January 2019
Where will Vocation Ministry be in 20 20? We have 12 workshops scheduled covering 8 dioceses and a few more in the planning stage. God is so good to allow us to spread the news that priests and laity can make a real difference in the vocations landscape in their diocese. If you know someone who would be a good fit for this ministry in their diocese, please forward them this newsletter to let them know when a workshop will be given near them.

January 14- Diocese of Newark, NJ - Priest Workshop
February 8- Diocese of Lake Charles, LA -Parishioner Workshop
February 22- Diocese of Newark, NJ -Parishioner Workshop
February 28-29- Archdiocese of San Francisco , CA -Priest & Parishioner Wksp
May 2- Diocese of Manchester , NH -Parishioner Follow-up Workshop
September 21-23- Diocese of Syracuse,NY - Priest/Diaconate Convocation
September 26- Diocese of Lubbock, TX -Parishioner Workshop
October 2-5- Diocese of Cleveland, OH -Priest/Seminarian presentation
2 Parishioner Workshops (English/Spanish)
November 7- Diocese of Stockton, CA -Follow-up Parishioner Workshop
November 14, 2020- Diocese of Syracuse, NY -Parishioner Workshop
World Day for Consecrated Life
February 1-2, 2020
The  World Day for Consecrated Life  is attached to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2. It is celebrated in parishes Feb. 1-2 to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.

Purpose : Recognize those who are from your parish/diocese who are in a religious order, secular institute, or living as a consecrated virgin.

Ideas : Post picture and info in bulletin or poster at entrance of the church of a parishioner in consecrated life. If you are in Phase III or IV, you could ask a religious sister, brother, or priest to give a reflection at Masses on Consecrated Life. Have the parents of a consecrated person speak at a reception after Masses or another event.

Bulletin Blurb Example :
We celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life today. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, especially our own parishioners __________ and __________. Be sure to thank them on this special day by signing the thank you cards. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.
National Marriage Week
World Marriage Day
This special day to salute the beauty of marriage started in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1981, and 2 years later 43 Governors officially proclaimed the day and festivities spread throughout the United States. World Marriage Day is designated to be celebrated on the second Sunday of February and continues to grow and extend to more countries every year.

Bulletin Blurb example:
This weekend we celebrate World Marriage Day! Let’s take time to pray for our spouses and each other to lift our marriages. Do something special for each other this weekend to show your gratitude for your spouse and their YES! Your goal in this Vocation of Marriage should be to get your spouse to heaven. Take time to ponder in your heart how you can do that, starting right now. God bless you!
Announcement example:
This weekend we celebrate World Marriage Day! Please pray for the married couples and those in marriage preparation from our parish. Prayer cards will be available at the church entrance. God bless all men and women who said YES to the vocation of marriage!

Liturgy Ideas:
1. Homily related to the sacrament of marriage.
2. General intercessions related to marriage and families.
3 A special blessing of married couples.
4 A unity candle lit and displayed during the mass.
5 Couple married longest in attendance be the couple presenting the gifts.


Setting/Decorations Ideas:
1 Special floral arrangements for the church that might portray a wedding-like
atmosphere.
2. Special decorations or displays in the main entrance or lobby of church.
3. Reserved seating for couples celebrating 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 years of marriage.
A procession of couples as part of the gathering rite.
4. Download the “Prayer for our Marriage” below from Vocationministry.com, phase III, under Awareness and Education. Print it on card stock and hand out to married couples at the end of Mass
We are Hiring!
Vocation Ministry keeps growing as there is a real need for support for vocation ministries/committees! If you know of a Catholic, who lives in or near Houston, please send them this email and ask them to send their cover letter and resume to Victoria@vocationministry.com. Find out more about the job posting of Program Coordinator below!
Keep in Touch
Don’t forget to email me with your stories of triumph or struggle. If you have questions, know that I am here to support you in this mission of Building a Culture of Vocations One Parish at a Time!

As always, know that you are in my prayers. If you think of it, please pray for me, too.
God bless you!
Rhonda Gruenewald
Vocation Ministry
Cell: 281-352-4005
St. Alphonsus Liguori, Pray For Us!
A Facebook Group for YOU!
This group is dedicated to the laypeople looking for support while promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and marriage in a diocese or at a parish in a Vocation Ministry or Committee.