PRAYERS

Prayer is not just something we do when nothing else is working; it is not about grasping at straws. It is an expression of trust in a God who knows what we need, and who

cares. As a community of faith, we ask God for the priests we need because, like every other gift, vocation comes from him.

Prayer is also a way of commiting ourselves to something. When we pray sincerely for vocations, we inevitably open our own hearts (as parents and family, friends, teachers, or members of a parish community) to doing whatever is appropriate in our own situation to encourage vocation.

You may not feel that you can do much about vocations, but everyone can pray. Would you consider making a personal commitment to pray each day, for vocations to the priesthood, for those who are preparing for the priesthood, and for those who are already out there ministering as priests in our diocese. It would be a great help.

What's the Point of Praying for Vocations?

In the gospel, Jesus frequently invites us to pray for what we need. Prayer is not about changing God's mind. All our prayer is said against the background of the prayer Jesus gave us - thy will be done. When we pray, we acknowledge that we don't have all the answers, or all the resources.