November — Vocations Awareness Month

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!” (Romans 10: 14-15)

We sometimes miss a simple truth. Priests and consecrated religious are sent from the heart of a local church like the Diocese of Covington to proclaim the good news in the mission fields close to home and far flung. Our priests, brothers, and sisters are literally our brothers and sisters.

Where will men hear the call to make themselves available to be sent to proclaim the good news as priests? How will men and women begin to hear God’s invitation to witness with their lives as consecrated religious? Who will invite holy and reputable men to be deacons? Who will encourage people to intentionally prepare to enter strong marriages and commit themselves to growing in holiness with the grace of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony? Where else but in our parishes, schools and families? From whom but from people like you?

I invite you to become intentional and focused on this mission of encouraging our neighbors to consider a vocation of service to Jesus and his people. I ask you to encourage young people to discern their vocation in the world, to embrace that vocation, and to live it intentionally. Joining or beginning a vocation ministry in your parish is a great way to do that. Here is a plan for starting a vocation ministry.

1. Pray. Ask God to use you in this great task of calling and encouraging holy vocations in our Church and in our families.
2. Talk with your priest. Your pastor coordinates all ministry and outreach in your parish. You will need his buy-in and encouragement. He may also be able to tell you about efforts that are already underway or others who have expressed an interest in promoting vocations.
3. Read “Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry.” At this point, please contact Father Conor Kunath, the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Covington. He will gladly supply you with copies of this recommended book and help you be aware of vocation and discernment opportunities in the Diocese.
4. Visit vocationministry.com. Select the “Parish” tab and you will find a 4-phase process for establishing and advancing a vocation ministry, along with planning calendars, resources, sample initiatives and great advice (including a list like this one).
5. Recruit members. Start with holy people who love Jesus and the Church. Include people who have a heart for young people and representatives of groups in the parish who are interested in promoting vocations (e.g., members of the Serra Club, Knights of Columbus, etc.).
6. Meet and begin planning.

Everything you can do to help our brothers and sisters encounter Jesus and listen for how the Holy Spirit is inviting them to be generous with their lives is a great service to your brother or sister, the Church, and to God’s plan for the proclamation of the good news.

Consider if you have a gift for inviting and encouraging others. If so, become part of the Church’s vocation ministry, because “How can they hear without someone to preach?”

Yours devotedly in the Lord,
+Bishop John Iffert