Resources

Presbyterorum Ordinis (Second Vatican Council Document)

Pastores Dabo Vobis (Apostolic Exhortation by Pope John Paul II)

World Day of Prayer for Vocations (Message by Pope John Paul II)

Spiritual Reading Suggestions

• Abandonment to Divine Providence, Jean-Pierre de Caussade
• An Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales
• Christ the Ideal of the Priest, Dom Columba Marmion, O.S.B.
• Fire Within, Thomas Dubay, S.M.
• He Leadeth Me, Walter Ciszek, S.J.
• Prayer Primer, Thomas Dubay, S.M.
• Priests for the Third Millenium, Timothy M. Dolan, S.T.D.
• The Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux
• The Way of Perfection, St. Therese of Avila

Prayers for Vocations

Almighty and eternal God, in your unfailing love your provide ministers for your Church. We pray for those whom you call to serve the Church of Pittsburgh as priests. Inspire in them a generous response. Grant them courage and vision to serve your people. May their lives and service call your people to respond to the presence of your Spirit among us that, faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus the Christ, we may announce glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, set prisoners freeand renew the face of the earth. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace; all generations call you blessed. Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel to bear the Son of the Most High, filled with faith, you responded: "Let it be done unto me." Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana, you prompted your Son to perform his first sign. Be with us as we discern our life's work and guide us in the way we are called to follow in the footsteps of your Son. Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross you mourned the death of your only Son. Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd, turn your motherly care to this nation. Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers to the harvest in this land dedicated to your honor. Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick, inspire vocations in our time. Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim the good news of everlasting life. Amen

Prayers of Discernment

Gracious God, You have called me to life and gifted me in many ways. Through Baptism You have sent me to continue the mission of Jesus by sharing my love with others. Strengthen me to respond to Your call each day. Help me to become all You desire of me. Inspire me to make a difference in others' lives. Lead me to choose the way of life You have planned for me. Open the hearts of all to listen to Your call. Fill all with Your Holy Spirit that we may have listening hearts and the courage to respond to You. Enkindle in my heart and the hearts of others the desire to make the world a better place by serving as Lay Minister, Sister, Priest, Brother or Deacon. Amen.

O Lord, help me know your will for me. Let your light shine in the depths of my heart that I may know what you want me to do with my life. Help me believe that you have a special plan for me. Lord, I know I pass through this life only once; help me decide how you want me to make a difference. Like our Blessed Mother, give me the wisdom to hear your voice and the courage to answer your call. Above all give me peace of mind and heart. I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Parents’ Prayers for Vocations

Gracious and loving God you have blessed us with the priviledge of becoming Parents. We ask that you provide us with all that we need in accepting this awesome responsibility. We pray that we will be open to your spirit who is our source of strength as we witness to our children your love for each of them and your desire for them to be happy and to live a full life. We ask your help so we may guide and encourage our children to believe that they each have a special calling and to use their gifts and talents for others. We pray, Heavenly Father, that our children will discover and respond enthusiastically to your desire for them whether it be to the vocation of single, married, ordained or consecrated life. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Lord, send workers for Your harvest, so that the precepts of Your only-begotten Son may always be obeyed and His sacrifice be everywhere renewed. Look with favor upon Your family, and ever increase its numbers. Enable it to lead its sons and daughters to the holiness to which they are called and to work for the salvation of others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Family Vocation Prayer at Meals

Good and gentle shepherd, You tend the flock of the Church with your loving and generous heart. You feed the flock with your Word and Sacrament. You know the flock and call each by name. Bless this little flock, our family, gathered around this table. Lead us through the everyday changes and challenges of life. Help us to hear the sound of Your voice calling us to serve the world according to your Father's will. Send your Spirit so that more men will respond to your call to give their lives as priests for the Church. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.