"The discernment of a vocation is above all the fruit of an intimate dialogue between the Lord and his disciples. Young people, if they know how to pray, can be trusted to know what to do with God’s call." —Pope Benedict XVI
WEST HAVEN — Saint Mary Parish in West Haven will be celebrating a Vocation Awareness Weekend Saturday, Nov. 23 to Monday Nov. 25.
Two years ago the parish started a Vocations Awareness Night and movie series that was dedicated to a particular saint, said Donna Masik, a St. Mary parishioner. The event was so popular the parish decided to extend the event to a whole weekend.
"It was very successful and we find that to be able to get the message to younger people we would have to have a weekend," said Masik.
The parish’s upcoming Vocation Awareness Weekend has the theme "Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening." (1 Sam 3:10) Different religious people such as a diocesan deacon; representatives from the Benedictine, Carmelite, Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and Order of Preachers (Dominicans) religious orders; and a Father Kolbe Missionary, among others, will present talks based on the theme.
"We hope that by bringing all these consecrated individuals that have entered by the call of God to a consecrated life, and by sharing their stories, that others will be encouraged to consider that vocation," said Masik, adding that, "… if they feel that there is a vocation to also take the next step and not be afraid to pursue it."
All of the parish’s religious classes’ attendees have been invited to the event, but it also is open to the public, Masik said.
"We are inviting all of our religion classes so they can be exposed directly to different religious people, but it’s open to everyone – people from our parish and not from our parish. We want to make this available to whomever would like to come that has interest in vocations and in promoting vocations," said Masik.
Vocations are important "because of people that have given their lives to serve God freely without other obligations … and to have more people that in our diocese can answer that call," said Masik. "I hope this is just one more step in all of our efforts to discover the beauty of Jesus’ call."
The schedule for the weekend follows.
Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.: Sister of St. Benedict sister, diocesan deacon, Holy Cross sister
Sunday, Nov. 24, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Father Kolbe Missionary, diocesan priest
Monday, Nov. 25, 7 - 8:30 p.m.: Dominican priest, Holy Cross sister, Daughter of Charity and Carmelite nun
All are welcome, especially youth and young adults. St. Mary Catholic Church is located at 4050 South 3900 West, West Haven.
For information, call 801-898-3821.
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