A vocation is a calling from God. It is a call, not only to imitate Jesus, but also to be Jesus in the world today.

Everybody has a vocation but not everyone has the same vocation. Everybody without exception is called. Some people are called to married life. Others are called to priestly or sacerdotal and religious life. The vocation of all human beings consists in seeking God’s kingdom. It is a universal call to holiness. We are all called to communion with God. The Catechism of the Church teaches that "God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church" (no. 1). No vocation is greater than another. However, among us, some are called to dedicate their lives to serve God in the Church, to continue the tradition of the first Apostles. These are priests and religious.

Vocations in the Gospels:

• Jesus says to Peter and Andrew to "come after me" (Mt.4:19; Mk. 1:17)

• Jesus tells Simon to "go out to deep water... do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men" (Lk. 5:4,10). Levi is told to "follow me" (Lk.5:27; Mt.9:9).

• "Come follow me", Jesus says to Matthew (Mk. 2:14).

• "Give me a drink" Jesus says to the Samaritan woman, (Jn. 4:7).

• "put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch" Jesus says to Simon. (Lk 5:4)

• "Do whatever he tells you to do" the Blessed Mother says to the servants at the wedding of Cana. (Jn. 2:5)

Do you hear the voice of Jesus? What is He telling you today? Maybe the Blessed Mother is addressing you to tell you to do whatever her son wants you to do. Can you recognize her voice? Or maybe you are afraid. You hear Jesus’ voice, you see his loving hands around you, you see his face, but fear takes over. But listen to him telling you: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid" Mt. 14,27).

Family for vocation:

We have the duty, not only to answer to our own calling as Christians, members of the Body of Christ, but also to foster and pray for vocations. Jesus says to his disciples: "The harvest is plenty, but laborers are few, therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Mt 9,37-38). Therefore, it is our responsibilities to pray for vocations. Every baptized Catholic is a vocation director. It is not only the work of the priest named by the bishop to assume this duty, but it is also the work of all priest, all families, every member of the Body of Christ. So what can families do for vocations:

• First of all, pray together. Make Christ the center of your family

• Participate at the Eucharist actively as often as possible. The Sunday liturgy is not to be missed.

• Get involved in your parish with your family.

• Encourage your children discern where God is calling them.

• Share the experience of your faith with your children.

• Pay attention and invite someone you see that may have the qualities of a priest to consider the priesthood.

• Encourage, support and pray for those that have already responded to their call.