10 Ideas to Foster Vocations in your Family
What can we do?
Vocations start from prayer. Indeed, it was Jesus himself who said, “pray to the Lord of the harvest”. It is important to remember that vocations is not simply the responsibility of the Vocations Director or parish priest – every person in the parish is responsible for praying for vocations, for asking people to consider it, and for supporting and nurturing those that respond generously. With all this in mind, here are some things you can do for your family...
- Daily family prayer for your child's/grandchild's vocations. Particularly on Thursdays, using the prayer card Bishop Michael has asked us to use from Pope Francis.
- Pray a 9-day Vocations Novena during Vocations Awareness Week for vocations from your parish.
- Teach your children to pray, to hear the voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Encourage times of silent prayer, help children develop the habit of quiet prayer, where they can hear God’s voice more clearly.
- Talk to your children about the various vocations.
- Attend Children’s Adoration events. Adoration is a powerful way for young people to encounter Jesus and hear His call.
- Invite your priests, seminarians or religious around for dinner.
- Support and encourage your children to be open to wherever God might be calling them.
- Visit Religious Communities as a family, Meeting priests and religious can make religious life more tangible and inspiring.
- Celebrate Feast Days of Saints who were religious and make a habit of reading about the lives of holy men and women.
- Encourage Altar Serving or Choir Participation Active involvement in the Mass helps children feel at home in the Church and open to deeper service.
