Novena for Vocations - texts for children
These
notes explain the week-by-week intentions of the novena, and give some
suggestions for prayer. They could be used at a weekly assembly or class time
of prayer. At the end of the texts there is a copy of the novena prayer for
children, which is suitable for use each day in class.
Week 1: starting Pentecost
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Intention
for this week: that we may live as followers of Jesus,
called at baptism
This week’s theme:
Today
we begin nine weeks of special prayer for vocations. A vocation is a call from
God. We begin by remembering that we were first called to be followers of Jesus
on the day of our baptism. Later, in confirmation, we receive the Holy Spirit, just
as the first disciples did at Pentecost. Let us pray that we may all hear and
answer God’s call to follow Jesus.
Suggested scripture passage:
John
15:12-17 – Jesus teaches that we did not choose him, but he chose us, and he
wants us to follow him by loving others, as he loves us.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray that we may have courage and strength to be good followers of Jesus,
who shows us the way to God.
Week 2: starting Trinity
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Intention
for this week: for vocations to the religious life (monks
and nuns)
This week’s theme:
This
week we pray for vocations to the religious life. Religious sisters and
brothers (nuns and monks) show us in a special way how to devote our lives to
God. They give up all their possessions so that they can live lives dedicated
to prayer and service. They live in communities to teach us the importance of
loving one another. We pray for those God is calling to make this special
commitment, and for those who already live this way of life.
Suggested scripture passage:
Acts
2:42-27 – the description of the early Church provides the model for religious
communities. Those who live in religious life (for example in convents or
monasteries) still try to live by these values today.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for vocations to the religious life, and for all nuns and monks, who
serve God by lives of prayer and service.
Week 3: starting on the
feast of Corpus Christi, 2 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for vocations to the priesthood
This week’s theme:
On
the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ), we thank God for the gift of
the Eucharist, in which Jesus is truly with us. God gives us the Eucharist
through priests, and so this week we pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let
us ask God to send us the priests we need to serve the Church, and to help
those young men who are called to be priests.
Suggested scripture passage:
1 Corinthians
11:23-26 – St Paul recalls how Jesus
took bread and wine at the Last Supper, and offered us his Body and Blood. St
Paul passed on this gift, and it is through priests that this gift is still
given to us today.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for vocations to the priesthood, and let us thank God for the gift of
Jesus’ Body and Blood, given to us in the Mass.
Week 4: starting 10th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 9 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for those seeking God’s guidance
This week’s theme:
Every
one of us is created by God with a special purpose. He gives us the gifts and
talents we need to carry out his plan. The best way to find happiness is by
discovering what God made us for, and by following that way of life. This week
we pray for all those people who have to make decisions about how to live their
lives, and are seeking God’s guidance as they plan for the future.
Suggested scripture passage:
1
Kings 3:5-14 – Solomon has just become king, and God offers him whatever he
wishes. He asks for wisdom, so that he can be a good and faithful king. Since
that time, Somolon has always been remembered as Israel’s wisest king.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for those who are seeking God’s will for their lives – that by prayer
they may discover the path the Lord has chosen for them.
Week 5: starting 11th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 16 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for married couples, for parents, and
for all who look after us
This week’s theme:
We
all need others to show us God’s love. This week we thank God for all those who
look after us, and for all the ways in which they show us love and care. We
know that they are a gift from God. We pray for all those who look after children,
and ask God to help them.
Suggested scripture passage:
Mark
10:13-16 – Jesus blesses the little children and so shows God’s love for them. He
teaches us the importance of looking after those in our care.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for all who show us love and care, and ask God to help them. May we
never forget that those who love us are a gift from God.
Week 6: starting 12th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 23 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for single people who devote their lives
to God
This week’s theme:
Every
person has a different path through life. Some people get married, some have
children, some people serve God as priests or nuns. There are also people who
never do any of these things, but serve God in their day-to-day lives, spending
time in prayer and helping other people. This week we pray for them, and ask
God to help them in their work.
Suggested scripture passage:
Luke
2:25-38 – Simeon and Anna are two single people who devote their lives to God,
spending time in prayer in the temple and speaking to others about him.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for all single people who devote their lives to serving God and other
people. May they always feel his love and care in their lives.
Week 7: starting on the
feast of Saints Peter and Paul, 30 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for those called to be deacons
This week’s theme:
Deacons
have a special role in the Church. They preach the Gospel and devote their time
to works of charity, helping those in need. Perhaps they visit sick people at
home or in hospital, or look after those who do not have enough to eat. This
week we pray for deacons. Just as Saints Peter and Paul were called to preach God’s
word, so may the Lord call more deacons to bring His Gospel to the world, in
word and in loving service.
Suggested scripture passage:
Matthew
5:14-16 – Jesus teaches that we are the light of the world, and that by our
good deeds we should draw others closer to God. In a special way deacons are called
to be light to the world by their preaching and their works of service.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray those who are called to be deacons in the Church. May they always
spread the Good News of Jesus by their words and by their acts of kindness.
Week 8: starting 14th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 7 July 2013
Intention
for this week: for seminarians
This week’s theme:
Those
who are preparing to be priests are called ‘seminarians’. For six years they
pray, study and learn about how to serve God’s people. This week we pray for
seminarians, especially those training for our Diocese of Lancaster, and we ask
God to help and encourage them as they prepare to serve as priests.
Suggested scripture passage:
Luke
10:1-9 – before sending out seventy-two of his followers, Jesus instructs them
and teaches them how to live. In the same way, seminarians spend time learning
about God and learning how to live before they are sent out to serve him as priests.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for those who are preparing to be priests. May the Lord help them to
grow in faith and in love as they get ready to serve him in this special way.
Week 9: starting 15th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 14 July 2013
Intention
for this week: for the courage to respond to God’s call
This week’s theme:
It
can be really hard to hear God’s call and to have the courage to respond. Think
of Jesus’ disciples: they didn’t always find it easy to do what he asked! Sometimes
things or people can get in the way of answering God’s call. This week we pray
that all of us may be able to listen to God’s voice and do what he asks of us.
Suggested scripture passage:
1
Sam 3:1-10 – Samuel learns the importance of listening to God’s voice. Later he
goes on to be a great prophet and leader, finding courage to answer God’s call.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for those people who find it difficult to know what God wants for them,
or who find it difficult to answer his call. May they all find wisdom and
courage to do God’s will. 
Diocesan Novena for Vocations 2013
Week 1: starting Pentecost Sunday, 19 May 2013
Intention for this week: for the grace to live out our baptismal call
Newsletter insert:
Today our Diocese begins nine weeks of prayer for vocations. We begin by remembering that we are first called, in baptism, to be disciples – followers of Christ. To help us live as God calls us, we receive the Holy Spirit in confirmation, just as the first disciples did at Pentecost. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful to the Lord’s call.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for the grace to be faithful in following Christ, who calls us in baptism and gives us His Spirit in Confirmation.
Newsletter insert:
This week we pray for vocations to the religious life. Religious sisters and brothers give us a powerful sign of what it means to live faithfully in the love of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let us pray that the Lord may help all those who are in formation for religious life, and grant courage to those He is calling to this commitment.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the religious life, and for all who are trying to answer God’s call to serve Him in poverty, chastity and obedience.
Newsletter insert:
As today the Church celebrates the great gift of the Eucharist, we pray for vocations to the priesthood. The Eucharist is at the centre of a priest’s life and mission: he is called to bring Christ into the world through the sacraments. Let us pray that God will always provide sufficient priests for His people.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood – that God’s people may always know the joy of meeting Christ in the sacraments.
Newsletter insert:
Each of us was created with a purpose in mind. Finding happiness is not so much about making the right ‘choices’ as about finding the path that God made us to follow. The process of finding God’s will for us – finding our vocation – is called ‘discernment’. This week we pray for those who are discerning God’s will for them.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for those who are seeking God’s will for their lives – that by prayer they may discover the path the Lord has chosen for them.
Newsletter insert:
One of the greatest calls from God is the vocation to marriage and to parenthood. Married couples are called to show God’s love to the world and especially to their own children. They are also the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. This week we pray for those God calls to married life and for those he calls to be parents – co-creators with Him.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for married couples, that the Lord may strengthen their love, and for parents, that they may reveal God’s love to their children.
Newsletter insert:
Some single people are actively devoting their lives to discernment – to seeking God’s will. But there are also those who choose to remain single to devote their lives completely to God’s service. Some make formal vows and so consecrate their life to God in following a ‘rule’; others do so informally. This week we pray for all single people who give their lives in God’s service.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for all single people who devote their lives to serving God and His people – that they may know His love and His grace.
Newsletter insert:
Deacons are ordained to be ministers of God’s word and of service. They are heralds of the Gospel who are called to service especially in charity. This week we pray for vocations to the permanent diaconate. Just as Saints Peter and Paul were called to preach God’s word, so may the Lord call deacons to bring His Gospel to the world, in word and in loving service.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the permanent diaconate – that the Church may always show forth the Gospel, preached in words and lived in charity.
Newsletter insert:
Those who are training for priesthood are called ‘seminarians’. Over several years they pray, study and gain experience as they prepare to serve God’s people. This week we pray for seminarians, especially those training for our Diocese of Lancaster, that the Lord may guide, bless and sustain them.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for those who are preparing for priestly ministry – that the Lord may help them to grow in faith and in love as they seek to devote their lives to His service.
Newsletter insert:
Hearing God’s call is often difficult enough; having the courage to respond can be even harder! Many voices compete with God’s and it can be hard to listen to Him alone. In this final week of our diocesan novena we pray for those who find it hard to discover God’s will for them, and for those who lack the courage to respond to His call.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for all those who feel unable to hear or respond to God’s call to serve Him – that they may find courage to listen and to follow where He leads.
Intention for this week: for the grace to live out our baptismal call
Newsletter insert:
Today our Diocese begins nine weeks of prayer for vocations. We begin by remembering that we are first called, in baptism, to be disciples – followers of Christ. To help us live as God calls us, we receive the Holy Spirit in confirmation, just as the first disciples did at Pentecost. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful to the Lord’s call.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for the grace to be faithful in following Christ, who calls us in baptism and gives us His Spirit in Confirmation.
Week 2: starting Trinity Sunday, 26 May 2013
Intention for this week: for vocations to the religious life, and for those in formation for religious lifeNewsletter insert:
This week we pray for vocations to the religious life. Religious sisters and brothers give us a powerful sign of what it means to live faithfully in the love of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let us pray that the Lord may help all those who are in formation for religious life, and grant courage to those He is calling to this commitment.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the religious life, and for all who are trying to answer God’s call to serve Him in poverty, chastity and obedience.
Week 3: starting on the feast of Corpus Christi, 2 June 2013
Intention for this week: for vocations to the priesthoodNewsletter insert:
As today the Church celebrates the great gift of the Eucharist, we pray for vocations to the priesthood. The Eucharist is at the centre of a priest’s life and mission: he is called to bring Christ into the world through the sacraments. Let us pray that God will always provide sufficient priests for His people.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood – that God’s people may always know the joy of meeting Christ in the sacraments.
Week 4: starting 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 9 June 2013
Intention for this week: for those discerning their vocationNewsletter insert:
Each of us was created with a purpose in mind. Finding happiness is not so much about making the right ‘choices’ as about finding the path that God made us to follow. The process of finding God’s will for us – finding our vocation – is called ‘discernment’. This week we pray for those who are discerning God’s will for them.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for those who are seeking God’s will for their lives – that by prayer they may discover the path the Lord has chosen for them.
Week 5: starting 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 16 June 2013
Intention for this week: For married couples and for parentsNewsletter insert:
One of the greatest calls from God is the vocation to marriage and to parenthood. Married couples are called to show God’s love to the world and especially to their own children. They are also the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. This week we pray for those God calls to married life and for those he calls to be parents – co-creators with Him.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for married couples, that the Lord may strengthen their love, and for parents, that they may reveal God’s love to their children.
Week 6: starting 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 23 June 2013
Intention for this week: for single people who devote their lives to GodNewsletter insert:
Some single people are actively devoting their lives to discernment – to seeking God’s will. But there are also those who choose to remain single to devote their lives completely to God’s service. Some make formal vows and so consecrate their life to God in following a ‘rule’; others do so informally. This week we pray for all single people who give their lives in God’s service.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for all single people who devote their lives to serving God and His people – that they may know His love and His grace.
Week 7: starting on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, 30 June 2013
Intention for this week: for vocations to the permanent diaconateNewsletter insert:
Deacons are ordained to be ministers of God’s word and of service. They are heralds of the Gospel who are called to service especially in charity. This week we pray for vocations to the permanent diaconate. Just as Saints Peter and Paul were called to preach God’s word, so may the Lord call deacons to bring His Gospel to the world, in word and in loving service.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the permanent diaconate – that the Church may always show forth the Gospel, preached in words and lived in charity.
Week 8: starting 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 7 July 2013
Intention for this week: for seminariansNewsletter insert:
Those who are training for priesthood are called ‘seminarians’. Over several years they pray, study and gain experience as they prepare to serve God’s people. This week we pray for seminarians, especially those training for our Diocese of Lancaster, that the Lord may guide, bless and sustain them.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for those who are preparing for priestly ministry – that the Lord may help them to grow in faith and in love as they seek to devote their lives to His service.
Week 9: starting 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 14 July 2013
Intention for this week: for the courage to respond to God’s callNewsletter insert:
Hearing God’s call is often difficult enough; having the courage to respond can be even harder! Many voices compete with God’s and it can be hard to listen to Him alone. In this final week of our diocesan novena we pray for those who find it hard to discover God’s will for them, and for those who lack the courage to respond to His call.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for all those who feel unable to hear or respond to God’s call to serve Him – that they may find courage to listen and to follow where He leads.
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