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A Challenge...
Do not be afraid...
...to go out on the streets and into public places, like the first Apostles who preached Christ and the Good News of salvation in the squares of cities, towns and villages. This is no time to be ashamed of the Gospel (cf. Rom 1:16). It is the time to preach it from the rooftops (cf. Mt 10:27).
Do not be afraid to break out of comfortable and routine modes of living, in order to take up the challenge of making Christ known in the modern “metropolis”. It is you who must “go out into the byroads” (Mt 22:9) and invite everyone you meet to the banquet which God has prepared for his people. The Gospel must not be kept hidden because of fear or indifference. It was never meant to be hidden away in private. It has to be put on a stand so that people may see its light and give praise to our heavenly Father (cf. Mt 5:15-16).
-John Paul the Great
An invitation...
On This Special Day...
Please join me on this special day, Priesthood Sunday, in praying for our
priests, in praising God for their courage and their generosity. As your bishop
I urge you to make your appreciation for your parish priest known. A simple
note, a smile or a phone call to assure him of your loving care and gratitude
for his presence in the life of your local church will go a long way to serve
the greater good of our wonderful and growing Catholic Church.
-Bishop Joseph Gossman, Diocese of Raleigh
A Question...
Why Priesthood Sunday Is Important
The reasons for this celebration (of Priesthood Sunday) should be obvious.
The number of priests per Catholic has declined over the past 40 years. This
makes it more difficult for individual parishioners to establish a close
relationship with any one particular priest. When I was growing up, our pastor
served in our parish for 34 years. My mom and dad knew him well. His presence
and service were significant factors in the story of my own vocation.
Furthermore, priests are no longer the only ones who offer pastoral care to our
people. Yet without a priest, no parish is able to be a Eucharistic community.
It is important to reaffirm the importance of the priesthood of Jesus Christ and
its central place in the life of our Church.
-Archbishop John G. Vlazny, Archdiocese of Portland
More things to consider and press information....
They are Called
"He calls them to lead your holy people in love, nourish them by your word and strengthen them through the sacraments. Father, they are to give their lives in your service and for the salvation of your people as they strive to grow in the likeness of Christ and honor you by their courageous witness of faith and love."
--Preface to the Liturgy of the Chrism Mass
Priest Heroes
Father Michael Hobson
My
priest hero is Father Mike Hobson of Saint Agnes Parish in Middleton, MA . He
came to our parish over five years ago and we have been truly blessed with his
presence.
Priest Stories
For The Children
SEATTLE, WA-"The world of children is a hostile place. And the way we treat children is a measure of our commitment to the Gospel." READ MORE...
Set up a dialogue
How well do your parishioners and priests know each other?
Start a dialogue to exchange concerns and ideas. <more...>
Posters to announce your parish celebration
Call the USA Council of Serra International 1-888-777-6681 to order a poster for parish and school bulletin boards to announce your parish celebration, ask for Item #705 ($0.85 ea).
"A Wonderful Celebration:"
Dear Father,
Last October our parish, St. Paul the Apostle, Racine, Wisconsin, celebrated Priesthood Sunday. This was such a wonderful
celebration and our vocation team that was responsible for organizing it received many positive responses.
READ MORE...
Four More Parishes Join the Celebration
Dear Father,
This will be our third annual celebration of PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY. We have added four other parishes in our district to celebrate the day also. READ MORE...
Priesthood Sunday Planning
2009 Planning Guide
En español
Tips for Teachers and Catechists
2010 Priesthood Sunday
lesson plans for Religious Education Programs and parish life programs.
Domingo
del Sacerdocio: Lecciones catequéticas para programas parroquiales y de
Educación Religiosa.
Share Celebration Ideas
Priesthood Sunday appreciation cards….Catholic youth are creative.
Fr. John Bolderson, pastor at St. Regis in KC, MO, received many appreciation cards from the school and CCD students. He picked a few to share during the homily on Priesthood Sunday. The first one he chose to read and show was from a 4th grader. It had a drawing of a man in black clothing and a dog inside the card with this note. “I love your dog!” He smiled, he loved his dog, too. Priesthood Sunday is more than giving a big party or reception, although those are great, let your children participate and honor their pastor. Here are a few sample cards in pdf and Word.doc templates: Print and show these to your parish school principal and director of CCD.
Card Box Label
Example #1-Priesthood Sunday Cards
Example #2-Priesthood Sunday Cards
Example #3-Priesthood Sunday Cards
Example #4-Priesthood Sunday Cards
Example #5-Priesthood Sunday Cards
Priesthood Sunday Cards
Priesthood Sunday Page to Color
Scouting Example-Priesthood Sunday Cards
National Catholic Committee on Scouting Celebrates Priesthood Sunday
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting has promoted Priesthood Sunday for the past 5 years through their webpage and distribution of PS material to Catholic Scouters. The latest support comes through the new website developed during 2009 and additions to the Priesthood Sunday webpage. We anticipate a broad distribution of this information to Catholic Scout leaders.
The link below will take you to the wonderful site and gives additional links to appreciation cards that Scouts and Scouters can download and print for their Packs, Troops and Venturing units to use in honoring their pastors, Scout Chaplains and bishop.
As VP Vocations, and Liaison with the NCCS, I want to express the appreciation of the USA Council of Serra International for the continuous support for Priesthood Sunday and the Serra Club Venturing in Catholic High Schools program.
I believe that during this Year for Priests we have a wonderful opportunity to work together even closer to build a more positive culture for Church vocations in America.
Together we are making a difference
Homer Radford
LOOKING FOR A WAY TO CELEBRATE PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY?
From the Serra Club of North-Minneapolis...
Sometimes priests are not comfortable with calling attention to themselves even though Priesthood Sunday is not to call attention to themselves but to call attention to the Priesthood. <more....>
Pray! Invite! Encourage! Affirm! Vocations!
There are vocations...
...which manifest themselves. They must be fostered.
... which are not conscious of themselves. They must be awakened.
... which do not dare manifest themselves. They must be found and encouraged.
... which are in fear of being lost. They must be reassured.
... which meet with opposition. They must be strengthened.
... which are paralyzed by poverty. They must be helped financially.
Look around you.
How many men and women in your parishes are caring and compassionate individuals who are good listeners, articulate speakers, and loving enthusiastic Catholics?
How many of these special, gifted people have ever been invited to consider becoming a priest, sister, brother, permanent deacon, or
full-time lay minister?
Statistics show that 80% of the 18-30 year olds in the United States and Canada have never been asked to consider a Church Vocation.
Additional Annual Events for you to Consider
National Vocation Awareness Week Jan. 9-15, 2011
World Day for Consecrated Life Feb 6, 2011
World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 29, 2011
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International and National Annual Celebrations The Catholic Church annually gives us numerous opportunities to celebration vocations. Three of these annual events include: National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL), and World Day of Prayer for Vocations (WDP). NCCV annually publishes user-friendly planning kits to help parishes, schools, dioceses, and religious congregations celebrate these events. The kits are developed to coincide with the Liturgical Calendar and Cycles. Search National Vocation Awareness Week, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, and World Day for Consecrated Life for complete descriptions and ordering information. Purchase of any of the Annual Celebration Kits includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. The Kits may not be duplicated for quantity distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV. Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 for a permit number. All Annual Celebration Kits are copyrighted by NCCV. Permit numbers are valid for one year only.
*The US Bishops observe WDCL on February 2 when that date falls on a
Sunday; if not it is observed on the Sunday after February 2. |
The USA Council of Serra International Vocations Committee, in collaboration with the National Coalition for Church Vocations (NCCV), is again preparing to provide the planning kits to Serra clubs through a bulk permit in order to encourage Serra clubs to assist their parishes and Catholic schools in celebrating these annual vocation events.
Available in English and Spanish. These complete resources for these annual international and national events are the no-hassle way to observe and celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL), and World Day of Prayer for Vocations (WDP). Includes: liturgy planning guide, music suggestions, homily guide, general intercessions, prayer service, prayer card master, bulletin announcements, clip art, poster.
Please contact the USA Council of Serra International toll-free 1-888-777-6681 or email serraus@serraus.org for more information and pricing details.
Pray! Invite! Encourage! Affirm! Vocations
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