Vocations Sunday 2013 - "I know them and they follow me"

I have a picture in my mind of the Good Shepherd.  He stands tall and gentle with a shepherd’s staff in his right hand and cradling a little lamb in his left arm.  He has a gentle and comforting look that fills us with peace in our hearts and beckons us. As a good shepherd, he is our guide, our saviour, our light, our teacher, who leads us along the right path and offers us the security and the assurance of his love. He is the One who calls and it is we who respond to that call.

The specific call today is to the priesthood and religious life. The call is to the love of God and love of neighbour and they cannot be separated. “My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me”. Jn 10:27. He is calling each of us today in our individual lives; what is He calling us to, and will we respond generously?

(cf. www.tullamoreparish.ie)

Click here for a video on vocations, courtesy of www.iCatholic.ie

Vocations Prayer

God our Father,

You have a plan for each one of us,

You hold out to us a future full of hope.

Give us the wisdom of your Spirit so that we can see the shape of your plan

in the gifts you have given us,

and in our daily lives.

Give us the freedom of your Spirit,

to seek you with all our hearts,

and to choose your will above all else.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Vocation Prayer for Parents

Loving God,

you have given us the privilege

as well as the responsibility of being loving parents.

In the name of Jesus, we ask you to guide us

as we help our children to hear your call to service

and leadership in our Church.

May our children respond with faith

and generosity to the needs of God's people.

Help us to be a source of encouragement to our children

by our own desire to be committed people

who serve with love and enthusiasm, Amen.

Click here for further information and reflections on Vocations Sunday 2013.