Supporting Vocations in our Diocese
“The harvest is abundant but laborers are few; so ask the Master of the Harvest to send out Laborers for the Harvest.” Lk. 10:2
Providing young people with the opportunity to grow in their faith while developing a solid community of peers who share the same faith and values as they do is essential to growing vocations in our diocese. Those who may be discerning a vocation are inspired by others at these events to do so, and to ask questions of those who have already answered the call to serve.
Under the direction of the Vocation Promotion & Recruitment Team, the monthly Holy Hour for Vocations is an opportunity for people from all walks of life, especially younger members of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, to gather together and pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Inspired by the rich history of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, and the many years of formation that occurred in the building, the Holy Hour for Vocations becomes a pilgrimage to see where the Lord may be calling young people to serve in the Church.
During a period of Eucharistic Adoration, those gathered are led in a reflection and praise and worship music. After the Holy Hour, there is a time to socialize and compete in Dodgeball. The Holy Hour for Vocations shows the joyful call to follow Christ, not alone but as a community of believers.
Camp Quo Vadis is another program that the diocese created to raise awareness of vocations to religious life and priesthood. Those two words ‘Quo Vadis’ are a mission statement for young people who are motivated by truth, real charity, and deep faith. Young people this age are capable of extremely powerful prayer and biblical depth.
The camp is sponsored by the Office of Vocations with concerted efforts from the Office of Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, and parish Pastors. Pastors recommend young people from their Parish community. Attendees and volunteers have majored or added classes in theology/religious studies because of their camp experience. Three young men, who attended Quo Vadis in the past, are now in the seminary studying to be priests.
Camp Quo Vadis will be held on July 29; more information about the specifics of the program will be forthcoming. In the meantime, parents, grandparents, God parents, aunts, uncles, and friends, now is a great time to think about whom you can recommend attending these events. Perhaps you may want to participate in a Holy Hour and join others in prayer and adoration for the growth of vocations to religious life and priesthood. The next two Holy Hours will be held on April 21 and May 19 at 7:30 pm at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.
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