Sunday, April 22, the 4th Sunday of Easter, is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Like Jesus, our Good Shepherd, faithful leaders know their flocks by name, protect and guide them, and may even be called to lay down their lives for them. April 22 also marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Today, the Church asks us to offer prayers for vocations and those discerning a call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life, secular institutes, and missionary life. This year marks the 55th anniversary of this observance. Explain this special day of prayer to your children—and perhaps list all of the tasks your parish priest or deacon does for your community. Then, as a class, offer one of these prayers or one of your own. You may also wish to share the stories of the following missionaries:
Thank you for this article and the prayers.
I will begin our Faith Formation Program this Sunday with an assembly to pray for vocations and will also send home the parents prayer.
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