National Vocation Awareness Week
November 7 – 13, 2021
~ Vatican News by Lisa Zengarini
As the Church in the United States prepares to celebrate the National Vocation Awareness Week this month, the Chairman of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, calls attention to the central role played by family and local faith communities in supporting them.
“The accompaniment of the whole faith community is key for genuine vocational discernment – from one’s parents and family members, to the Catholic educators, as well as the vital role that youth ministers and fellow parishioners play as the early encounters for young people to the faith,” said Bishop James Checchio of Metuchen, NJ.
This was confirmed by the latest research figures published by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) in February of this year. According to the survey, three quarters of religious men and women who professed their perpetual vows in the United States in 2020 came from families in which both parents are Catholic. Nine in ten reported that someone encouraged them to consider a vocation to religious life.
From the National Religious Vocations Conference
Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. Observance of Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the celebration. It was later moved to Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January. In 2014, after extensive consultation, the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations moved the observance of National Vocation Awareness Week to November to engage Catholic schools and colleges more effectively in this effort.
FACTS about RELIGIOUS LIFE – WHAT YOU CAN DO
66% of newer entrants were invited to consider religious life. An invitation is key. Please invite someone to consider a religious vocation.
Over 500 candidates/postulants are in initial formation in the U.S. Consider sending them a note of encouragement.
67% of women’s religious institutes include faith sharing as part of their prayer life. Invite a young adult to join you and your community in prayer.
88% of religious institutes accept new members. Invite a discerner to a meal with your community.
95% of perpetually professed sisters, brothers and priests have earned at least a college degree and 70% have a master’s degree or more. Visit a college campus and introduce yourself to the students.
To access more interesting facts about religious life and vocations, please click here