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Holy and provident Father, you are the Lord of the vineyard and the harvest and you give each a just reward for their work. In your design of love, you call men and women to work with you for the salvation of the world. We thank you for Jesus Christ, your living Word, who has redeemed us from our sins and is among us to assist us in our poverty. Guide the flock to which you have promised possession of the Kingdom. Send new workers into your harvest and set in the hearts of pastors faithfulness to your plan of salvation, perseverance in their vocation and holiness of life.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Christ Jesus, Who on the shores of the Sea of Galilee called the apostles, and made them the foundation of the Church and bearers of your Gospel, in our day, sustain your people on its journey. Give courage to those whom you call to follow you in the priesthood and the consecrated life, so that they may enrich God's field with the wisdom of your Word. Make them docile instruments of your love in everyday service of their brothers and sisters.
Spirit of Holiness, Who pour out your gifts on all believers and, especially, on those called to be Christ's ministers, help young people to discover the beauty of the divine call. Teach them the true way of prayer, which is nourished by the Word of God. Help them to read the signs of the times, so as to be faithful interpreters of your Gospel and bearers of salvation.
Mary, Virgin who listened and Virgin of the Word made flesh in your womb, help us to be open to the Word of the Lord, so that, having been welcomed and meditated upon, it may grow in our hearts. Help us to live like you the beatitudes of believers and to dedicate ourselves with unceasing charity to evangelizing all those who seek your Son. Grant that we may serve every person, becoming servants of the Word we have heard, so that remaining faithful to it we may find our happiness in living it. Amen.
Pope John Paul II
PRAYER FOR PRIESTLY VOCATIONS
Lord Jesus Christ,
Who callest to Thy service whomsoever Thou wilt,
let the light of Thy Face and the tenderness of Thy Heart
rest upon the young men of our own parishes and families.
Grant that those whom Thou hast chosen from among us
may hear Thy invitation and respond to Thy call
with generosity and courage.
For our part, we are resolved
to welcome and support priestly vocations in our midst
with gratitude, humility, and joy.
We promise to pray tirelessly
for those whom Thou hast set apart to preach Thy Word,
to offer Thy Sacrifice, and to nourish, heal, and comfort our souls.
Confident that Thou hast already heard our prayer,
we entrust the future priests among us
to the Immaculate Heart of Thy Virgin Mother
that, for each one, she may be a guiding star in the night
and, day by day, a perpetual help. Amen. Fr. Mark Kirby, OSB
PRAYER FOR RELIGIOUS WOMEN
O Father, you desire all of us to be happy.
Stir up the grace of religious vocations in the hearts of many holy women.
Grant to them the willingness and generosity to give of themselves, their lives,
their time and their talents to the service of Jesus Christ,
Your Son, Our Lord and Savior, and to His Holy Church.
May more women go forth as religious sisters to bring the truths of our Catholic faith
to all others so that soon they, too, may know You better and love You more
...and serving You, be truly happy.
Amen