Whoever opens his heart to Christ will not only understand the mystery of his own existence, but also that of his own vocation; he will bear the abundant fruit of grace. The first fruit will be his growth in holiness, in the course of a spiritual journey which begins with the gift of Baptism and continues even to the fullness of perfect love. Living the Gospel without adding to it, the Christian becomes always increasingly capable of loving in the way that Christ loved, and welcomes the exhortation of Christ: "You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt 5,48). He will commit himself to persevering in unity with his brothers within the communion of the Church, and he will place himself at the service of the new evangelization, to proclaim and bear witness to the wonderful truth of the saving love of God.


MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II FOR THE 42nd WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS


While they are necessary in every age, these vocations are even more necessary today, in a world marked by great contradictions and the temptation to relegate God to the margins in the fundamental choices of life. The words of the Gospel come to mind: "the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest!" (Mt 9,37-38, cf. Lk 10,2). The Church welcomes every day this command of the Lord and, with faithful hope, raises up her invocations to the "Lord of the harvest", recognising that only He can call and send his labourers.


MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II FOR THE XXXV WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS


At the centre of every Christian community is the Eucharist, the source and summit of the life of the Church. Whoever places himself at the service of the Gospel, if he lives the Eucharist, makes progress in love of God and neighbour and thus contributes to building the Church as communion.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI  FOR THE 44th WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS




Jesus, Son of God, You call the baptised to "put out into the deep" taking the path that leads to holiness.

Grant that many may also hear the call to serve as priests in Scotland, witnesses in the world of today to the power of your love.

Amen.

This is a very popular and interesting link. We invite you to make a 'Sacred Space' in your day, and spend ten minutes, praying here and now, as you sit at your computer, with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen specially every day.

Discernment
A series of articles by Fr. Stephen Wang to help you think about Vocation to the Catholic Priesthood. The articles are based on a talk given at Allen Hall, the Diocese of Westminster’s Seminary.