Archbishop Burke Discusses "Vocation and Vocations"

On this coming Jan. 9 to 15, we will observe National Vocation Awareness Week. Beginning with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 9, the annual celebration gives us many helps in considering our share in Christ’s vocation and mission for the salvation of the world, which was revealed to the world at His baptism in the Jordan by John.

We are called to follow Christ in holiness of life. This is our vocation. We are called to follow Christ as a married person, a dedicated single person, a consecrated person or an ordained priest. These are the vocations by which we respond to the universal vocation to holiness of life.

We say in the Church that our vocation is our way to salvation, and it is true. It is through our vocation that we most fully express our life in Christ and realize our share in His mission of salvation. We are called to life in Christ, so that, when we reach adulthood, we may give our lives in response to God’s call. Therefore, it is important that children and young people pray each day to know their vocation in life, and that those of us, who have already responded to God’s call by embracing our vocation, pray each day for the virtues of fidelity and generosity in living our vocation.

Because of the importance of National Vocation Awareness Week for the Church and because prayer is the foundation of the apostolate of vocations to the priesthood or consecrated life, I urge you to set aside special time for prayer for vocations during National Vocation Awareness Week, making time for prayer for vocations a part of your daily living. Please pray that the young men and women whom God is calling to the priesthood and consecrated life will respond faithfully and generously to God’s call. (Emphasis added)

Complete article here.