Vocations Sunday
“Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven,
so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before.”
- From the Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Vocations Sunday or Good Shepherd Sunday, and is marked as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The purpose of this day is to fulfil Jesus' instruction to “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38). While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates her attention on raising up shepherds for God's people - vocations to Holy Orders (the priesthood and diaconate) and to the religious life - while encouraging all who are discerning their vocation to pray more earnestly that they may hear and respond to God's call.
The Diocesan Vocations Office produces materials for our parishes, schools and universities to mark this day. Physical copies of posters and prayer cards are sent to parishes and schools in the diocese and digital copies can be downloaded below.
Vocations Sunday 2022 - 8th May
Diocesan Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father,
we ask you to send
labourers into your harvest.
Inspire, in the hearts of your people,
vocations to the priesthood, diaconate
and religious life.
Bless our families with a spirit of generosity,
so that those whom you call
have the courage to give themselves
to your Church in faith.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Vocations Sunday 2023 will be marked on 30th April.
Key documents
Pope Francis' Letter for Vocations Sunday 2022
The official text, presented for easy printing.
Schools' Resources
Listening to Jesus' Call Resource
A worksheet based on this year's poster.
Listening to Jesus' Call Tasks
Suggestions on how to use the above worksheet in class - with ideas that can be adapted for all ages.
At 9:30 a.m. on Friday 6th May we will have a live-streamed schools' assembly on our YouTube channel.
Links
Our Quo Vadis? events for university students.
The National Office for Vocation's resources for Vocations Sunday