As we celebrtate our Lord Jesus Christ's resurrection, we often think of all those who have sacrificed as Jesus did, whether it be the forgoing of personal time through volunteerism, making monetary donations to organizations even through these difficult times or for those who made a life-long commitment to Christ.
The Meaning of Vocation.
A vocation or calling can be defined as a strong urge toward a particular way of life or career.
“Ask yourselves, young people, about the love of Christ. Acknowledge His voice resounding in the temple of your heart. Return His bright and penetrating glance which opens the paths of your life to the horizons of the Church’s mission. It is a taxing mission, today more than ever, to teach men the truth about themselves, about their end, their destiny, and to show faithful souls the unspeakable riches of the love of Christ. Do not be afraid of the radicalness of His demands, because Jesus, who loved us first, is prepared to give Himself to you, as well as asking of you. If He asks much of you, it is because He knows you can give much.” - Saint Pope John Paul II,
Your generosity to the ACA helps support the Vocations ministry which in turn supports our diocesan priests, brothers, sisters, deacons, and seminarians on their journeys called upon by Christ.
Father Jonathan Ficara, Director of Vocations stated, “When we are talking about vocation — we are not simply talking about our profession or career path. Rather, we are talking about the very specific way God is calling us to live to the full and to share His love through service to others. And it all starts with our willingness to let go of whatever it is that prevents us from putting our complete and total trust in Him.”
Currently the Diocese of Norwich has seven seminarians in various stages of formation and discernment.. Many qualities are important while considering a Vocation. Applicants must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They should have the ability to relate to a wide variety of people, adult women and men, the elderly, youth, and children. They should have a personal devotion to the Blessed Sacrament through regular attendance at the participation of the Eucharist, and they should express a sense of humor and the ability to be self-critical and self-reflective in an honest manner.
Vocations is just one of the ministries that benefits from our Annual Catholic Appeal. With your support you can help many new candidates in their journey with Christ. With our 2022 campaign now underway, please consider a monetary gift to the ACA, to help our ministries carry out their spiritually affirming and life changing missions. To make a contribution to our 2022 ACA “One Faith, One Family” please go online to www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or contact Heather Harris, Campaign Manager, at 860-886-1928 ext. 111. Thank you so much for your generosity. Wishing you a blessed Easter.
By Gina Foster