Vocation Cross

The following is information that can be given to the family who will take the vocation cross home for the week.

A Special Week

The week you have the Vocation Cross in your home is a special week for your family. Here are some easy-to-do activities that can be helpful in highlighting vocations each day. You should change these suggestions or add new ones, depending on your family's schedule or situation.

Sunday: Gathered around the Vocation Cross, pray some prayers for vocations (see our website for suggestions). Working together as a family, write your own family vocation prayer and use it each day during the week.

Monday: Write a note of encouragement to someone preparing for Church ministry and remind them of the great value in their desire to serve God in the Church (a list of names is available on our website). You may also want to invite a priest, sister, brother, or deacon from the parish to join in your family meal and talk about what made them answer God's call.

Tuesday: Recall the names of priests, deacons, and religious who had an impact on you or on your family. Who are the priests, deacons, and religious who are part of your life now? Offer a prayer for those who have died.

Wednesday: As a family, consider the talents of each member. Every one should be given a chance to be "in the spotlight" as the rest of the family takes turns naming a talent or gift of that person. Tell how these positive talents are a gift from God and how they add to the family. Talk about how these gifts can be of service in your parish, school, or community.

Thursday: Select a passage from the Bible and read it aloud (see suggestions on our website). What message does this reading have for you? Share with each other your thoughts and discuss some ways that Jesus invites you to follow him. Conclude by offering a prayer for those who have responded to Jesus' invitation to "come and see."

Friday: Use the internet to visit some websites about vocations. Visit the vocation site for the Diocese of Fall River.

Saturday: Participate in Mass this morning as a family to bring your week of prayer to a conclusion, especially praying for those preparing for priesthood or religious life.