Vocation Prayers

Prayer of John Henry Cardinal Newman

God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission - I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good, I shall do His work. Therefore, I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am. I cannot be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me - still He knows what He is about.

Two Roads - Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

A Senior Citizen’s Prayer for Church Vocations

Loving God, you call me to be a person of faith, who desires to grow in wisdom as well as age. Teach me to be open to you in responding to your love in my life. When I feel sick, or without energy help me remember that you too know what it is to suffer. Strengthen me to offer the difficulties of my life for those who struggle to be the people you call them to be. I ask that you bless our parish and our diocese with generous and enthusiastic ministers who desire to work among us, bringing your Good News to our world. Grant me good health and peace of mind through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Discernment Prayer for Young People

Lord God, let your light shine in my heart. Teach me that you have a special plan for me. Keep my heart open to following Jesus’ way of serving others in love and with a gentle spirit. Give me the strength to share with them the blessings you have so richly given to me.

Fill me with the Spirit of Wisdom that, following the example of the Blessed Mother, I may hear and answer your call. Above all, give me peace of mind and heart as I find my way in life. I ask this in the name of Jesus, who lives with you and the Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Diocesan Prayer for Vocations

Almighty and eternal God, in your unfailing love your provide ministers for your Church. We pray for those whom you call to serve the Church of Fall River 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.