Serra Club Vocation Fundamentals

“What do Serrans do for vocations?” The answer varies from club to club, but there are several basics that define an active and effective vocation program of activities. How does this list compare with your club’s efforts?

10 Building Blocks for Effective Vocation Activities

1. Call each member to pray daily for vocations. Pope John Paul II told Serrans: “Never forget that yours must be above all a commitment to prayer…Prayer moves the heart of God. It is the powerful key to resolving the vocations question.” Encourage each Serran to take on the daily discipline of prayer for vocations.

2. Plan vigils for vocations at the time of World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Each year Serra International sends materials to the Serra Clubs to help them sponsor vigils for vocations. It is an important way to involve local parishes in prayer for vocations and to draw attention to World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

3. Start a Parish Vocation Committee. Parish Vocation Committees raise vocation awareness among parishioners. Conscious that “the responsibility for promoting vocations devolves upon the entire Christian community,” (Optatan Totius, 2) these committees make sure that vocations ministry is a part of their parish’s program of activities.

4. Meet with the diocesan vocation office. At least twice a year, Serra club representatives should meet with the diocesan vocation office to make effective communication and collaboration possible. Make sure your club’s activities are integrated into the diocesan vocation plan.

5. Connect with the local seminary. Serrans can become friends and resources for seminarians, especially those who live away from home. Through meals together, adopt-a-seminarian programs and other initiatives, Serrans can develop valuable personal relationships with young men studying for the priesthood.

6. Participate in Vocation Awareness Week. Many countries have a special week set aside to promote vocation awareness. Work with your schools to incorporate vocations into the curriculum and work with your liturgy committee to include special vocation prayers.

7. Know your facts. Make your members aware of current vocation statistics and trends. Include this type of information in your parish bulletins.

8. Enlist parishioners in the 31 Club or Momento con Maria. Sometimes the easiest programs are the most effective. Encourage parish members to commit themselves to pray for vocations.

9. Think affirmatively. Don’t underestimate the value of gestures of gratitude. Appreciation dinners, cards, remembrances and gifts let priests, sisters, brothers and seminarians know that they are appreciated.

10. Meet youth where they are. Work with programs that already engage our young people. There are creative ways that Serra clubs can bring a vocation dimension to scouting, altar servers and sports activities.

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