God's calling! Are you listening?
God may be calling you to priesthood, to life as a Brother or Sister in a religious order, marriage, or single life.
Have you talked to God about that yet? Can you hear His response? He can only answer through the stirrings of your heart. He will let you know when you prayerfully consider what will give you greatest joy, peace, and fulfillment? This takes time, prayer, and a great deal of discernment.
To assist you in this, the Vocations Committee of St. Vincent de Paul Parish is supporting you in prayer and by providing opportunities for you to explore your options. In St. Jude's Chapel every Thursday those in adoration are asked to pray for those in discernment. A Holy Hour is scheduled once a month in church to encourage those discerning priesthood or religious life. Prayer cards are being distributed to parishioners asking them to remember those already in formation for priesthood or religious life.
Members of the Vocations Committee
Patrice Bruno, chair
713-436-6182 (h) 225-907-0760 (c); scripturedaily@yahoo.com
Joani Barry
713-592-8833; jmfbarry@comcast.net
Chris Chien
713-666-7111; chris_chien_1999@yahoo.com
Hector Garcia
713-665-2253; hectordgarcia@earthlink.net
Lucy Gardea, Representative of Hispanic parishioners
713-303-3405; l.gardea@sbcglobal.net
Todd Johnson
713-724-0188; toddjtx@gmail.com
Nick LaRocca, Director, Youth Ministry
713-663-3565; nlarocca@svdp-edu.org
Larry Massey, Serra representative
713-600-6760; lmassey@bankhouston.com
Lesley Mendonca, Assistant Youth Minister
713-663-3560; lmendonca@svdp-edu.org
Elaine Caldwell, staff assistant
713-663-3529; ecaldwell@svdp-edu.org
The Priests and Sisters on staff also are willing to assist you in your discernment.
Things to consider if you are thinking about being a Priest, Brother, or Sister
It is a Blessing for You
When you are called to priesthood or religious life you are called to fulfill what you have been made for in this world. It is a call that will bring the greatest peace and joy to you because it comes from God, the One Who made you to be who you are. It is a journey of faith and love energized by the Power of God.
It is a Blessing for the Family
When a child says "Yes" to a call to priesthood or religious life, the parents can rejoice in knowing that their child is being asked by God to enrich the Church and bring the World to a greater understanding of its role in providing an environment that supports people on their walk to eternal life.
It is a Blessing for the Church
Priests, Brothers, and Sisters are essential for the existence of the Catholic Church, for the Church is enlivened by their many avenues of discipleship. Through ordination the priest brings the sacraments, the lifeblood of the Church. Without the priesthood and sacraments, the Church would die. Brothers and Sisters enrich the life of the Church through their many prayer and service ministries.
It is a Blessing for the World
The whole world reaps the benefits of priests and vowed religious who dedicate their lives to all that is good, beautiful, and true. Their lives of prayer and service and their ministries help to lead people to their real destiny, for it is only through their God, the Creator, that they can achieve the purpose for which they were created.
More information may be obtained from several other sources. You may find these by exploring the following websites:
www.houstonvocations.com
www.usccb.org/yearforpriests
www.womenandspirit.org
You also may google to explore various other sites, seminaries, and monasteries and conventsfor religious men and women.
A Prayer to Know Your Vocation - by Rev. Henry P. Thiefels, C.S.SP
Holy Spirit of God, give me the light to see what is the Will of God for me. Give me grace to do Your Will always. Dear Blessed Mother, help me to live and to die in Gods love. Guide me in my Life's Vocation.
Traveling Chalice Encourages Daily Prayers for Vocations by Families
Families are invited to take home a "Vocations Chalice" for a week to remind them to pray for those God is calling to priesthood or religious life. The chalice is nicely enclosed in a wooden case with a glass front. Included is a simple prayer that families may use as they pray each day for that special intention.
The chalice has been used at a Mass and has held the Precious Blood of Our Lord which makes it every special. It is presented to a family at Mass by the presiding priest. After a week in the home it is to be returned to the church office by noon on Saturday so that it will be available for another family during a Mass that weekend.
In accepting the chalice, the family agrees to pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and a Glory Be along wth a Vocation Prayer (provided) every day during that week.
To arrange to have the chalice in your home or if you need further information, you may contact Patrice Bruno via email at scripturedaily@yahoo.com or by calling 713-436-6182.