O U R N E W V O C AT I O N S C O M M I T T E E :
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Working to Foster Discernment of God’s Call
he famous Christian “We hear in the Gospel song, “The Servant of Matthew that we are to Song,” begins with the lyr‘go out and evangelize the ics, “What do you want of me, world,’” Deacon Paul adds. Lord? Where do you want “We need the ordained and me to serve you?” consecrated to spearhead Following our vocation evangelizing the world.” truly means asking the Lord As Sharon notes, she and that very question and followDeacon Paul believe his call to ing what we hear. The newly the diaconate started when he formed Vocations Committee was a child. at Our Lady of the Assump“When he was 6, he was tion will help parishioners ask trailing the priest at mornthat question and also pray ing Mass and Stations of for those who have followed the Cross,” Sharon says. the call to the ordained, con“That was when his call may Deacon Paul and Sharon Friedrich secrated, married, or single life. have started.” The committee has three main Thus, Deacon Paul and objectives — to organize a campaign of prayer for vocations; to Sharon also want to use this committee to help families talk create parish awareness of all vocations; and to invite individuals about vocations at home. Parents should help their children to consider the call to be a priest, deacon, brother, or sister. listen to the ways God is calling them, whether it be to the or From Nov. 7 to 13, we are observing National Vocation dained, consecrated, married, or single life. Awareness, which is why we have chosen that time to begin praying our new vocations prayer. Beginning the weekend of VO CAT I O N S P R AY ER Nov. 6-7, we will be praying the vocations prayer during the prayers of the faithful at each Mass. Our hope and prayer is Loving God, You speak to us and nourish us that vocations will increase and be fruitful for our beloved through the life of this church community. Catholic community. In the name of Jesus, we ask you to send your Spirit to us Deacon Paul Friedrich and his wife, Sharon, were asked to so that men and women among us, young and old, will start this committee at Our Lady of the Assumption. Of course, respond to your call to service and leadership in the church. the couple most certainly understands vocations! Sharon also serves on the Deacon Formation Policy Board through the DiWe pray, especially, in our day, for those who hear your ocese of Sacramento. In addition, the couple would like to colinvitation to be a priest, sister, brother, or deacon; and also laborate more with our parish school to introduce vocations. for those called to be a spouse or single person. “There’s such a need for more priests, deacons, sisters, and brothers,” Sharon says. “There’s a shortage of all of them. We May those who are opening their hearts and minds to really need priests to shepherd the flock, and deacons to work your call be encouraged and strengthened through our with the bishop and alongside the priests. We need more sisters enthusiasm in your service. Amen. and brothers to be witnesses of God’s love and model the way.”
If you would like to get involved in the OLA Vocations Committee, please contact Sharon Friedrich at deaconpaul@olaparish.net or 916-481-5115. Please pray for vocations! 7
