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Vocations
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“Day after day I was able to observe the austere way in which he lived. By profession he was a soldier and, after my mother’s death, his life became one of constant prayer. Sometimes I would wake up during the night and find my father on his knees, just as I would always see him kneeling in the parish church. We never spoke about a vocation to the priesthood, but his example was, in a way, my first seminary—a kind of domestic seminary.”
– St. Pope John Paul II
These words of St. John Paul II highlight the profound importance of family life in fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life. By creating a culture of love, respect, and, above all, prayer, parents lay the groundwork for their children to hear and respond to God’s call.
Here at Mary, Queen of Peace Church is through our Vocations Chalice which offers families a concrete way to nurture such an atmosphere through an intentional, week‑long commitment to pray for vocations.
How It Works- Sign‑up – Families complete an electronic form (see graphic) indicating their willingness to take the Vocations Chalice home for a week.
- Scheduling – Ministry coordinator Tracy Bannon contacts the family by phone or email to arrange a convenient Sunday and Mass time.
- Receiving the Chalice – At the scheduled liturgy, Fr. Cooper presents the chalice to the individual, couple, or family.
- Daily Prayer – The chalice is placed prominently in the home, and the family commits to a designated time of prayer each day—whether at meals, during an existing prayer hour, before bedtime, etc. A binder with suggested prayers, tailored to the ages of family members, is provided.
- Return – The chalice is returned the following Sunday to a deacon at the family’s Mass OR to the parish office on Monday.
Who May Participate? The ministry is open to all parishioners, regardless of age or life stage. While families with children are especially encouraged, single adults and couples are equally welcome. Our aim is to cover every week of the year, ensuring that the Mary, Queen of Peace family continually prays for additional vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Why Join If You Already Pray for Vocations? First, thank you for your personal prayers—they are vital. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 9:37, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” The Vocations Chalice adds a communal dimension to your prayer life:- Visible Commitment – The chalice serves as a tangible reminder of your dedication.
- Community Witness – It allows the wider faith community to see and support one another’s prayerful commitment.
- Family Dialogue – It creates authentic opportunities to discuss vocations with children and teenagers.
By embracing the Vocations Chalice, families become living “domestic seminaries,” echoing the example of St. John Paul II’s father and helping to nurture the next generation of priests and religious. May your prayers bear abundant fruit for the Church.
For more information about the Vocations Chalice, contact Tracy Bannon at [email protected].
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Catholic vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life are distinct paths through which individuals dedicate their lives to serving God and the Church.
- Priesthood: This vocation involves men who feel called to serve as ordained ministers, leading parish communities, celebrating the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), and providing pastoral care. Priests commit to a life of celibacy, prayer, and obedience to their bishop. They undergo extensive theological education and formation in seminaries before ordination.
- Diaconate: Deacons serve in a ministry of service, assisting priests in liturgical roles, performing baptisms, witnessing marriages, and proclaiming the Gospel. There are two types of deacons: transitional deacons, who are on the path to becoming priests, and permanent deacons, who may be married and remain deacons for life. Permanent deacons often have secular careers while serving the Church.
- Religious Life: This vocation includes men and women who join religious orders or congregations, living in community and taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Religious life can be contemplative, focusing on prayer and monastic life, or active, involving various forms of apostolic work like education, healthcare, and social justice. Members of religious orders are often referred to as brothers, sisters, monks, or nuns.
Each of these vocations involves a deep commitment to following Christ and serving the Church in unique ways, guided by prayer, community, and the pursuit of holiness.
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Start your discernment journey today and watch the video on catholic discernment below.
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Rev. Robert T. Cooperfrcooperarch-no.orgPastor
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