Our New Vocations Committee: Working to Foster Discernment of God’s Call

The famous Christian song, “The Servant Song,” begins with the lyrics, “What do you want of me, Lord? Where do you want me to serve you?”

Following our vocation truly means asking the Lord that very question and following what we hear. The newly formed Vocations Committee at Our Lady of the Assumption will help parishioners ask that question and also pray for those who have followed the call to the ordained, consecrated, married, or single life. The committee has three main objectives — to organize a campaign of prayer for vocations; to create parish awareness of all vocations; and to invite individuals to consider the call to be a priest, deacon, brother, or sister.

From Nov. 7 to 13, we are observing National Vocation Awareness, which is why we have chosen that time to begin praying our new vocations prayer. Beginning the weekend of Nov. 6-7, we will be praying the vocations prayer during the prayers of the faithful at each Mass. Our hope and prayer is that vocations will increase and be fruitful for our beloved Catholic community.

Deacon Paul Friedrich and his wife, Sharon, were asked to start this committee at Our Lady of the Assumption. Of course, the couple most certainly understands vocations! Sharon also serves on the Deacon Formation Policy Board through the Diocese of Sacramento. In addition, the couple would like to collaborate more with our parish school to introduce vocations.

“There’s such a need for more priests, deacons, sisters, and brothers,” Sharon says. “There’s a shortage of all of them. We really need priests to shepherd the flock, and deacons to work with the bishop and alongside the priests. We need more sisters and brothers to be witnesses of God’s love and model the way.”

“We hear in the Gospel of Matthew that we are to ‘go out and evangelize the world,’” Deacon Paul adds. “We need the ordained and consecrated to spearhead evangelizing the world.”

As Sharon notes, she and Deacon Paul believe his call to the diaconate started when he was a child.

“When he was 6, he was trailing the priest at morning Mass and Stations of the Cross,” Sharon says. Deacon Paul and Sharon Friedrich “That was when his call may have started.”

Thus, Deacon Paul and Sharon also want to use this committee to help families talk about vocations at home. Parents should help their children listen to the ways God is calling them, whether it be to the ordained, consecrated, married, or single life.

VOCATIONS PRAYER

Loving God, You speak to us and nourish us through the life of this church community.

In the name of Jesus, we ask you to send your Spirit to us so that men and women among us, young and old, will respond to your call to service and leadership in the church.

We pray, especially, in our day, for those who hear your invitation to be a priest, sister, brother, or deacon; and also for those called to be a spouse or single person.

May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call be encouraged and strengthened through our enthusiasm in your service. Amen.

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!

Deacon Paul and Sharon Friedrich