Begin your planning to...
with these three steps.
You are here 
Home
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
Year For Priest
s
Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 19, 2009 through June 19, 2010 as the Year for Priests. This year-long celebration begins on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a day on which we pray for the sanctification of all priests. The Holy Father has likewise declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of All Priests on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the saint’s death.
The USCCB recently created a website to commemorate this special year.
On this website you will find Pope Benedict’s message and the announcement of the plenary indulgence in both English and Spanish. In addition, prayers have been commissioned for both priests and laity respectfully. PDF documents of these prayers (English/Spanish) can be downloaded and printed for diocesan and parochial use. During the course of the year, monthly articles by prominent Catholic women will be available; they will write about their faith and trust in the priesthood. There will be a gathering of priests in Rome for the culmination of the Year for Priests, as well as a gathering/retreat on the national level (information to follow on this site).
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...>
Priesthood Sunday Planning
2008 Planning Guide
2009 Planning Guide
Coming Summer '09
En español
Liturgy planning...in Spanish
Tips for Teachers and Catechists
Priesthood Sunday lesson plans for Religious Education Programs and parish life programs.
Share Celebration Ideas
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....>
"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...
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. 11-16, 2009
World Day for Consecrated Life Feb 8, 2009
World Day of Prayer for Vocations May 3, 2009
|
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 Holy Father issues a pastoral letter each year for the celebration of WDP. Visit the Vatican Web site for more information. |
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
Text & Design © 1997-2008 All rights reserved. | Last Modified: October 30, 2008
USA Council of Serra International · 65 E Wacker Place Suite 802 · Chicago IL 60601
Phone (312)201-6549|Toll-free (888)777-6681|Fax (312)201-6548|Toll-free(888)777-6803