What is the role of parishes in encouraging vocations?
People experience Church in the parish setting, through worship, belonging to the faith community, and service. A study conducted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops revealed that multiple-vocation parishes differ operationally from low-vocation parishes. The survey cited four factors with notably positive impact on vocations: · Youth group and service projects · Marian and Eucharistic devotions · Parish elementary school · More than one assigned priest. It is important that Catholic schools and religious education programs teach about vocations (priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage, and single life) and discernment. The Vocations Office has a Quick Reference Vocation Guide available to assist teachers and catechists.
