The Box

The Box.

A reflection on praying for vocations.

Some years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a Franciscan Brother and Priest in Bend, Oregon. Father Mike travelled every week in his old car from town to town, celebrating Mass and visiting homes. He learned Spanish so well and, now in his 80s, he is still very active leading retreats for married couples and helping out other priests when they need to take a break.

In his love for the people of God he saw in me potential for ministry (which sometimes made me doubt his wisdom.) His influence and care helped me on my journey discovering my call and he eventually witnessed my wedding. Praying for me and hiking together and having long conversations he helped me to realize my vocation.

Saint Andrew and Saints Coasmas and Damian parishes are blessed with the ministry and leadership of two priests. Let's praise God for their ministry among us! Not many parishes enjoy such a blessing and privilege. We need more people answering the call to be not only priests and religious brothers and sisters, but also more people answering the call to live their vocation to marriage and to authentic single life.

Let us do our part on promoting vocations. Recently Father Jack invited us to continue a prayer ministry that started in our parishes in 1978 and for some reason was on hold until the beginning of this year ⎯The Prayer for Vocations Box.

Every Wednesday evening, at the dismissal from 6:00 pm Mass, a family receives The Box to take it home for a week; they return it before Mass starts the following Wednesday evening. At home, they pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, marriage, or single life, and have conversations about their own vocations. The Box contains a beautiful small crucifix and several prayer booklets, some especially for children. We invite you all to be part of this wonderful prayer ministry. We all can participate!

Please call our office to choose your week. The parish needs your prayers and your answer to your very own call from God.