Vocations

Our Call:

Vocation comes from the Latin vocare which means "to call." We are all called to holiness, and God’s plan for each of us is different. There are four distinct vocations in the church: priesthood, religious life, marriage, and single life. These callings are designed to bring us closer to God and to live out His vision in our lives.

Why Vocations:

The number of Catholic priests is on a consistent downward trend in the United States, even in dioceses that are doing comparatively well. As the overall number of available priests in active ministry declines, many bishops have to consolidate parishes, cluster regions of parishes, and, in some cases, close parishes altogether.

On December 2, 2023, the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City invited all parishioners to participate in the Hundredfold, a Vocation Ministry workshop. This workshop was the launching point and platform of resources that each parish needed to start a vocations committee. Together, as a diocese, we will utilize the resources of the workshop to create a culture of vocations through vocational affirmation, awareness, education, prayer, and youth engagement.

“Let us be quite frank: the ability to cultivate vocations to the priesthood and the religious life is a sure sign of the health of a local Church. There is no room for complacency in this regard. God continues to call young people: it is up to all of us to encourage a generous and free response to that call.” Pope Benedict XVI, in his address to the United States Bishops in 2008

What Can You Do:

Pray for vocations (priesthood, religious life, marriage, single-life)
Speak about vocations more often.
Promote vocation events planned by the ministry.
Share a joyful and authentic example of the priesthood.
Invite youth to consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
Share your vocation testimony.
Be aware of vocational statistics: The State of Priestly Vocations in the United States
Visit www.VocationMinistry.com

Children’s Adoration Program

Note to Parents and Grandparents

Adoration is great for kids. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” Your children are just as welcome to come and worship their Savior as anybody else. Leading children in worship of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at a young age will plant priceless seeds in their souls.

“The spiritual lives of our families are strengthened through our Holy Hour.”

(Blessed John Paul II)

On Fridays, Holy Family School (HFS) students attend adoration at St. Patrick’s church from 3:00 to 3:30. HFS students will sit with their Mass Buddies. The children’s adoration program will include a variety of activities throughout the year to adore and worship the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Such activities may include praying the rosary, singing God’s praises, or praying a chaplet. Be sure to come five minutes early - for student security, the doors to the church are locked while HFS students are in attendance from 3:00 - 3:30.

All children are welcome to come and adore Christ at this time, especially with parents and grandparents picking up their children from school. Non-HFS children must be accompanied by an adult. We understand that young children come with wiggles, questions, and sometimes shorter attention spans, so we have a children’s adoration basket in the back of the worship site with resources for your little ones.

Let’s Get Started!

1. 3:00 pm on Fridays: Parents & grandparents are invited to attend adoration. Come solo or bring siblings and everyone else in your regular school pick-up carpool.

2. Grab some resources: If you have little ones, we have resources for them too. In the back of the church, in the center aisle, there is a resource basket with prayers, books, rosaries, etc., for children ages 0-6. Parents must accompany their non-HFS children at all times.

3. Greeting Jesus (Genuflect): Jesus is real and truly present in us and in the Eucharist. He wants us to come and meet Him. Encourage your children to say hello(and goodbye)by genuflecting and making the sign of the cross towards the Blessed Sacrament as you enter and leave the pew.

4. Praying Together: You are welcome to participate in the HFS adoration program, when school is in session. The school decides the mode of adoration for the HFS students.

5. Picking up Students: Students are to be picked up from the school at their regular scheduled time. Swing back by: Parents, feel free to swing back by the church with the kids to see Jesus one more time before going home. The children’s adoration program lasts until 4:00 p.m., which gives you extra time to pray for family intentions.

6. All year: The children’s adoration program is every Friday from 3:00 to 4:00. It’s a time dedicated just to kids, and the other adorers understand that little people come with exceptional spirit. Feel free to stop by in the summer or over holiday breaks when school is not in session and spend time with your little ones adoring Jesus.

The No Pressure Guide to Vocational Discernment

What is Discernment? The process of discovery through which an individual learns how God calls him or her to love and serve Him through prayer, reflection, and discussion

How do I Discern?

• Prayer & Sacraments

 Spend time in prayer each day; if possible, pray at the same time every day. Start small if needed, and grow your prayer life

 Visit the Blessed Sacrament during Adoration, or just stop by the church

 Frequent the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation (at least once a month) and Eucharist (fulfilling the Sunday obligation; and if able, daily Mass)

• Participate Fully in the Life of the Church

 Volunteer at the parish as a liturgical minister

 Help at local charities

 Job shadow a priest to see what his various ministries are from day-to-day

• Research

 Ask your priest about books he’d recommend for discernment as a priest, religious brother or sister, or married life

 Reach out to various religious orders to learn about their charism and way of life

 Visit our diocesan website at www.dcdiocese.org/vocations

• Speak to Your Pastor or a Another Priest, Sister, or Teacher

 He or she wants to know you and support you in your discernment

 He or she can offer practical advice to help you on your journey

 He or she will pray for you...take comfort in that!

 He or she can act as, or help you find, a spiritual director

 He or she can help get you in contact with the Vocation’s Director

• Participate in Vocation Programs

 Attend parish & diocesan summer camps, retreats, Come & See weekends

 Many religious orders will offer discernment retreats as well as extended stay weekends to help you get to know the community and their way of life

• Apply

 Through the connections you’ve made, take the leap of faith and apply!

 God calls you to true happiness and will strengthen you for whatever vocation He has called you to “I am The Way, The Truth, & The Life” - John 14:6