National Vocation Awareness Week highlights call to priesthood, religious life

The U.S. Catholic Church is observing National Vocation Awareness Week to increase awareness and support for those discerning ordained ministry or consecrated life.

New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, encouraged Catholics to pray for and support priestly and religious vocations, highlighting the witness of those who have responded to God’s call.

“As we draw near the busiest time of the year, a season marked by thanksgiving and joy, National Vocation Awareness Week reminds us of the beautiful witness of those who have responded to God’s call to serve in ordained ministry as priests and deacons, and men and women who serve in consecrated life,” Hicks said in a statement. “This National Vocation Awareness Week, we thank God for all vocations and pray for a deepened spirit of joy in marriages, in the priesthood and diaconate, and in all forms of consecrated life. Your witness to a joy-filled vocation inspires young people to follow God’s call with courage.”

Catholic organizations, dioceses, schools, and parishes are observing the week Nov. 1–7 by promoting the welfare and vocational call to the…