Doubling Down.
    Since our last communication, we have received news that is disheartening and devastating for all Catholics, especially the victims of abuse. 

    People ask, “How can I remain Catholic?” “How can I continue to promote vocations, especially to the priesthood?”

    Jesus Christ is why I am Catholic AND why I MUST promote the priesthood! We have so many priests who are good and striving for holiness; we need many more!

    This is the time to double down and fight for our Church. St. Augustine said, “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” We need Anger and Courage right now! Be part of the solution and have hope in the future! Prayerfully persist in your work at the parish! One Vocation Director told me that over these last few weeks quite a few new men have asked for an application to seminary. There is reason for HOPE!

    If you would like to be fired up, listen to this homily on the topic of abuse and what we can do as the body of Christ by Father John Schneier, the youngest priest in St. Louis at 25.  He received a standing ovation; you will be deeply moved.

    Click here to download Fr. Schneider's homily.

    New Facebook Group for YOU

      I think this is the perfect time for a group dedicated to the laity promoting vocations to the religious life, priesthood, and marriage in a diocese or at a parish in a Vocation Ministry or Committee. If you are actively working in your diocese or parish for a hundredfold yield of vocations and would like support doing so, this is the group for you! I look forward to sharing best practices and new ideas with you! Once you request to join, you will be prompted to answer a few questions so that I can approve your request. Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
      Vocation Ministry: Hundredfold
      Facebook Group - 33 members

      International Buy Your Priest a Beer Day

        Sunday, September 9

        You might be asking yourself, "How did this day become a thing?" It started 5 years ago with an article, encouraging parishioners to show appreciation to their priests. Here is an excerpt from that article:

        “Believe it or not, priests are real people, and they enjoy socializing over good food and drink as much as anyone. They also have a thankless and difficult job, a job that we couldn’t get to heaven without. Priests are the lifeblood of the Church, and they deserve some appreciation.

        "So with that in mind, I would challenge you to do something concrete to show appreciation to your priest in the month ahead. Yes, it could be taking him out for a beer, or it could be inviting him over to share dinner with your family. Be creative if you want, but give back to your priest somehow, and let him know that his ministry is making a difference.”

        Priesthood Sunday
          Sunday, October 28

          This is the time to start planning! Thankfully, International Buy Your Priest A Beer Day is easy, but the other events this fall require some effort. Get your copy of  Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry and the chart that comes with it and let’s get to planning:

           

          Priesthood Sunday 

          Purpose: Lead your parishioners to show their gratitude and love for their priest(s).

          Check List:

          ____Blurb for bulletin

          ____Find announcement for Masses, Intercessions in the Prayers of the Faithful, and more at  http://www.priestsunday.org/  

          ____Give  Get to Know your Priest Questionnaire to priest at  www.vocationministry.com

          ____Distribute Answers to  Questionnaire either in bulletin or make a display of them

          ____Spiritual Bouquets or prayer cards given out at Masses. Make your own or find a few options at  www.vocationministry.com

          ____Gift from the ministry/parishioners (based on his answers to  Questionnaire)

          ____Give greeting cards to main organizations to have their members fill out

           

          Organizations to help you: 

          ____________________________     
          ____________________________

           

          ONLINE RESOURCES:

          http://www.vocationministry.com/the-guide/phase-ii#priesthood-sunday

          http://www.priestsunday.org/  

          https://www.vianneyvocations.com/product/rosary-for-priests/

          Prayer for Priests

          Mary, Mother of Jesus,
          throw your mantle of purity over our priests. 
          Protect them, guide them, and keep them in your heart.

          Be a Mother to them, especially in times of discouragement and loneliness. Love them and keep them belonging completely to Jesus.

          Like Jesus, they, too, are your sons, so keep their hearts pure and virginal. Keep their minds filled with Jesus, and put Jesus always on their lips, so that he is the one they offer to sinner and to all they meet.

          Mary, Mother of Jesus, be their Mother, 

          loving them and bringing them joy. 
          Take special care of sick and dying priests, and the ones most tempted. 
          Remember how they spent their youth and old age, their entire lives serving and giving all to Jesus.

          Mary, bless them and keep a special place for them in your heart. 

          Give them a piece of your heart, so beautiful and pure and immaculate, 
          so full of love and humility, so that they, too, can grow in the likeness of Christ. 
          Dear Mary, make them humble like you, and holy like Jesus. Amen.

          ~Prayer by Saint Mother Teresa

          Keep in Touch!

            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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