“Since, like all the faithful, lay Christians are entrusted by God withe apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, they have the right and duty, individually or grouped in associations, to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all men throughout the earth. This duty is the more pressing when it is only through them that men can hear the Gospel and know Christ. Their activity in ecclesial communities is so necessary that, for the most part, the apostolate of the pastors cannot be fully effective without it.” - CCC#900

The seed for vocations is planted in the home and nourished in the parish. Catholic schools, campus ministry and caring friends play a role, as well. An invitation to help out, to lector, to serve as a Eucharistic Minister, an alter server or a greeter may be all it takes to start an ordinary parishioner on their way from simply sitting in the pew to becoming a more active member of the body of Christ.

During Mass we pray for vocations. God is answering this prayer in countless ways. This page highlights how ordinary people answering God's call to service through vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, the married life and the single life. Read stories of lay ecclesial ministers on these pages, as well. Each of us can respond to the call to serve God and our brothers and sisters.

Priest    scdc     Married couple.

Priesthood       Diaconate        Consecrated Life        Married Life         Single Life

Videos

  • Marriage & Family Life Testimonials - View videos from couples as they discuss marriage and family life during a focus group at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in 2019.

Resources

Events