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It could be you!!!!!!!!!! It never ceases to amaze me how we take things for granted. How we rarely allude to happening and events in our lives that could have a telling affect in the lives of others. A simple smile usually evokes a smile in return. It might be the first smile the other person had had in a long time. You effected something worthwhile. A polite 'Hello' may surprise the person you are greeting - maybe a total stranger - but then again the element of surprise usually draws not only an answer, but maybe a smile too. The story of the preacher who had just moved to Texas to start a new mission is interesting. Riding on local transport he discovered the driver had given him a quarter too much in his change. He considered what to do. He was tempted to keep it. The Bus company had lots of money! It was only a quarter - what can you get for a quarter? Who would worry about such a small amount? They will never miss it! So he mused to himself. Accept it as a gift from God and keep it. When his stop came he hesitated as he neared the driver, and then said 'Here, you gave me too much change.' The driver smiled and said 'Aren't you the new preacher in town'? I have been thinking of going to worship somewhere. 'I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.' When the preacher got off the bus he grabbed the nearest light pole and held on and said 'O god I almost sold your Son for a quarter.' You know our lives are the only BIBLE some people will ever read! (Author unknown)
So remember it could be you. God works in mysterious ways- he uses you on a daily basis - be ready.....
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SERRAN PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS O God, Who wills not the death of a sinner * but rather that he be converted and live * grant we beseech you * through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, * Saint Joseph her spouse * Blessed Junipero Serra * and all the saints * an increase of laborers for your church * fellow laborers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls * through the same Jesus Christ * Your Son * who lives and reigns with You * In unity of the Holy Spirit * God forever * and ever * Amen. |
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Prayer for Vocations Lord I'm growing up now And it's time to think About what you are calling Me to be. I want you to help and Guide me to make the right decision in choosing my life's work. Help me to know myself and My talents, and to share them where they are needed. Give me courage to be generous with my life. Amen. |
RELIGIOUS ORDERIt sometimes comes as a surprise to people when one says he is a member of a Religious order or Society. To the average catholic, a priest is a priest, whether or not he belongs to a diocese or a Religious order. In my own case, an uncle, who was a Redemptorist Father, distinguished the difference for me when I said I was interested in a vocation. He explained that if I wanted to belong to a diocese, for example Los Angeles diocese, then after ordination I would commit myself to work in that diocese for the rest of my priestly life. It sounded attractive but when he told about the Religious life in an Order or Society that, too, appeared attractive.He knew a priest, who was a member of a comparatively new Society, who was actively seeking vocations, and arranged a meeting for me with the Provincial. A Provincial has the same authority over the members in his province, as a Bishop has over the men in his diocese. After a long chat about the Society I was invited to apply for membership, which I did, and today I am a member of the SALVATORIANS which is a popular name for the Society of the Divine Savior. It is a congregation of men, and women. The men are priests or Brothers, the women, Sisters. The Society was founded by Father Francis Jordan in Rome in 1881. The Mission statement affirms, that they are prepared to work in many and varied apostolates, according to the abilities of each member. They strive to make known the 'Goodness and kindness of Jesus Christ the Savor, to all mankind.' Today they number over 1200 priests, several hundred Brothers and several thousand Sisters. The Society has members working in many countries across the world and is expanding it missions by the year. In North America, the Headquarters is situated in Milwaukee. The address is as follows: The Very Rev. Father Provincial, SDS 1735 Hi-Mount Boulevard Milwaukee. Wisconsin 53208 U.S.A. For information regarding my own province in Britain and Ireland the address is: The Revd. Cletus Lowe, SDS 129 Spencer Road Harrow Weald Wealdstone. HA3 7BJ England It costs nothing to inquire. If there is a spark of a vocation for either the diocese or a religious order, do not hesitate. Write and ask the respective Vocation Directors for information. God has a vacant spot for YOU! God bless you! |
Signs of a vocation to the priesthood.DESIREDoes the thought of serving God's people seem exciting to you? MOTIVATION Do you have positive reasons for wanting to be a priest? Are they based on FAITH? Do they outweigh the possible, inadequate reasons that might also be driving you? SUITABILITY Do you have good relationships with people? Do other people think it is a good idea for you to be a priest? P.S. If you have any questions for me about vocations, or about anything else on your mind, e-mail or phone me (562-947-5637 x13) at any time. These communications will be personal and private. God Bless, Fr. Jim |
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VOCATION OR VACATION? If you look up 1 Samuel Ch.3.V10 you will read something very interesting. Can you remember five different places where you went on vacation? Can you list five vocation titles? Can you tell me something - by email - about any two of them - one from each? Let me give you a clue to one of them........ He wears a uniform for some of his work. He is generally a good listener. His work means he is on call 24 hours a day. He always seems very happy in what he is doing. People share their problems with him. School children see him around the place. Phew! That was some clue eh? Now you can write something about this one and one other and email it to me. GO FOR IT! GOD LOVES YOU ALL THE TIME - TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM TOO See you next time... Fr. Jim |