Prayer for Vocations
Eternal God…
Bless your Church with holy and faithful Priests,
Deacons, Brothers, and Sisters.
Give those you have called to the married state,
and those you have chosen to live as single persons in the world,
the special graces that their lives require.
Form us all in the likeness of your Son,
so that in him, with him, and through him
we may love you more deeply
and serve you more faithfully
always and everywhere.
With Mary, we ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Almighty and eternal God,
in your unfailing love,
you provide ministers for your Church.
We pray for those whom you call
to serve the Church of Kingston as priests
Inspire in them a generous response.
Grant them courage and vision to serve your people.
May their lives and service
call your people to respond
to the presence of your Spirit among us that,
faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus the Christ,
we may announce glad tidings to the poor,
proclaim liberty to captives,
set prisoners free
and renew the face of the earth.
O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest,
send Your Graces upon those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labour;
preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you.
Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will;
inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serving others
in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ.
Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life
guided by Your Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary,
all the Angels, and Saints,
humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church's needs,
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Loving and Generous God,
it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church
as we experience it today.
Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future.
Grant us faith-filled leaders
who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice.
Bless the Church of Kingston
by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends
who will serve Your people as Sisters,
Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call.
We ask this through our Christ our Lord.
Loving God, you call all who believe in you to grow perfect in love
by following in the footsteps of Christ your Son:
Call from among us more men and women who will serve you as religious.
By their way of life, may they provide a convincing sign
of your Kingdom for the Church and the whole world.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Gracious and loving God,
help the men and women of our parish to hear the call to serve
in the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Our needs are great and our people thirst for your presence.
Open the hearts of many, raise up faithful servants of the Gospel, dedicated,
holy priests, sisters, brothers and deacons,
who will spend themselves for your people and their needs.
Bless those who are serving now with courage and perseverance.
Grant that many will be inspired by their example and faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
He said to them "Come and See." They came and saw where he was staying. (John 1:39).
God of all nations,
we are most grateful for the first Catholic missionaries and explorers
who came to Canada.
As strangers in a strange land they brought with them countless skills,
talents and traditions, but their greatest treasure was their faith.
May the good News of Jesus Christ, which molded and shaped their lives, continue to mold and shape our lives today.
Bless our archdiocese with men and women who will follow in their footsteps
to serve the Church as religious brothers, sisters, priests, and deacons.
Lord Jesus Christ, help to hear your call to "Come and See."
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Hail Mary, full of grace;
all generations call you blessed.
Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel
to bear the Son of the Most High,
filled with faith, you responded:
"Let it be done unto me."
Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana,
you prompted your Son to perform his first sign.
Be with us as we discern our life's work
and guide us in the way we are called to follow
in the footsteps of your Son.
Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross
you mourned the death of your only Son.
Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests,
deacons, brothers and sisters.
Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd,
turn your motherly care to this nation.
Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest
to send more laborers to the harvest
in this land dedicated to your honor.
Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick,
inspire vocations in our time.
Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew
in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim
the good news of everlasting life.
Amen.
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Gracious God,
You have called me to life and gifted me in many ways.
Through Baptism You have sent me to continue the mission of Jesus
by sharing my love with others.
Strengthen me to respond to Your call each day.
Help me to become all You desire of me.
Inspire me to make a difference in others' lives.
Lead me to choose the way of life You have planned for me.
Open the hearts of all to listen to Your call.
Fill all with Your Holy Spirit
that we may have listening hearts and the courage to respond to You.
Enkindle in my heart and the hearts of others
the desire to make the world a better place
by serving as a Lay Minister, Sister, Priest, Brother or Deacon.
Amen.
Father, we are your people, the work of your hands.
So precious are we in your sight that you sent your Son, Jesus.
Jesus calls us to heal the broken-hearted, to dry the tears of those who mourn,
to give hope to those who despair, and to rejoice in your steadfast love.
We, the baptized, realize our call to serve. Help us to know how.
Call forth from among us priests, sisters, brothers and lay ministers.
With our hearts you continue to love your people.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
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Loving God,
your Son, Jesus, has shown us that an open heart finds the way.
Help me to find my way in this world.
Keep my heart open to following Jesus' way of serving others in love.
Give me the courage to accept the guidance you offer me
through my family, my friends, and my parish community.
Through the Holy Spirit, you call me to a particular way of life.
If it is the way of a priest, sister, brother or deacon,
then help me to walk it in joyful service to your people.
With you, my God, I know I can find my way.
Amen.
O God, Who wish all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of Your truth: send, we beg You, laborers into Your harvest,
and grant them grace to speak Your word with all boldness;
so that Your word may spread and be glorified,
and all nations may know You, the only God, and Him Whom You have sent,
Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
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Loving God,
Is it I, Lord?
Are you calling me to a vocation of ministry in the Church
as Priest, Sister, Brother or Deacon?
Or if I am already living out a life's vocation,
are you asking me to help call others to the ministry of leadership in the Church?
We do need men and women to help lead us as Church, Lord.
We are your people of towns and cities, fields and forests,
the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Speak to us Lord.
Open the minds and hearts of many men and women to live your Word
and build your Kingdom.
Speak to me Lord.
Plant your Word within me so that whatever you call me to be or do
I may say Yes, Here I Am Lord.
Lord here I am!
What would you like me to do with my life?
(Pause to listen to God for a moment)
Teach me to do your will, Lord.
And let your Holy Spirit guide me!
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O Father, you desire all of us to be happy.
Stir up the grace of a religious vocation in the hearts of many men and women. Grant to them the willingness and generosity to give of themselves,
their lives, their time and their talents to the service of Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Our Lord and Savior, and to His Holy Church.
May more men and women go forth as priests, deacons,
brothers and sisters to bring the truths of our Catholic faith
to all others so that soon they, too, may know You better and love You more...
and serving You, be truly happy. Amen.
Father you call each one of us by name and ask us to follow you.
Bless your church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends who will serve your people
as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons, and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us as we grow to know you, and open our hearts to hear your call.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Creator God,
Life is your gift to me,
Through Baptism you invite me to share the gift of my life in service to others.
Be with me as I choose each day to show Your presence in our world.
Give me the courage and generosity to respond to Your love, to Your call.
I pray especially for those who serve you
as Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Deacons and Lay Ministers.
Open the minds and hearts of many other men and women
that they may accept Your challenge to build the Kingdom.
Loving God, you have made me in Your image and likeness,
and for this I shall praise You forever.
Through baptism Your invite me to serve as Your son Jesus served.
I offer You this day all that I have and all that I am in union with His saving cross.
Father, in the power of the Spirit, You send us forth to build up Your kingdom.
I pray especially for those whom You are calling to serve the church
as priests, deacons, sisters and brothers.
Help them to hear and answer Your call to discipleship.
The harvest is plenty, but laborers are few.
Please provide for us men and women
who will help to gather in a great harvest of souls.
I make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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O loving and gracious God, Father of all,
you bless your people in every time and season
and provide for their needs through your providential care.
Your Church is continually in need of priests, sisters and brothers
to offer themselves in the service of the gospel by lives of dedicated love.
Open the hearts of your sons and daughters to listen to your call in their lives.
Give them the gift of understanding
to discern your invitation to serve you and your Church.
Give them the gift of courage to follow your call.
May they have the spirit of young Samuel
who found fulfillment in his life when he said to you,
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.
Loving God,
You speak to us and nourish us through the life of this Church community.
In the name of Jesus, we ask you to send your Spirit to us
so that men and women among us, young and old,
will respond to your call to service and leadership in the Church.
We pray especially, in our day, for those who hear your invitation
to be a priest, sister, or brother.
May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call
be encouraged and strengthened through our enthusiasm in your service.
Amen.
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Father in heaven,
you sent us your only Son to redeem us and to build your kingdom on earth.
Please give us the wisdom and strength we need to follow His call.
Grant to the faithful a spirit of generosity, that Church vocations may flourish.
Bless our priests with holiness and courage,
that they may lead your people to Christ.
Help all sisters and brothers to fulfill their sacred promises
and so be effective signs of your kingdom.
Lord, invite more men and women to your service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Loving God, the provider of all our needs,
we, your faithful people, ask that you bless this parish and our archdiocese
with an increase of men and women for priestly and committed ministry.
Provide from among us
those who will lead and work with us in priestly and consecrated service.
As you call, so may you also provide the context for listening
so that they may respond with generosity and joy.
Form our hearts so that we may be a people
given to Gospel living and generous for Christian service.
Help us all to discern and pursue our vocation in life
with strength and courage, making of us a priestly people.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, the priest and servant of our hearts. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
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Loving God, to be your prophet is my desire,
but too often I am more concerned about the bottom line.
I want to bring your message to the world as so many before me have done.
My heart leads me to you, but I'm not always sure how to respond.
Let me know what it is you are calling me to do
and the life you are asking me to live.
Give me the strength to share with others who are in need
of the blessings with which you have enriched my life.
Thank you, God, for hearing my prayer. Amen.
Good and gracious God,
you have called us through Baptism to discipleship with your Son, Jesus Christ,
and have sent us to bring the Good News of salvation to all peoples.
We pray you to grant us more priests and religious to build up your Church
here within the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Inspire our young men and women by the example of Blessed Junipero Serra
to give themselves totally to the work of Christ and His Church.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen!
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Thank you, Lord,
for all the many great and wonderful gifts you give to our family.
Help us to live each day with joy and humility.
Keep us totally dedicated to serving you.
Teach us to recognize the many ways you make your Spirit known.
Then help each of us to accept your gift -
the grace to answer your call to form, strengthen and expand the Body of Christ.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Father, hear the prayers of your people,
and bring to maturity the seeds you have sown in the field of your Church.
May many of your people choose to serve you
by devoting themselves to the service of their brothers and sisters.
Raise up worthy ministers for your altars
and ardent but gentle servants of the Gospel.
May those who follow in the footsteps of Christ your Son grow,
and provide by their way of life a convincing sign of your kingdom
for the Church and the whole world.
May all the ministers of your Church increase in numbers,
and persevering in their prayer,
perform their ministry with gentleness and concern for others.
Father, keep them all faithful to the call of the Gospel
that the world may see in them
the living image of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
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Lord Jesus, we pray to you for the Catholic priesthood.
Give us more priests, but most especially we ask you to give us holy priests. Messengers of a truth that is all-encompassing and eternal,
holy priests who know how to offer this truth
to the people of their own time and place.
Holy men for today, priests firmly rooted in the tradition,
yet imbued with the spirit of this age.
They have undertaken a mission in your name, Lord.
May the reflection of your power in them always make it clear
that they are your witnesses.
Grant that they may conform their lives to the paschal mystery
that they celebrate each day in the Eucharist.
May they sense in this mystery the anxious hunger of the world
and of their own brothers and sisters for salvation.
May they know, despite this hunger, how to respect the spiritual freedom of others; for it is your word which has given the world a taste for this freedom.
May they understand and speak the language of their own time.
And may they be careful never to compromise, with opinions that come and go,
the imperishable newness of your Gospel.
May they always keep through the dark wintry night of the soul
an obstinate hope for the springtime to come.
And when they meet those who persecute you,
may they always remember the road to Damascus
and the hidden ways of your providence.
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Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the Savior of the world.
Please manifest in Your Church
the Spirit whom You also abundantly bestowed on Your apostles.
Call very many to Your priesthood and Your religious life.
May zeal for Your glory and for the salvation of the world
inflame those You have chosen.
May they be saints in Your likeness.
May Your Holy Spirit strengthen them.
May they be priests and religious according to Your own heart!
Amen.
O Lord,
help me know your will for me
Let your light shine in the depths of my heart
that I may know what you want me to do with my life.
Help me believe that you have a special plan for me.
Lord, I know I pass through this life only once;
help me decide how you want me to make a difference.
Like our Blessed Mother, give me the wisdom to hear your voice
and the courage to answer your call.
Above all give me peace of mind and heart.
I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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God our Father,
you will all men and women to be saved
and come to the knowledge of your Truth.
Send workers into your great harvest
that the Gospel may be preached to every creature
and your people, gathered together by the word of life
and strengthened by the power of the sacraments,
may advance in the way of salvation and love.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
LORD, JESUS,
we ask you to send more servants to your people.
Choose from our parishes,
from our homes,
from our schools and colleges,
an abundant harvest of apostles for your Kingdom:
priests, sisters, brothers, deacons and lay ministers.
We pray that those you call may never lose awareness
of the dignity and need of their vocation.
O Virgin Mary,
Mother of the Church,
teach to all those the Master calls to say a joyful "yes"
as you did at the Annunciation
Amen.
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Gracious God, thank you for calling us at Baptism to be your people.
In response to your call we again say, "Yes."
Keep us faithful to your mission and our vocation.
Bless with a renewed spirit of zeal and enthusiasm
all who dedicate their lives in service to your people.
Inspire more women and men of faith and compassion
to serve as lay ministers and deacons, sisters, brothers and priests.
Fill them with your Spirit of Wisdom
to proclain the Good News and to witness your presence among us.
O, God, You have asked us to pray for vocations;
that there might be young men and women willing to give their lives
for the sake of souls.
Hear our prayer and the prayers of your Church
and send us good and holy priests and religious.
We offer you this day, all we shall think, do or say for this intention,
through Christ, Our Lord, Amen.
O God, You call all in Your Church to live a holy life.
Like a wise harvest master, clearly call laborers to reap the harvest of souls.
May some become holy priests, formed by the Gospel;
may some find their way to religious communities filled with love for You.
Inspire them by Your Holy Spirit to leave their way of life
and share the work of Your Son Who lives forever and ever.
Amen.
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Creator of the Universe, God of the Nations,
Your people are longing to hear your word.
Send laborers into your harvest -
women and men on fire with your love:
Dedicated single people -
who incarnate your presence
in their daily lives,
whose availability enables them
to respond to a diversity of needs.
Married couples -
whose relationships serve as a sign
of your fidelity to your people,
whose love overflows
to their children and neighbors.
Ordained Ministers -
who gather the prayers and longing
of your people
who serve as a channel of your presence
through the sacraments.
Religious sisters, brothers, and priests -
whose life in community foreshadows
our eternal unity in Christ,
whose service brings your life to the world.
May each of us respond with courage and generosity
to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize
the Spirit's call to men and women of good will,
trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs.
Amen.
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God, the source of creation and love,
You invite each of us to serve you through the life which is your gift.
May your grace encourage men and women
to heights of holiness through service to the church
as priests, sisters, brothers, and lay ministers.
Make me an instrument to encourage others
to give of themselves and challenge me to do the same.
Amen.
Lord, through Baptism, you invite me to share the gift of my life in service to others. Be with me as I choose each day to show your presence in our world.
Give me the courage and generosity to respond to your love, to your call.
I pray especially for those who serve you as priests, brothers, sisters and deacons. Keep them close to you.
Open the minds and hearts of many other men and women
to be witnesses to your gospel.
Lord Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate,
give to our young people the generosity necessary to follow Your call
and the courage required to overcome all obstacles to their vocation.
Give to parents that faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them
to offer their children to God's service and to rejoice
whenever one of their children is called to the priesthood or religious life.
May Your example and that of Your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph encourage both young people and parents and let Your grace sustain them. Amen.
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God, our Father,
in Baptism You called us by name
making us members of Your people, the Church.
We praise You for Your goodness,
We thank You for Your gifts.
We ask You to strengthen us
to live in love and service to others
after the example of Your Son, Jesus.
Father, look upon Your Church with love
and bless Your people
with generous single men and women,
with loving husbands and wives,
with understanding parents,
with trusting children
with dedicated priests, sisters, deacons and brothers.
Help us to see our vocations as a journey toward You.
You have called us, not to set us apart,
but to bring us together with others who need our love.
Make us faithful signs of Your presence in their midst.
We ask You through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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O God, our Father,
you have called us in Baptism to follow your Son
through lives of loving service to you and to one another.
Grant us your assistance as we seek to live
out our vocation in life.
We pray especially for those who have
answered your call as priests, brothers, sisters, deacons and lay ministers.
Keep them faithful in following your Son
and dedicated in serving their brothers and sisters.
Grant that many more men and women will be open
to the challenge of dedicating their lives in the ministry of building your Kingdom.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
God, our Creator,
Life is Your gift to me.
Through Baptism, You invite me to share the gift
of my life in service to others.
I ask LORD, "Who will be Your Priest, Deacon,
Brother, Sister, Missionary, Lay Minister? Is it I?"
Give me the courage and generosity to respond
to Your love, to Your call.
Give those you have called to the married and the
single state the graces their lives require. I
pray especially for those who serve You as
Religious. Keep them close to You.
This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Heavenly Father,
You so loved the world
that You sent Your only Son, Jesus,
to bring eternal life
to those who believe in Him.
I join Him in His prayer
for laborers in Your harvest.
May Your Holy Spirit
inspire and strengthen
generous men and women
to continue His mission in the World.
May this same Spirit
make known to me Your will
in my regard.
Where You lead, I will follow.
Let it be done to me
according to Your word.
I make this prayer
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O God, in the past you called men and women
to dedicate their lives to you through priesthood and religious life.
Today stir up the grace of a religious vocation
in the hearts of many within our parish community.
Grant them the willingness and generosity to place their lives
completely in your hands as priests, brothers and sisters.
Help me to support them by my own fidelity to your call to holiness
through prayer and Christian service.
If you desire that one of my family or friends follow you in this way,
grant me the wisdom and insight to support and encourage that person
to listen to your voice and follow you without delay.
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Loving God,
You speak to us and nourish us
through the life of this Church community.
In the name of Jesus,
we ask you to send your Spirit to us
so that men and women among us, young and old,
will respond to your call to service and leadership in the Church.
We pray especially, in our day, for those who hear your invitation
to be a priest, sister, or brother.
May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call
be encouraged and strengthened
through our enthusiasm in your service.
Amen.
Lord,
I know you love me
and have great plans for me.
But sometimes I am overwhelmed
by the thought of my future.
Show me how to walk forward one day at a time.
May I take heart while I search openly
for what it is you want me to do with my life.
Inspire in me wisdom and understanding
to see your vision for my life
and respond with openness to whatever you call me to be.
Show me your way Lord!
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Gracious God,
You are the gentle presence,
the peaceful light,
that fills our whole world.
We believe that you care
for all your creatures
with wisdom and love.
Take care of us, your Church, this day.
Give to us all grace and courage
to live out our baptism
as faithful disciples
of your son, Jesus Christ.
Give us good pastors who
will call us to love and forgiveness
and lead us in worship
in the community of the Spirit.
Bring forth from among us other ministers
whose many-splendored gifts
will strengthen our community.
Raise up people in religious life
who by their unusual witness to the Gospel
will call us to the love of God and neighbor.
You have enfolded the smallness of our
humanity in your divinity.
Fill us all with your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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Jesus, high priest and Redeemer forever,
we beg you to call young men and women to your service,
as priests and religious.
May they be inspired by the lives of dedicated priests, brothers and sisters.
Give to parents the grace of generosity and trust toward you
and their child so that their sons and daughters may be helped
to choose their vocation in life with wisdom and freedom.
O God, you have called us to salvation and have sent your Son
to establish the Church for this purpose,
and you have provided the sacred ministers.
The harvest is ever ready but the laborers are scarce.
Inspire our youth to follow Jesus by serving Your People. Amen
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Parents Prayer for Vocations
Gracious and loving God
you have blessed us with the priviledge of becoming Parents.
We ask that you provide us with all that we need
in accepting this awesome responsibility.
We pray that we will be open to your spirit
who is our source of strength
as we witness to our children
your love for each of them and your desire for them
to be happy and to live a full life.
We ask your help
so we may guide and encourage our children
to believe that they each have a special calling
and to use their gifts and talents for others.
We pray, Heavenly Father,
that our children will discover
and respond enthusiastically to your desire for them
whether it be to the vocation of single, married,
ordained or consecrated life.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus
through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
-Mrs. Dorothy Foss
Almighty and eternal God,
in your unfailing love,
you provide ministers for your Church.
We pray for those whom you call
to serve the Church of Kingston as priests
Inspire in them a generous response.
Grant them courage and vision to serve your people.
May their lives and service
call your people to respond
to the presence of your Spirit among us that,
faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus the Christ,
we may announce glad tidings to the poor,
proclaim liberty to captives,
set prisoners free
and renew the face of the earth.
O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest,
send Your Graces upon those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labour;
preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you.
Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will;
inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serving others
in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ.
Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life
guided by Your Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary,
all the Angels, and Saints,
humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church's needs,
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Loving and Generous God,
it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church
as we experience it today.
Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future.
Grant us faith-filled leaders
who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice.
Bless the Church of Kingston
by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends
who will serve Your people as Sisters,
Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call.
We ask this through our Christ our Lord.
Loving God, you call all who believe in you to grow perfect in love
by following in the footsteps of Christ your Son:
Call from among us more men and women who will serve you as religious.
By their way of life, may they provide a convincing sign
of your Kingdom for the Church and the whole world.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Gracious and loving God,
help the men and women of our parish to hear the call to serve
in the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Our needs are great and our people thirst for your presence.
Open the hearts of many, raise up faithful servants of the Gospel, dedicated,
holy priests, sisters, brothers and deacons,
who will spend themselves for your people and their needs.
Bless those who are serving now with courage and perseverance.
Grant that many will be inspired by their example and faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
He said to them "Come and See." They came and saw where he was staying. (John 1:39).
God of all nations,
we are most grateful for the first Catholic missionaries and explorers
who came to Canada.
As strangers in a strange land they brought with them countless skills,
talents and traditions, but their greatest treasure was their faith.
May the good News of Jesus Christ, which molded and shaped their lives, continue to mold and shape our lives today.
Bless our archdiocese with men and women who will follow in their footsteps
to serve the Church as religious brothers, sisters, priests, and deacons.
Lord Jesus Christ, help to hear your call to "Come and See."
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Hail Mary, full of grace;
all generations call you blessed.
Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel
to bear the Son of the Most High,
filled with faith, you responded:
"Let it be done unto me."
Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana,
you prompted your Son to perform his first sign.
Be with us as we discern our life's work
and guide us in the way we are called to follow
in the footsteps of your Son.
Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross
you mourned the death of your only Son.
Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests,
deacons, brothers and sisters.
Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd,
turn your motherly care to this nation.
Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest
to send more laborers to the harvest
in this land dedicated to your honor.
Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick,
inspire vocations in our time.
Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew
in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim
the good news of everlasting life.
Amen.
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Gracious God,
You have called me to life and gifted me in many ways.
Through Baptism You have sent me to continue the mission of Jesus
by sharing my love with others.
Strengthen me to respond to Your call each day.
Help me to become all You desire of me.
Inspire me to make a difference in others' lives.
Lead me to choose the way of life You have planned for me.
Open the hearts of all to listen to Your call.
Fill all with Your Holy Spirit
that we may have listening hearts and the courage to respond to You.
Enkindle in my heart and the hearts of others
the desire to make the world a better place
by serving as a Lay Minister, Sister, Priest, Brother or Deacon.
Amen.
Father, we are your people, the work of your hands.
So precious are we in your sight that you sent your Son, Jesus.
Jesus calls us to heal the broken-hearted, to dry the tears of those who mourn,
to give hope to those who despair, and to rejoice in your steadfast love.
We, the baptized, realize our call to serve. Help us to know how.
Call forth from among us priests, sisters, brothers and lay ministers.
With our hearts you continue to love your people.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
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Loving God,
your Son, Jesus, has shown us that an open heart finds the way.
Help me to find my way in this world.
Keep my heart open to following Jesus' way of serving others in love.
Give me the courage to accept the guidance you offer me
through my family, my friends, and my parish community.
Through the Holy Spirit, you call me to a particular way of life.
If it is the way of a priest, sister, brother or deacon,
then help me to walk it in joyful service to your people.
With you, my God, I know I can find my way.
Amen.
O God, Who wish all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of Your truth: send, we beg You, laborers into Your harvest,
and grant them grace to speak Your word with all boldness;
so that Your word may spread and be glorified,
and all nations may know You, the only God, and Him Whom You have sent,
Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
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Loving God,
Is it I, Lord?
Are you calling me to a vocation of ministry in the Church
as Priest, Sister, Brother or Deacon?
Or if I am already living out a life's vocation,
are you asking me to help call others to the ministry of leadership in the Church?
We do need men and women to help lead us as Church, Lord.
We are your people of towns and cities, fields and forests,
the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Speak to us Lord.
Open the minds and hearts of many men and women to live your Word
and build your Kingdom.
Speak to me Lord.
Plant your Word within me so that whatever you call me to be or do
I may say Yes, Here I Am Lord.
Lord here I am!
What would you like me to do with my life?
(Pause to listen to God for a moment)
Teach me to do your will, Lord.
And let your Holy Spirit guide me!
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O Father, you desire all of us to be happy.
Stir up the grace of a religious vocation in the hearts of many men and women. Grant to them the willingness and generosity to give of themselves,
their lives, their time and their talents to the service of Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Our Lord and Savior, and to His Holy Church.
May more men and women go forth as priests, deacons,
brothers and sisters to bring the truths of our Catholic faith
to all others so that soon they, too, may know You better and love You more...
and serving You, be truly happy. Amen.
Father you call each one of us by name and ask us to follow you.
Bless your church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends who will serve your people
as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons, and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us as we grow to know you, and open our hearts to hear your call.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Creator God,
Life is your gift to me,
Through Baptism you invite me to share the gift of my life in service to others.
Be with me as I choose each day to show Your presence in our world.
Give me the courage and generosity to respond to Your love, to Your call.
I pray especially for those who serve you
as Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Deacons and Lay Ministers.
Open the minds and hearts of many other men and women
that they may accept Your challenge to build the Kingdom.
Loving God, you have made me in Your image and likeness,
and for this I shall praise You forever.
Through baptism Your invite me to serve as Your son Jesus served.
I offer You this day all that I have and all that I am in union with His saving cross.
Father, in the power of the Spirit, You send us forth to build up Your kingdom.
I pray especially for those whom You are calling to serve the church
as priests, deacons, sisters and brothers.
Help them to hear and answer Your call to discipleship.
The harvest is plenty, but laborers are few.
Please provide for us men and women
who will help to gather in a great harvest of souls.
I make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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O loving and gracious God, Father of all,
you bless your people in every time and season
and provide for their needs through your providential care.
Your Church is continually in need of priests, sisters and brothers
to offer themselves in the service of the gospel by lives of dedicated love.
Open the hearts of your sons and daughters to listen to your call in their lives.
Give them the gift of understanding
to discern your invitation to serve you and your Church.
Give them the gift of courage to follow your call.
May they have the spirit of young Samuel
who found fulfillment in his life when he said to you,
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.
Loving God,
You speak to us and nourish us through the life of this Church community.
In the name of Jesus, we ask you to send your Spirit to us
so that men and women among us, young and old,
will respond to your call to service and leadership in the Church.
We pray especially, in our day, for those who hear your invitation
to be a priest, sister, or brother.
May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call
be encouraged and strengthened through our enthusiasm in your service.
Amen.
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Father in heaven,
you sent us your only Son to redeem us and to build your kingdom on earth.
Please give us the wisdom and strength we need to follow His call.
Grant to the faithful a spirit of generosity, that Church vocations may flourish.
Bless our priests with holiness and courage,
that they may lead your people to Christ.
Help all sisters and brothers to fulfill their sacred promises
and so be effective signs of your kingdom.
Lord, invite more men and women to your service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Loving God, the provider of all our needs,
we, your faithful people, ask that you bless this parish and our archdiocese
with an increase of men and women for priestly and committed ministry.
Provide from among us
those who will lead and work with us in priestly and consecrated service.
As you call, so may you also provide the context for listening
so that they may respond with generosity and joy.
Form our hearts so that we may be a people
given to Gospel living and generous for Christian service.
Help us all to discern and pursue our vocation in life
with strength and courage, making of us a priestly people.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, the priest and servant of our hearts. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
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Loving God, to be your prophet is my desire,
but too often I am more concerned about the bottom line.
I want to bring your message to the world as so many before me have done.
My heart leads me to you, but I'm not always sure how to respond.
Let me know what it is you are calling me to do
and the life you are asking me to live.
Give me the strength to share with others who are in need
of the blessings with which you have enriched my life.
Thank you, God, for hearing my prayer. Amen.
Good and gracious God,
you have called us through Baptism to discipleship with your Son, Jesus Christ,
and have sent us to bring the Good News of salvation to all peoples.
We pray you to grant us more priests and religious to build up your Church
here within the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Inspire our young men and women by the example of Blessed Junipero Serra
to give themselves totally to the work of Christ and His Church.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen!
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Thank you, Lord,
for all the many great and wonderful gifts you give to our family.
Help us to live each day with joy and humility.
Keep us totally dedicated to serving you.
Teach us to recognize the many ways you make your Spirit known.
Then help each of us to accept your gift -
the grace to answer your call to form, strengthen and expand the Body of Christ.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Father, hear the prayers of your people,
and bring to maturity the seeds you have sown in the field of your Church.
May many of your people choose to serve you
by devoting themselves to the service of their brothers and sisters.
Raise up worthy ministers for your altars
and ardent but gentle servants of the Gospel.
May those who follow in the footsteps of Christ your Son grow,
and provide by their way of life a convincing sign of your kingdom
for the Church and the whole world.
May all the ministers of your Church increase in numbers,
and persevering in their prayer,
perform their ministry with gentleness and concern for others.
Father, keep them all faithful to the call of the Gospel
that the world may see in them
the living image of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
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Lord Jesus, we pray to you for the Catholic priesthood.
Give us more priests, but most especially we ask you to give us holy priests. Messengers of a truth that is all-encompassing and eternal,
holy priests who know how to offer this truth
to the people of their own time and place.
Holy men for today, priests firmly rooted in the tradition,
yet imbued with the spirit of this age.
They have undertaken a mission in your name, Lord.
May the reflection of your power in them always make it clear
that they are your witnesses.
Grant that they may conform their lives to the paschal mystery
that they celebrate each day in the Eucharist.
May they sense in this mystery the anxious hunger of the world
and of their own brothers and sisters for salvation.
May they know, despite this hunger, how to respect the spiritual freedom of others; for it is your word which has given the world a taste for this freedom.
May they understand and speak the language of their own time.
And may they be careful never to compromise, with opinions that come and go,
the imperishable newness of your Gospel.
May they always keep through the dark wintry night of the soul
an obstinate hope for the springtime to come.
And when they meet those who persecute you,
may they always remember the road to Damascus
and the hidden ways of your providence.
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Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the Savior of the world.
Please manifest in Your Church
the Spirit whom You also abundantly bestowed on Your apostles.
Call very many to Your priesthood and Your religious life.
May zeal for Your glory and for the salvation of the world
inflame those You have chosen.
May they be saints in Your likeness.
May Your Holy Spirit strengthen them.
May they be priests and religious according to Your own heart!
Amen.
O Lord,
help me know your will for me
Let your light shine in the depths of my heart
that I may know what you want me to do with my life.
Help me believe that you have a special plan for me.
Lord, I know I pass through this life only once;
help me decide how you want me to make a difference.
Like our Blessed Mother, give me the wisdom to hear your voice
and the courage to answer your call.
Above all give me peace of mind and heart.
I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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God our Father,
you will all men and women to be saved
and come to the knowledge of your Truth.
Send workers into your great harvest
that the Gospel may be preached to every creature
and your people, gathered together by the word of life
and strengthened by the power of the sacraments,
may advance in the way of salvation and love.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
LORD, JESUS,
we ask you to send more servants to your people.
Choose from our parishes,
from our homes,
from our schools and colleges,
an abundant harvest of apostles for your Kingdom:
priests, sisters, brothers, deacons and lay ministers.
We pray that those you call may never lose awareness
of the dignity and need of their vocation.
O Virgin Mary,
Mother of the Church,
teach to all those the Master calls to say a joyful "yes"
as you did at the Annunciation
Amen.
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Gracious God, thank you for calling us at Baptism to be your people.
In response to your call we again say, "Yes."
Keep us faithful to your mission and our vocation.
Bless with a renewed spirit of zeal and enthusiasm
all who dedicate their lives in service to your people.
Inspire more women and men of faith and compassion
to serve as lay ministers and deacons, sisters, brothers and priests.
Fill them with your Spirit of Wisdom
to proclain the Good News and to witness your presence among us.
O, God, You have asked us to pray for vocations;
that there might be young men and women willing to give their lives
for the sake of souls.
Hear our prayer and the prayers of your Church
and send us good and holy priests and religious.
We offer you this day, all we shall think, do or say for this intention,
through Christ, Our Lord, Amen.
O God, You call all in Your Church to live a holy life.
Like a wise harvest master, clearly call laborers to reap the harvest of souls.
May some become holy priests, formed by the Gospel;
may some find their way to religious communities filled with love for You.
Inspire them by Your Holy Spirit to leave their way of life
and share the work of Your Son Who lives forever and ever.
Amen.
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Creator of the Universe, God of the Nations,
Your people are longing to hear your word.
Send laborers into your harvest -
women and men on fire with your love:
Dedicated single people -
who incarnate your presence
in their daily lives,
whose availability enables them
to respond to a diversity of needs.
Married couples -
whose relationships serve as a sign
of your fidelity to your people,
whose love overflows
to their children and neighbors.
Ordained Ministers -
who gather the prayers and longing
of your people
who serve as a channel of your presence
through the sacraments.
Religious sisters, brothers, and priests -
whose life in community foreshadows
our eternal unity in Christ,
whose service brings your life to the world.
May each of us respond with courage and generosity
to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize
the Spirit's call to men and women of good will,
trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs.
Amen.
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God, the source of creation and love,
You invite each of us to serve you through the life which is your gift.
May your grace encourage men and women
to heights of holiness through service to the church
as priests, sisters, brothers, and lay ministers.
Make me an instrument to encourage others
to give of themselves and challenge me to do the same.
Amen.
Lord, through Baptism, you invite me to share the gift of my life in service to others. Be with me as I choose each day to show your presence in our world.
Give me the courage and generosity to respond to your love, to your call.
I pray especially for those who serve you as priests, brothers, sisters and deacons. Keep them close to you.
Open the minds and hearts of many other men and women
to be witnesses to your gospel.
Lord Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate,
give to our young people the generosity necessary to follow Your call
and the courage required to overcome all obstacles to their vocation.
Give to parents that faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them
to offer their children to God's service and to rejoice
whenever one of their children is called to the priesthood or religious life.
May Your example and that of Your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph encourage both young people and parents and let Your grace sustain them. Amen.
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God, our Father,
in Baptism You called us by name
making us members of Your people, the Church.
We praise You for Your goodness,
We thank You for Your gifts.
We ask You to strengthen us
to live in love and service to others
after the example of Your Son, Jesus.
Father, look upon Your Church with love
and bless Your people
with generous single men and women,
with loving husbands and wives,
with understanding parents,
with trusting children
with dedicated priests, sisters, deacons and brothers.
Help us to see our vocations as a journey toward You.
You have called us, not to set us apart,
but to bring us together with others who need our love.
Make us faithful signs of Your presence in their midst.
We ask You through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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O God, our Father,
you have called us in Baptism to follow your Son
through lives of loving service to you and to one another.
Grant us your assistance as we seek to live
out our vocation in life.
We pray especially for those who have
answered your call as priests, brothers, sisters, deacons and lay ministers.
Keep them faithful in following your Son
and dedicated in serving their brothers and sisters.
Grant that many more men and women will be open
to the challenge of dedicating their lives in the ministry of building your Kingdom.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
God, our Creator,
Life is Your gift to me.
Through Baptism, You invite me to share the gift
of my life in service to others.
I ask LORD, "Who will be Your Priest, Deacon,
Brother, Sister, Missionary, Lay Minister? Is it I?"
Give me the courage and generosity to respond
to Your love, to Your call.
Give those you have called to the married and the
single state the graces their lives require. I
pray especially for those who serve You as
Religious. Keep them close to You.
This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Heavenly Father,
You so loved the world
that You sent Your only Son, Jesus,
to bring eternal life
to those who believe in Him.
I join Him in His prayer
for laborers in Your harvest.
May Your Holy Spirit
inspire and strengthen
generous men and women
to continue His mission in the World.
May this same Spirit
make known to me Your will
in my regard.
Where You lead, I will follow.
Let it be done to me
according to Your word.
I make this prayer
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O God, in the past you called men and women
to dedicate their lives to you through priesthood and religious life.
Today stir up the grace of a religious vocation
in the hearts of many within our parish community.
Grant them the willingness and generosity to place their lives
completely in your hands as priests, brothers and sisters.
Help me to support them by my own fidelity to your call to holiness
through prayer and Christian service.
If you desire that one of my family or friends follow you in this way,
grant me the wisdom and insight to support and encourage that person
to listen to your voice and follow you without delay.
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Loving God,
You speak to us and nourish us
through the life of this Church community.
In the name of Jesus,
we ask you to send your Spirit to us
so that men and women among us, young and old,
will respond to your call to service and leadership in the Church.
We pray especially, in our day, for those who hear your invitation
to be a priest, sister, or brother.
May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call
be encouraged and strengthened
through our enthusiasm in your service.
Amen.
Lord,
I know you love me
and have great plans for me.
But sometimes I am overwhelmed
by the thought of my future.
Show me how to walk forward one day at a time.
May I take heart while I search openly
for what it is you want me to do with my life.
Inspire in me wisdom and understanding
to see your vision for my life
and respond with openness to whatever you call me to be.
Show me your way Lord!
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Gracious God,
You are the gentle presence,
the peaceful light,
that fills our whole world.
We believe that you care
for all your creatures
with wisdom and love.
Take care of us, your Church, this day.
Give to us all grace and courage
to live out our baptism
as faithful disciples
of your son, Jesus Christ.
Give us good pastors who
will call us to love and forgiveness
and lead us in worship
in the community of the Spirit.
Bring forth from among us other ministers
whose many-splendored gifts
will strengthen our community.
Raise up people in religious life
who by their unusual witness to the Gospel
will call us to the love of God and neighbor.
You have enfolded the smallness of our
humanity in your divinity.
Fill us all with your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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Jesus, high priest and Redeemer forever,
we beg you to call young men and women to your service,
as priests and religious.
May they be inspired by the lives of dedicated priests, brothers and sisters.
Give to parents the grace of generosity and trust toward you
and their child so that their sons and daughters may be helped
to choose their vocation in life with wisdom and freedom.
O God, you have called us to salvation and have sent your Son
to establish the Church for this purpose,
and you have provided the sacred ministers.
The harvest is ever ready but the laborers are scarce.
Inspire our youth to follow Jesus by serving Your People. Amen
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Parents Prayer for Vocations
Gracious and loving God
you have blessed us with the priviledge of becoming Parents.
We ask that you provide us with all that we need
in accepting this awesome responsibility.
We pray that we will be open to your spirit
who is our source of strength
as we witness to our children
your love for each of them and your desire for them
to be happy and to live a full life.
We ask your help
so we may guide and encourage our children
to believe that they each have a special calling
and to use their gifts and talents for others.
We pray, Heavenly Father,
that our children will discover
and respond enthusiastically to your desire for them
whether it be to the vocation of single, married,
ordained or consecrated life.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus
through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
-Mrs. Dorothy Foss
Prayers for Vocations
These many prayers for vocations are adapted from the website of the US Bishops.
Please take a look and offer a prayer.
These many prayers for vocations are adapted from the website of the US Bishops.
Please take a look and offer a prayer.