In 1963, Pope Paul VI designated the fourth Sunday of Easter, or Good Shepherd Sunday, as World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that the purpose of World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2).
The primary focus of this Feast is to pray that men and women who are discerning their own life vocation will listen to the grace of God to guide them, and if called, will respond generously to the Lord’s invitation to the priesthood, religious life, or diaconate.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, protects us as His flock and promises us the gift of eternal life.  As followers of Jesus, each of us received our own vocation at the time of our Baptism, which is that we are called to remain faithful to God, His Grace and His Love, and to respond to His universal call to holiness.  Lumen Gentium, the primary document created by the Second Vatican Council, explains some of the aspects of this vocation which we have all received.  We are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity in ourselves in order to promote a more humane manner of living on earth; we are to use our strength accordingly as we have received it, as a gift from Christ; we are to seek the will of the Father in all things; and we are to devote ourselves with all of our being to the glory of God and to the service of our neighbor.  Whether as a Priest, Nun, Brother, or Deacon; Husband, Wife, or Single Person, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Feast this year, we pray for fidelity to our own vocation, and to our loving God who blesses us with His unconditional and infinite love.
Prayer for Vocations
Generous God, you show us the way that leads to everlasting life. Through baptism, you have called us to Proclaim the Good News. Bless and strengthen those who have made a commitment of service in the Church. Guide and give wisdom to those discerning their vocation. Enrich our Church with dedicated married and single people, with deacons, priests and with people in consecrated life. Filled with your Holy Spirit we ask this blessing that we, your people, may follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, now and always.  Amen.