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I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!
While this is not an official season of the Church, it is a season of renewal and growth! For those of you new to the work of vocations, each diocese ordains to the transitional diaconate young men who have earned their philosophy degree and have also completed most of their theological graduate studies. Then, these transitional deacons will serve in a parish for a year and finish their practical studies before they are ordained priests by the laying on of hands by their bishop.
- If you have never attended an ordination, please make an effort to do so, and bring some parishioners along with you.
- Do make sure that the ordination information is placed in the parish bulletin, too.
- If you cannot be in attendance, you can pray! St. Therese of Lisieux wrote my favorite prayer for priests! You can purchase them
here.
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What do you do when a parishioner is being ordained a priest? First, praise God for this opportunity for the local church community to celebrate the man’s “yes” to his vocation call. A home church normally offers what is called First Mass, which is one of the newly ordained priest’s initial times to celebrate the Holy Mass. After that Mass, a reception provides time for parishioners to receive a First Blessing from the priest. The event allows parishioners to see first-hand the joy of an ordination to the priesthood. You will find a step-by-step guide for this activity on page 181 of
Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry. Even if you are in Phase I and this is a Phase IV activity, jump in and gather every organization at the church to put on an event of a life time for this new priest.
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See more photos from an ordination reception on the Vocation Ministry website
here.
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Is your parish priest celebrating his 10th, 20th, 25th, 50th Ordination Anniversary?!?!? This is the time to celebrate! Observe this day as big as your priest, budget, and ministry constraints will allow! Make sure that as many people as possible know about this event and encourage all to participate. These events are as much about fellowship within the community as they are about the actual anniversary, so reach out for and graciously welcome all help. The gathering does not have to take place on the actual date of the anniversary, so if you need a little more time to organize, take it! See more pictures
here.
If this is an in-between year (e.g. 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th), then normally gathering spiritual bouquets and a few gifts for him may be perfect. You could have a donuts and coffee simple reception during these years, too.
Lastly, don’t forget the consecrated sisters and brothers who are at your parish. Find out when they professed vows to know when to celebrate their "yes," as well.
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World Priest Day is coming June 23!
(AKA World Day for the Sanctification of Priests)
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This day of prayer for priests takes place on the Sacred Heart of Jesus Feast Day! Make prayer for your priest the cornerstone of this day! Hold a prayer drive, make announcements at Mass, place this information and a prayer for priests (maybe the St. Therese prayer above) in the bulletin, and/or hand out spiritual bouquets for your parishioners to fill out. If you are operating in Phase II-IV, hold a Holy Hour to pray specifically for your priest. They need our prayers in a BIG way Be creative! |
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Don’t forget to email me back with your stories of triumph or struggle. If you have questions, know that I am here to support you in this mission of Building a Culture of Vocations One Parish at a Time! Email me!
As always, know that you are in my prayers. If you think of it, please pray for me, too.
God bless you!
Rhonda Gruenewald
Vocation Ministry
Cell:
281-352-4005
rhonda@vocationministry.com
www.vocationministry.com
St. Alphonsus Liguori, Pray For Us!
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