By Father Sean Suckiel
AS THE DIOCESE of Brooklyn continues to celebrate the Year of Vocations with the theme “Reawaken the Call,” it encourages everyone to become involved in this important ministry in the life of the Church.
One way parishioners can get more involved in vocation ministry is through their participation in the Parish Vocation Committees. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has encouraged throughout this year that every parish establish a vocation committee. It is hoped that the committee, in cooperation with the entire parish, will foster an atmosphere that is encouraging and supportive of vocations. These committees are also asked to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, so that everyone can have a part in this effort.
Vocation ministry is the responsibility of everyone. Therefore, Bishop DiMarzio is encouraging for a renewed commitment among priests, religious, deacons, teachers, catechists, coaches and youth ministers, to keep vocations at the forefront of their own ministry.
On Saturday, April 14, we are excited to welcome Rhonda Gruenewald and Leticia Cantu Ramirez to present their workshop, “Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry,” at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop provides step-by-step guidance on how to carry out dozens of vocation-oriented activities, from powerful Holy Hours to innovative ways to support seminarians and inspire altar servers.
This workshop is geared towards parishioners in our diocese who want to inspire an extraordinary new generation of priests and religious.
Hundredfold workshop goes beyond the nuts-and-bolts of simply running vocation activities, offering wisdom about how to start and sustain a healthy ministry and developing a strong vocations ministry, from start up to maturation.
Brand-new vocation committee members are welcomed along with existing committees, youth ministers, teachers, catechists, coaches will all gain a new vision and fresh ideas for their continued ministry.
If anyone is interested in participating in this exciting event, contact the Vocations Office at 718-827-2454 or by emailing cdost@diobrook.org to register for this event.
For more information about vocation efforts in the diocese, visit www.brooklynpriests.org or www.whatsmycalling.org