Time for parishes to promote vocations with prayer, education
Hundreds of thousands consider career of service to Church, need encouragement
Parish resources available on Web

WASHINGTON - The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) January 13-19.  The annual event earmarks a time for parishes to consider their role in promoting the role of priests, deacons and religious order brothers and sisters to Catholics deciding on their future.

"National Vocation Awareness Week gives dioceses and parishes across the country a chance to promote vocations through prayer and education," said Archbishop Robert Carlson, chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.  "This is esprecially important in this Year of Faith and as the Church continues to focus on the New Evangelization.  Vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life are essential in the Church's mission of spreading the joy and love of Jesus Christ.  Our world and culture needs the Goods News of Christ more than ever."

Read the complete USCCB news release>

Visit the USCCB's "National Vocation Awareness Week" web page>

Visit the "Cleveland Catholic Priesthood" web site>