Roman Catholic 
Diocese of Ogdensburg

Resources

WE ARE CALLED

In your work as parish vocation ministers, you may need to know what a word means so that all involved in the ministry have a common understanding. Here is a collection of some of the “vocation” terms you may come across.

Common Vocation Terms and Definitions

Terms Related to Consecrated Life 
(Men and Women)

Terms Related to Holy Orders

Helpful Hints

Parish Vocation Ministry Biannual Report “Helpful Hints” Sheet

To create a culture of vocations in the parish, all parishioners should know that by virtue of their baptism that they are called to be holy and have a vocation, a mission for the Kingdom of God.  From this realization, will come involved laity, faithful married couples, prayerful families, and an increase in vocations to priesthood, permanent diaconate, and consecrated life for service to God’s people.   Each person in your parish has a vocation.  As you prepare your parish report, have you done any of the following activities in your parish?  This is not an exhaustive list but a guide to the activities in your parish.  Please tell us about all activities that you have done to create a vocation-friendly parish environment.  

Prayer:

  • Weekly prayers of the faithful
  • Prayer Cards Given Away
  • Prayers in the bulletin
  • Spiritual bouquet for Your Priest, Deacon or Consecrated Religious
  • Holy Hour/Exposition for Vocations
  • Shut-ins Invited to Pray for Vocations,
  • Rosary, Stations of The Cross for Vocations
  • Travelling Chalice/Crucifix/Statue/Rosary program for Families
  • Special Vocation Prayers Said at Mass

Awareness and Education:

  • Bulletin Blurbs emphasizing call to holiness
  • Materials Displayed in Book Rack
  • Homilies on Vocation(s)
  • Seminarian and Consecrated Religious Posters Displayed
  • Vianney Vocations’ Vocation Lessons or Another Curriculum Used in Religious Instruction
  • Guest Speakers on Vocations
  • Lenten Fish Fry or Pancake Breakfast for Vocations
  • World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life Activities Planned
  • Bulletin Board of Engaged Couples Created
  • Seminarians Invited To Visit
  • Festival Table Booth for Vocations Sponsored

Affirmation:

Have you done any of the following for your parish?

  • Priests, Seminarians, Deacons, Sisters, Sisters in Formation Given Cards or Gifts on Birthday, Ordination Anniversary, Christmas, Easter
  • Get to Know Your Priest Questionnaire Answered
  • Planned Activities for Priesthood Sunday
  • Retired Priests and Religious Visited
  • Planned Activities for Marriage Week-any Marriage Celebration,
  • Planned a Reception after Mass for Priests, Deacons

Websites for Parish/School 
Promotion of Vocations