Dear brother bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, catechists, pastoral workers and all of you who are engaged in the field of educating young people: I fervently exhort you to pay close attention to those members of parish communities, associations and ecclesial movements who sense a call to the priesthood or to a special consecration. It is important for the Church to create the conditions that will permit many young people to say “yes” in generous response to God’s loving call.
Can. 233 §1. The duty of fostering vocations rests with the entire Christian community so that the needs of the sacred ministry in the universal Church are provided for sufficiently. This duty especially binds Christian families, educators, and, in a special way, priests, particularly pastors. (Canon Law)
The task of fostering vocations will be to provide helpful guidance and direction along the way. Central to this should be love of God’s word nourished by a growing familiarity with sacred Scripture and attentive and unceasing prayer, both personal and in community; this will make it possible to hear God’s call amid all the voices of daily life. But above all, the Eucharist should be the heart of every vocational journey: it is here that the love of God touches us in Christ’s sacrifice, the perfect expression of love, and it is here that we learn ever anew how to live according to the “high standard” of God’s love. Scripture, prayer and the Eucharist are the precious treasure enabling us to grasp the beauty of a life spent fully in service of the Kingdom.
- Pope Benedict XVI (Message for the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations)
The Office of Vocations has been using resources from Vianney Vocations and as a trusted mission partner that makes pamphlets, books, lessons, and so much more for our parishes and schools. Please visit www.viannayvocations.com to find materials to suit your needs. The Vocations Office has a budget allocated to support parishes and schools to purchase resources for vocation promotion. Please visit our free vocations store by clicking the link below.
FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS
BOOKS FOR DISCERNERS
Discover Vocation Lessons
Vocation Lessons is an engaging, age-appropriate K-12 curriculum designed to help children hear and respond to God’s call. Through videos, interactive worksheets, and stories, students explore the universal call to holiness, Holy Matrimony, the Priesthood, and Consecrated Life.
Our Diocese has a subscription, giving all of our educators, catechists, and families full access to these resources at home or in the classroom.
Curriculum Website: VocationLessons.com
Access Link: Request access link
D180 for men and Women is a six-month discernment plan to help men and women dive deep into prayer while discerning the priesthood or religious life. It lays out a clear “rule of life” including spiritual practices and specific discernment actions. The bulk of the book contains daily readings to aid in discernment. The goal is to grow in holiness, prayerfully consider the priesthood as a man and religious life for women, and peacefully accept the life God has prepared for you.
Wondering if God is calling you to the priesthood? To Save a Thousand Souls is the ultimate, no-nonsense guidebook for navigating discernment. Fr. Brett Brannen breaks down seminary life, prayer, and big decisions with real-world advice and total honesty. Skip the guesswork and gain the clarity you need to take your next step.
My son, a priest?
If your son is considering seminary, A Priest in the Family is the honest guide you need. Fr. Brett Brannen tackles heavy topics like celibacy, loneliness, and grandparenthood with humor and deep empathy. It’s the perfect, down-to-earth resource to calm your fears and help you support his journey.
When she was Vocation Director for the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, Mother Clare Matthiass worked with hundreds of young women who felt called to religious life. Discerning Religious Life distills her wisdom into clear advice, especially for women who are struggling to discover their vocations.
NOTE: Books are free of charge to discerners, parents and teachers.
If you’re a parish or school or require orders of 5 or more please contact the Vocations Office directly - vocations@gidiocese.org