Bishop Fabbro has asked our entire Diocese to embark on a Year of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood starting Pentecost Sunday, May 28th. Why a Year of Prayer? We must storm heaven and ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest.
The theme of this year is Priesthood: Not an Ordinary Life. It reminds us that without priests, we would be without the sacraments – the Eucharist, Mass, and marriages and no one to hear our confessions or anoint us in times of illness or for our final journey to God.
What can we, as lay faithful, do? Pray, pray, and pray. In our parishes' pews, you will find a Prayer Card with the Year of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood. Whenever you are in the pews, take some time to pray this prayer in front of the tabenacle. You can include this in your daily prayers as well, the diocesan prayer can be found on our website and social media platforms. If you want a prayer card to share with someone, it can be found in the information areas of your parish. There is a special prayer for children on the Kids Korner tables in the parishes as well. Take one home, and make this a daily family prayer for the entire year.
Heavenly Father,
We come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of the priesthood and the priests who serve us tirelessly. We ask you to bless our Church and Diocese with more vocations to the priesthood, men who are willing to dedicate their lives to your service.
We pray for all those who are discerning their vocation to the priesthood, that they may hear your voice calling them, and have the courage to respond with generosity and enthusiasm. Give them the wisdom to discern your will and the strength to follow it.
We ask you to bless our seminarians, that they may grow in holiness and knowledge of your truth, and be formed into holy priests who will lead your people to you. Grant them the grace to persevere in their studies and their discernment to become shepherds according to your own heart, and to remain faithful to your call throughout their lives.
We pray for our priests, that they may be strengthened in their ministry and continue to serve your people with love and devotion. Grant them the grace to be faithful to their vocation, to be holy examples for all to follow, and to be humble ministers of your mercy.
May your Holy Spirit guide and inspire us all to work together for the building up of your Kingdom, and may our prayers and sacrifices help to bring forth many more vocations to the priesthood.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Children's Prayer is located here.
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Let us pray that ecclesial movements and groups may daily rediscover their evangelizing mission and that they place their own charisms at the service of the world’s needs.
Pope Francis – April 2023
Check https://thepopevideo.org/ for details
All young adults (18-35 years of age) are invited to an evening of renewal and revival of the Holy Spirit. This evening will be full of powerful music, testimonies, prayer, and an amazing Keynote speaker: David Patterson. The locations and times of this powerful event are:
Friday, June 2nd in Windsor - Corpus Christi Church from 6:30 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, June 3rd in London - St. George's Church from 6:30 - 10 p.m.
More details can be found at this link.
If you have any questions, please contact Christine Coyle at ccoyle@dol.ca.