What can we do as a Senior Citizen?
To Promote Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life?
Offer a Monthly Holy Hour
The parish families at Our Lady of Lourdes in Gales Ferry; St. John's in Cromwell; St. Mary's in Putnam and St. Mary's in Coventry all have daily Perpetual Adoration. Make a commitment to attend a Holy Hour for an increase of Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life at least once a month in your parish or in a neighboring church.
Tell Stories to Your Family
Families cherish the stories that have been passed down through generations, and grandparents are marvelous sources of these stories. Stress the importance of the family bond and the role played by priests and religious in your youth and throughout your life.
Say Thank You
We all know that it feels good to be thanked. Say thanks to priests and religious. It is encouraging for them to know that their generosity is appreciated and the time they spend in service to the parish community is being recognized. Offering thanks also sheds a positive light on priests and religious.
Share Your Wisdom
With age comes an increased spirituality that is yet undeveloped in younger people, even in some priests and religious. Express the deepening spirituality that can only come from years of faithfulness, and friendship with the Lord. As people of wisdom in the parish community you can provide the pastoring that is necessary in the ongoing formation of priests and religious.
Send Cards
Find out the anniversary dates of ordination or entrance into religious life celebrated by priests and religious and send them a card. By this simple act they will be assured of our prayers, support and friendship. It will also serve to reinforce the family atmosphere of the parish community.
Attend Parish Functions
Church vocations are the responsibility of the entire community and as a member of the parish family, your presence is vital. You're never too old to join the community in prayer or fun. If you can't join us physically, join us through prayer! We need you!
Extend an Invitation
Many people claim that they were never invited to explore a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Through the wisdom of your years, you may have the keen awareness of the presence of a church vocation in a young person. Ask this person if he or she has ever considered exploring this possibility.
Pray
Prayer is essential in working toward an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The prayer of senior citizens for this intention is invaluable. Pray the rosary for an increase in church vocations, or pray daily for a particular priest, religious or person considering the life as a priest or religious.
Exhibit Love for Your Faith
By showing love for your faith you can provide the parish community with a powerful and personal witness to the importance of living one's vocation as the Lord intended. You can be a model for others who are searching to find out where God is calling them.
Encourage Those Who Serve in Your Parish
Take the time to offer support to those who serve in various parish ministries. Taking the time to recognize their hard work will lend encouragement and support to those whose tireless efforts often go unnoticed. Share a positive comment with your pastor when you see something worthwhile happening. Observations from respected parishioners such as yourself will help foster the life-giving environment so vital to the nurturing of church vocations.