What can I do to promote vocations?

Published: May 12, 2007

By Msgr. Scott Friend
Vocations Director

The following is an excerpt from "Seminarians 2006-2007," a booklet published by the Diocese of Little Rock Vocations Office.

The most important support that we can give is through our prayer.

There are two aspects to this prayer. The first is to pray for an increase in vocations to priesthood as well as to religious life. The second is to pray for our seminarians as they continue to discern God's call. Finally, we have to believe that God listens to our prayer, and that it is truly an effective part of Christ's ministry of calling men to his priesthood. The following are other tips for fostering vocations:

Have a good eye!

There are many young men in our parishes that would make good priests. We have to encourage all young men to consider a call to the priesthood, but if we notice someone who seems to us would make a good priest, we should let them know our thoughts about them. Sometimes this might just be the sign a young man is looking for to help him decide to enter the seminary.

Work with our pastors and parish councils to set up vocation committees in our parishes.

We have information at the diocesan Vocation Office on how to set up a parish vocation committee. The important thing is to make sure that the question of considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life is asked in our parishes of all of our youth. Raising the consciousness of the parish can really help to create an environment that is conducive to hearing the Lord's call to serve.

Give financial support.

Consider contributing to the Diocese of Little Rock Seminary Endowment Fund. The average cost of one year of studies in the seminary is $25,000 for each seminarian. The seminary endowment fund helps the diocese cover the cost of this education.

As the cost of education continues to rise, we continue to have the need for building our endowment fund. Your contribution goes directly to pay for the education of seminarians for the Diocese of Little Rock. Your contributions may be made to: Diocese of Little Rock Seminary Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217.

Return to Vocations 2007 section index.