From The Pastor's Desk - APR 21, 2024

Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,

This Sunday is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In a special way we pray for holy vocations to the priesthood, that God would raise up shepherds in the Church after the heart of his Son. Here are some simple ways can help promote vocations to the priesthood.

1. Prayer: Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” I’m proud that we have so many opportunities in our parish to pray specifically for priestly vocations. We pray for vocations after every 9:00am and 7:00pm daily Mass. Eucharistic adoration, which we have daily from 7:00am-9:00pm is a wonderful opportunity to pray for vocations. Sign up at one of our four Sunday Masses where we have the vocations chalice to pray for two weeks for the intention of more priestly vocations.
   

2. The Blessed Mother: One of the commonalities in all priestly vocations is the role of our Blessed Mother. She is the Mother of priests in a special way. I ask children to pray three Hail Mary’s nightly so that Mary would lead them to discover and say yes to their own call.
   

3. Talk about priestly vocations: The vast majority of priests attest that someone close to them mentioning the possibility of a priestly vocation was influential in their discernment. Sometimes God will put it on your heart to speak with a son, relative, friend or parishioner about the possibility that God may be calling them to the priesthood. Act on that intuition!
   

4. Vocations Kiosk: Have you seen our new kiosk by the front entrance of the church? It is stacked with materials for kids, young adults and parents. You’ll find vocations prayers, information for those discerning at any age, as well as helpful tips for parents who wish to create an environment open to vocational discernment in their home.
   

5. Dinner: Invite your priests to dinner so that your young children can see that we’re (semi-) normal people and they can develop a deeper connection with their parish priest!

In Christ,

Fr. Dave