Throughout the year, there are many reasons to celebrate: birthdays, anniversaries, the independence of our country. We celebrate the vocation of marriage with special days. We lift up the vocation of fatherhood on Father's Day. We honor the vocation of motherhood on Mother's Day. But think of this: for some parents, they are called by God and have as part of their mission on earth to be the Mom and Dad of a priest, a sister or a brother. Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, were called by God to be his Mom and Dad.

When we pray for vocations, we are praying for parents. We pray that God will help you as parents make a home where God is first. We pray for parents that you see God's call of your son or daughter to His service as a sign of His love for you. We pray that you as parents will affirm and rejoice in your son or daughter's decision to join the priesthood or religious life.

So, now just as your child discerns his or her vocation in life, so must you accept your call to your vocation as his parent. This is an awesome responsibility and one that is sure to have its share of uncertainties. We recognize the sacrifices that you have made and are compassionate about your worries and fears for your child. Jesus said, "Be Not Afraid." As Jesus calls your child to the priesthood or religious life, He will reward him or her for giving his or her life in this service.

As your child has opened his or her generous heart to respond to God's call, let us all open our hearts in that same spirit of generosity to support each other.

Prayer for Vocations

Praise to you, Loving God, giver of all good gifts.

We are always in your care.

Through the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit,

open our minds and hearts to hear and recognize the call to be

your heart, voice and hands through lives of service to one another.

We thank you for continuing to bless us with

vocations of married and single life.

We ask you to bless your church with an abundance of

holy and faithful priests, deacons, sisters and brothers.

We look to you to provide the special graces

each vocation requires.

With Mary, Mother of the Church,

we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+John F. Kinney

Bishop of Saint Cloud

Imprimatur given January 1, 2004