Pope Francis!

How to Build a Vocation Culture

The Third Continental Congress on Vocations in North America (2002), invited to a paradigm shift on vocations ministry from a recruitment approach to a long term process of building a vocation culture in which every Christian is empowered to identify and respond to the mission to which he or she is called as a member of the Body Christ, in and for the world.

In the words of the Congress document, this means “to foster an atmosphere in which young Catholics are open to a personal invitation to discern accurately and embrace freely the form of permanent commitment in the Church to which they are being called.” (Third Continental Congress on Vocations in North America 2002, p. 62)

To create this atmosphere or vocation culture, the Congress suggested five actions which comprise its Plan:

To Pray: to be holy, to be converted, to worship

To Evangelize: to teach, to form, to catechize

To Experience: worship, community, service, witness

To Mentor: to accompany, to guide, to model

To Invite: to discern, to choose, to commit

The resources here will help you implement these actions. These are some ways in which youth directors can collaborate in building a vocation culture (see p. 101):
When planning programs for youth, find opportunities to vitalize and nurture their faith and spiritual renewal.
Live with passion and conviction your vocation to proclaim the Gospel inviting young people to discern their own call.

Invite religious and priests to be present in youth activities and program.

Compliments of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry



5 reasons to attend church

June 17, 2015


For two years, Pope Francis has served as the head of the Catholic Church. We reflect on what he's accomplished, the criticisms he's received and what challenges he still faces to bring reform to the Church's marred history.

Recently a survey revealed that church attendance is low. This is for all Christian churches and not just the Catholic Church. Many people reason that a person can pray and worship God anywhere. Even though it's true that you can worship anywhere, going to an actual Church service or Mass has real benefits.

1. Fellowship - Gathering in one place with people who share common beliefs strengthens you. Jesus even asked for us to gather to praise and learn from God. There is a special feeling that you can't obtain anywhere else than Church and gathering to praise the Lord.

2. Church is for the imperfect - Many people believe that they shouldn't go to Church because they sin against God. Absolutely no one is perfect. Church is for people who sin. It is for those who want to learn and just be with God. We all have struggles and problems. Bring them to Church and let God help you.

3. Social status - Who cares if your friends think Church is uncool or stupid to attend? There is only one you in the whole world. You need to worry about yourself and what is best for you. If they aren't friends with you because you go to Church, that is their problem and not yours.

4. Try, try again - Many people stop going to Church because they went before and didn't like it. There are days that I don't like the homily, music or perhaps the overall feeling. However, it shouldn't stop me from going to Mass. Church is more than that. It's about spending time with Jesus for an hour one on one. Don't give up Church because of a few bad experiences. If it's so bad, try a different church or volunteer to change what you don't like.

5. Keeps us grounded - Yes, we are imperfect. But there is no need to stop striving to do right. Knowing the right thing to do keeps us on a good path. Doing the right thing isn't always the easiest, but it can be the happiest choice. Going to church helps remind us to do good and love one another. It keeps our souls in check.

Churches are more flexible with times of services plus the dress code. Please give church a few months and you might find it was the best choice.