Prayer for Vocations Day set for May 15

May 10, 2011

WASHINGTON — The Vatican has called for the 48th World Day of Prayer for Vocations to be observed May 15, the fourth Sunday of Easter, commonly known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Pope Benedict XVI set the theme for the occasion, "Proposing Vocations in the Local Church," in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The theme underscores the responsibility of all in the local Church to foster vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The message notes that parish priests, families, catechists and youth ministers are invited to take advantage of "every moment in the life of the Church community" for prayer and pastoral activity that give children and young people a sense of "belonging to the Church and of responsibility for answering the call to priesthood and religious life by a free and informed decision." The U.S. Bishops' website, www.foryourvocation.org or www.portuvocacion.org and the Facebook page and other social media outlets, provide resources to help laity and clergy build a culture of vocations in home and parishes. Read about the Office of Vocations on page 6 and a column about Vocations Day on page 17. †