Next week (Jan. 9-17) is National Vocation Awareness Week, a time of thanksgiving and of hope. Thanksgiving for the priests, deacons and religious with which our Diocese has been blessed. I continue to be amazed at the selfless service of the priests and those in consecrated life who staff our parishes, schools and institutions. I pray for them constantly and ask that you do the same.
We are especially thankful for the 44 seminarians in formation for the priesthood in our Diocese. It is the largest number in many years, a tribute to the work of Vocations Director Father Rudy Garcia and his staff.
And we are thankful for the fathers and mothers, who have nurtured vocations by creating a true Catholic culture in their homes, no easy task in the midst of our secular society.
It is also a time of hope, hope that an increasing number of young men and women will hear and respond to God’s call to serve not be served. Young people today are responding with faith, courage and generous hearts.
Take time next week to show your gratitude to our priests and religious who serve your parish. If you have a seminarian in your parish, encourage him and support him in his response to God’s call.
Finally, please pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.