Prayers for the Family

A Prayer for Priestly Vocations

The Lord calls each of us to the Universal Call to Holiness, a life of friendship with God. Additionally, there are specific vocational calls—to marriage, the consecrated life and the ordained priesthood. The priesthood, instituted by Christ Himself at the Last Supper, exists to lead us to the Eucharist and to preach the Gospel, to carry on the saving mystery of the cross in the world.

A call to ordained priesthood, whether in a diocese or in a religious community, is a calling to serve God and his people. What distinguishes priesthood most especially is that the priest performs the sacraments. In this way, he brings Christ to the Church in a way different than   any other person can. God wants to shower humanity with abundant blessings and graces,   and He has chosen the priest to be the special instrument for this task. Without the priest and the sacraments, many souls will spiritually starve and will find it hard to get to Heaven. This is why discerning true priestly vocation is of the utmost importance.

There is a great need in the Church today to increase the numbers responding to the call to priesthood. Each of us has a role to play in this effort, building awareness and inviting the young people in our families and communities to be open to this call. It begins with teaching children to pray, to have a relationship with Christ. When we do that, we can have confidence they will respond to His call.

“O Lord, my God, You renew the Church in every age by raising up priests outstanding in holiness, living witnesses of Your unchanging Love. In Your Plan for our salvation You provide shepherds for Your people.

Fill the hearts of young men with the spirit of courage and love that they may answer Your call generously. Give parents the grace to encourage vocations in their family by prayer and good example.

Raise up worthy priests for Your Altars and ardent, but gentle servants of the Gospel. Give the Church more priests and keep them faithful in their love and service. May many young men choose to serve You by devoting themselves to the service of Your people.”

A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace and justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

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