 From the desk of Msgr. Rice, Director of Vocations:
I recently had the privilege of preaching the homily for the Feast of St. John Vianney, august_4-2009. As you may already know, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has declared this year to be the "Year of the Priest" with St. John Vianney as patron saint of all the world's priests. In preparing the homily I began to wonder if our people would rally around this year for the priests. From my initial thoughts I formulated my homily, addressing the issue of why our people should care about and promote this year.
Since the initial announcement of the "Year of the Priest" many clever and innovative programs have been developed to pray for and support not only our priests, but our seminarians as well. I highly encourage all of our Catholic parishes, elementary schools, high schools and PSR programs to spiritually "Adopt -A-Seminarian" and "Pray for Our Priests."
Since August of 2008, the Office of Vocations has been sponsoring a monthly Holy Hour on the First Friday of the month at Holy Redeemer Parish. The First Friday is devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Lord's beautiful invitation to "Come Follow Me" has a special meaning as we pray for an increase to vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. There are so many young hearts being touched by the Holy Spirit and this time in prayers and silence before the Blessed Sacrament is particularly powerful.
I invite you and all families to pray together and ask God's guidance on how best to be a light of hope within your own parish community. My parish recently began the Vocation Prayer Chalice Program, a program which was developed through the Office of Vocations in 2001. By visiting the "Year of the Priest" section of this website you will find practical suggestions on Ways to Support Your Priests, and many other programs that support and encourage our priests and seminarians.
As a final thought, a recent study showed that 68% of new religious considered religious life and priesthood before the age of 21. What does that tell us? The vocations are out there! We need to begin to cultivate a prayerful, supportive climate, so that our young people will have the courage to respond. St. John Vianney, pray for us!
About our Website:
Are you looking for ways to grow closer to the Lord? Perhaps you or someone you know is thinking of the priesthood or consecrated life. Hopefully this website will provide you with the information, support and encouragement you need to continue your journey. You will find opportunities to gather with seminarians and other young men and women whose hearts are open to the call of Christ. It is my hope that through the various Events sponsored by the Office of Vocations you will be able to take that next step in responding to the call of Christ. Be sure to check out the Videos section and see that life as a seminarian is not just rewarding, but fun and exciting too.
Contact Information:
Msgr. Edward M. Rice, Director of Vocations
314.792.6460 or email vocations@archstl.org.
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