National Vocation Awareness Week is celebrated from November 2 to 8.

This annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States is dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and Consecrated Life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of those particular vocations.

Prior to his death on April 21, Pope Francis had written his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 11.

The late pontiff said, “A vocation is a precious gift that God sows in our heart, a call to leave ourselves behind and embark on a journey of love and service. Every vocation in the Church, whether lay, ordained, or consecrated, is a sign of the hope that God has for this world and for each of His children.

He added that “Nowadays, many young people feel dismayed as they look to the future. Often, they experience insecurity about their prospects of employment and a profound identity crisis, a crisis of meaning and values, which the confused messages of the digital world only aggravate. The unjust treatment of the poor and vulnerable, the indifference of a complacent and self-centered society, and the brutality of war all threaten the hopes for a fulfilling life that young people cherish in their hearts. Yet the Lord, who knows the human heart, does not abandon us in our uncertainty.  He wants us to know that we are loved, called, and sent as pilgrims of hope.”

He went on to say that “The discovery of our vocation comes about as the result of a journey of discernment. That journey is never solitary, but develops within a Christian community and as a part of that community.”

He concluded by saying, “I urge that every effort be made to foster vocations in the various spheres of human life and activity, and to help individuals to be spiritually open to the Lord’s voice. It is important, then, that adequate space be given to the accompaniment of vocations in educational and pastoral planning.

“The Church needs pastors, Religious, missionaries, and spouses capable of saying ‘yes’ to the Lord with trust and hope. A vocation is never a treasure stored away in the heart; rather, it grows and is strengthened within a community that believes, loves, and hopes. No one can respond to God’s call alone, for all of us need the prayers and support of our brothers and sisters.”