 1976 when the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the purpose of praying for and supporting vocations. Beginning in 2014, NVAW was moved to the first full week of November.
The USCCB offered suggestions for those considering a vocation to the clergy or religious life. The first tip they offered was prayer: establishing a routine prayer life of attending Mass regularly, praying the rosary, meditating on Scripture, journaling, making a retreat, and spending time with the Lord in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
“This initiative in our diocese of displaying those who are preparing for religious life is not only a reminder to pray for these men and women in formation,” said Father Gary Coulter, co-vicar for religious in the Diocese of Lincoln. “It also shows how vocations come from ordinary people, from our friends, neighbors, and in our families.”
A person discerning such a vocation should contact the diocesan vocations director and speak to them, getting advice on next steps. In the Diocese of Lincoln, a person can begin with his or her own pastor. A man considering a vocation to the priesthood should contact Father Robert Matya, director of vocations, at 402-474-7914. For men or women discerning a call to the religious life, the co-vicars for religious are Father Coulter, 402-786-2705, and Msgr. Timothy Thorburn, 402-476-8787.
The next step would likely be to enter spiritual direction, in which a priest or consecrated person helps attune the heart to the voice of the Lord and will help identify how the Holy Spirit is moving in one’s life.
Religious organizations often have discernment retreats or “come and see” weekends to offer a glimpse into the life of a seminarian or religious. A person may also consider volunteering in the parish community or other apostolate, to be supported and encouraged as they continue the journey.
“If you know or see someone who lives a life of generosity, charity, and prayer, you should ask that person if they have considered a vocation to the priesthood or religious life,” Father Coulter suggested. “The number-one factor behind the majority of vocations is that someone invited them to consider the possibility.”
O God, Who wish all men to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of Your truth: send, we beg You, laborers into
Your harvest, and grant them grace to speak Your word with
all boldness; so that Your word may spread and be glorified,
and all nations may know You, the only God, and Him
Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord,
Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.
