In 1963 Pope Paul VI designated Good Shepherd

Sunday as World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, protects us as his flock
and promises us the gift of eternal life. As followers
of Jesus we are called to remain faithful to the grace
of God.
WORLD DAY
OF PRAYER
As we celebrate this feast we pray for fidelity to
our vocation. The Church invites us to honor the
FOR VOCATIONS
vocation of all Christians given at baptism. May
we who have dedicated our lives to God through
the vocation of marriage, priesthood, diaconate,
consecrated life, and the single life remain faithful May 15, 2011
to our commitments. May those who are discerning
their life vocation listen to the voice of the Good
Shepherd to guide them.
CYCLE A
NCCV has produced this resource for the celebration
of World Day of Prayer for Vocations. There are Fourth Sunday of Easter
many other vocation resources that are available to • Acts of the Apostles 2:14a, 36-41
enhance vocation awareness in your parish, religious • Psalm 23
community, or other church groups. Please let us • 1 Peter 2:20b-25
know how we can help you in your ministry. • John 10:1-10

CONTENTS

Prayer Resources
• Liturgy Planning Guide
• Homily Notes
• General Intercessions
• Prayer Service
• Prayer Card Master

Promotional Resources
• Bulletin Announcements
• Clip Art
• Event Poster

Family Take –Home Page

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated
for quantity distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from
NCCV. Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies.
©2010 NCCV. Permit Number ______________. Permits valid for one year only.
 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FOR VOCATIONS
May 15, 2011

LITURGY PLANNING GUIDE

Cycle A
Introductory Rites
Processional Hymn ___ Shepherd of Souls, ICH WILL DICH LIEBEN, WLP, GIA, OCP
___ Easter Alleluia, O FILII ET FELIAE, Text: Marty Haugen, GIA
___ Come and Journey with a Savior, Text: Herbert O’Driscoll,
Tune: COME AND JOURNEY, GIA
___ My Shepherd, Lord, BROTHER JAMES’ AIR, OCP
___ ____________________________________________________
Penitential Rite A sprinkling rite is suggested.
Sprinkling Rite ___ Waters of Life, Laura Kutscher, WLP
___ All You Who Are Thirsty, Michael Connolly, GIA
___ Come to the River, Bob Hurd, OCP
___ ____________________________________________________
Gloria ___ ____________________________________________________
Opening Prayer ___ ____________________________________________________

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm Response Psalm 23
___ The Lord is My Shepherd, Vermulst, WLP
___ Shepherd Me, O God, Marty Haugen, GIA
___ The Lord is My Shepherd, Scot Crandal, OCP
___ ____________________________________________________
Second Reading 1 Peter 2:20b-25
Gospel Acclamation ___ ____________________________________________________
Gospel John 10:1-10
Homily See Homily Notes
General Intercessions See General Intercessions

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated for quantity
distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV.
Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies. ©2010 NCCV. Permit Number
______________. Permits are valid for one year only.
Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts ___ The King of Love My Shepherd Is, ST COLUMBA, WLP, GIA,
OCP
___ God Is Here! As We His People, ABBOTS’ LEIGH, Hope
Publications, GIA
___ Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring, WEDE MUNSTER, OCP
___ Instrumental ________________________________________
___ ___________________________________________________

Preface ___ ___________________________________________________

Holy, Holy, Holy ___ ___________________________________________________

Memorial Acclamation ___ ___________________________________________________

Great Amen ___ ___________________________________________________

The Lord’s Prayer ___ ___________________________________________________

Lamb of God ___ ___________________________________________________

Communion Processional ___ Jesus, Bread of Life, James Marchionda, WLP

___ Gift of Finest Wheat, Robert Kreutz, WLP, GIA, OCP
___ Bread of Life, Bernadette Farrell, OCP
___ ___________________________________________________

Concluding Rites

Prayer after Communion ___ ___________________________________________________

Blessing and Dismissal ___ ___________________________________________________

Recessional Hymn ___ Go Make of All Disciples, ELLA COMBE, Text: Leon Adkins,
Abingdon Press, WLP, GIA, OCP
___ With a Shepherd’s Care, James J. Chepponis, GIA
___ Take the Word of God with You, Christopher Walker, OCP
___ ___________________________________________________
 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FOR VOCATIONS

May 15, 2011

HOMILY NOTES

“Pray that the Master of the Harvest will send out workers into his harvest.” These words of
Jesus are the source and inspiration for today’s celebration of World Day of Prayer for
Vocations. Today the Catholic Church worldwide makes the same prayer: that there will be
more workers to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.
We might think it was easier for the disciples of Jesus’ time to proclaim his message than it is
for us today. After all, they had Jesus himself to guide them, right? How can we be expected
to do as well as they did? But remember what happened to those disciples at the time of Jesus’
death. Most of them abandoned him at his crucifixion. After his burial, they locked themselves
away in fear. Even at the site of Jesus’ ascension to heaven, the disciples doubted (Mt 28:17).
Where was their courage then? How did they eventually move beyond their fear to heal the
sick, cast out demons and preach the coming of God’s kingdom; to even die for Christ?
It was the momentous outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost that renewed their courage. At
Pentecost and its aftermath, Jesus’ life and ministry began to be properly understood. Pentecost
preceded the activities we heard about in our 1st reading today from the Acts of the Apostles.
Emboldened by the Holy Spirit the disciples helped bring 3000 people to accept baptism and
faith in Jesus the Christ that day.
Over the course of 2000 years, that small band of believers has grown to over one billion
Catholic Christians. Each of us shares the power of that same Holy Spirit given to the disciples
at Pentecost through our baptism. And with our baptism comes our vocation.
The word “vocation” literally means “call” – and the vocation we received at baptism is a call
from God. It is a two-fold call. First, as the Second Vatican Council taught, we are all called to
holiness. Through a process of conversion, we turn away from sin and turn our lives toward
God. As St. Paul tells us, we shed our former selves so that Christ may reign in our lives. In
this way we become Christ for others and “workers” for the harvest of God’s kingdom.
The second aspect of our baptismal calling is sometimes referred to as our “particular”
vocation. This is the “state of life” in which we are called to live. Most Catholics are called to
the vocation of married life. Others are called to be priests, religious brothers or sisters,
deacons, or single people. All of them are rooted in the universal call to holiness, all are
needed and all contribute to a healthy, vibrant Catholic Church.

Homily notes provided through the kindness of Rev. Lawrence C. D’Anjou, Oakland, California.
 How does one decide between the different particular vocations? How do I know if I’m called to the
single life, to marriage, priesthood or the religious life? The process of determining which particular
vocation is yours is called discernment. It is a prayerful process in which one puts his or her complete
trust in God and his will for our life. What God wants becomes what we want. We orient our lives
toward Christ and he leads us to the Father’s will, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[At this point the homilist might want to share his own vocation story].
On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations I would like to make a particular appeal to the young people
here today. God created you and has a vocation for you that will bring you joy and fulfillment. Often,
however, we don’t want to let go and let God have his way with our life. Sometimes we just aren’t sure
if we can trust that what God wants is best for us. If you aren’t ready to turn your life over to God just
yet, acknowledge this fact and begin the process by praying that God give you the grace to want what he
wants for you.
Don’t be afraid to seek God’s will in prayer, in the sacraments and in speaking to others who have come
to know their own vocations. Speak with your parents or to a mature married couple about how they
realized their vocation to marriage. Speak with priests and religious sisters and brothers about how they
came to know their vocation. Seek out dedicated single adults to learn more about their commitment to
God. Become informed by talking to those who have successfully discerned their vocation. This will
help you better discern your own.
Every Catholic young person ought to consider the vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Don’t be
afraid to discern these countercultural vocations! Perhaps you wonder whether you could live happily
without being married. Most priests, religious brothers and sisters asked themselves the same question at
some point. Living outside of marriage as Christ did, they are better able to give themselves completely
to serve others. It is a radical calling, but one that brings great satisfaction and joy to those who are
called to it. This faith community, especially parents, can encourage our youth to consider a vocation to
priesthood and the consecrated life. Adult assistance in the exploration of all the Christian vocations can
help youth in their vocation discernment.
So on this World Day of Prayer for Vocations let us each consider where we are with our own vocation.
Are we living it fully? Are we stuck in a holding pattern, like the disciples in the upper room? Are we
somewhere between the two? Pope John Paul II said it well when he took up his pontifical ministry, “Be
not afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ!” May his words inspire us to fulfill our own vocation.
In today’s gospel, Jesus describes himself as the gate for the sheep. They know his voice and follow him
wherever he goes. The destination Jesus is leading his sheep to is, of course, our heavenly home. On this
World Day of Prayer for Vocations, let us pray that all members of Christ’s flock listen carefully to the
master’s voice; that they respond generously to their call to holiness and to their particular vocation. To
nourish us along the way Jesus has given us his greatest gift: himself in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
May our communion with him and each other strengthen us to become the “workers for the harvest” that
our heavenly Father seeks.

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated for quantity
distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV.
Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies.
©2010 NCCV. Permit Number ______________. Permits are valid for one year only.
 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FOR VOCATIONS
May 15, 2011

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: Trusting in God’s ever loving presence we come to ask for blessings:

Reader: We join our voices as we respond: Loving God, lead us.

• Inspire our Church leaders to be courageous voices of truth, we pray:

• Unite leaders of nations to work together for peace and justice, we pray:

• Open the minds and hearts of all your people to hear the call of Jesus, the
Good Shepherd, we pray:

• Strengthen and renew us as we live out our Christian vocation, we pray:

• Guide all who are making life choices that they may have the support and
insight they need to make a commitment, we pray:

• Gift us with compassion for the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized, we
pray:

• Comfort all who mourn the loss of a loved one, (especially the families and
friends of N.), we pray:

Presider: Loving God, lead us in your ways. Hear us as we entrust ourselves to your service.
We offer these prayers through Jesus, our Shepherd and guide. Amen

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated for quantity
distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV.
Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies.
©2010 NCCV. Permit Number ______________. Permits are valid for one year only.
 Prayer for Vocations
Gentle God,
You call us by name and lead us to life.
Through baptism you commission us
to proclaim the Good News.
Bless and strengthen all men and women,
lay and ordained,
who serve in the Church.
Guide and give wisdom
to those discerning their vocation.
Enrich our Church
with dedicated married and single people,
with priests, religious and deacons.
Filled with joy and your Holy Spirit
may we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd,
now and always. Amen.
© 2010NCCV
www.nccv–vocations.org
Prayer for Vocations
Gentle God,
You call us by name and lead us to life.
Through baptism you commission us
to proclaim the Good News.
Bless and strengthen all men and women,
lay and ordained,
who serve in the Church.
Guide and give wisdom
to those discerning their vocation.
Enrich our Church
with dedicated married and single people,
with priests, religious and deacons.
Filled with joy and your Holy Spirit
may we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd,
now and always. Amen.
© 2010NCCV
www.nccv–vocations.org
Prayer for Vocations
Gentle God,
You call us by name and lead us to life.
Through baptism you commission us
to proclaim the Good News.
Bless and strengthen all men and women,
lay and ordained,
who serve in the Church.
Guide and give wisdom
to those discerning their vocation.
Enrich our Church
with dedicated married and single people,
with priests, religious and deacons.
Filled with joy and your Holy Spirit
may we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd,
now and always. Amen.
© 2010NCCV
www.nccv–vocations.org
Prayer for Vocations
Gentle God,
You call us by name and lead us to life.
Through baptism you commission us
to proclaim the Good News.
Bless and strengthen all men and women,
lay and ordained,
who serve in the Church.
Guide and give wisdom
to those discerning their vocation.
Enrich our Church
with dedicated married and single people,
with priests, religious and deacons.
Filled with joy and your Holy Spirit
may we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd,
now and always. Amen.
© 2010NCCV
www.nccv–vocations.org
 Musical Selections
• Treasures Out of Darkness/Tesoros Ocultos, Alan Revering, WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Crosier Fathers and Brothers, WLP FOR VOCATIONS
• With a Shepherd’s Care, James Chepponis, GIA
• Lord, You Give the Great Commission, Text: J. Rowthorn, May 15, 2011
Music: C. V. Taylor, Hope Publishing Co., OCP
Psalmody
Select a sung or spoken version of Psalm 23. Fourth Sunday of Easter

Cycle A
Reading
John 10:1–10, or Isaiah 40:9–11.
Reflection
Invite an inspirational speaker to reflect on the Christian vocations
that are rooted in baptism. A parent of a priest, brother, sister can
give a unique perspective on vocations.
Response Prayer Service
Provide an index card or create a vocation commitment card and
pen/cils. Ask participants to write his/her commitment to deepening
his/her vocation and encouraging Christian vocations in the Church.
Commissioning
Participants are invited to stand, respond to question, and pray silently
or aloud his/her commitment. All lift up cards and receive a blessing.
The participants take their card home as a reminder. Blessing with
baptismal water by sprinkling may conclude the commissioning.
Social
Provide refreshments and time for people to share conversation.

Purchase of WDCL Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This
resource may not be duplicated for quantity distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or
other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV. Contact NCCV
at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies. ©2010
NCCV. Permit Number ______________. Permits valid for one year only.
Call to Prayer Response

Leader: The Light of Christ surrounds us. Commitment and Blessing

All: We rejoice in Christ’s presence. The Lord has made you a community that loves and serves one
Leader: The Love of Christ enfolds us. another and inspires others. Will you continue your generous
All: We proclaim the Good News service and promote future priests and religious in your midst
of Christ’s love. Alleluia! through active encouragement and support? All: We will!

Song Sending Forth

• God has formed you as special people. May you continue to be
Opening Prayer courageous and faithful in building God’s dwelling place.
Leader: Let us pray: Amen!

All: Gentle God,
You call us by name and lead us to life.
Through baptism you commission us
to proclaim the Good News.
Bless and strengthen all men and women,
lay and ordained, who serve in the Church.
Guide and give wisdom
to those discerning their vocation.
Enrich our Church
with dedicated married and single people,
with priests, religious and deacons.
Filled with joy and your Holy Spirit
may we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd,.
now and always. Amen.
• God has blessed you with a rich variety of vocations and gifts
to serve one another in holiness. May you be open to a new
outpouring of grace as you renew your vocational commitment
today. Amen!
• God calls forth from this community future Church leaders and
servants as lay ministers, priests and religious. May you
encourage and nurture their calls for the building up of the
reign of Jesus on earth. Amen!
Sign of Peace
Concluding Song

Psalmody Psalm 23

Reading

Reflection
 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FOR VOCATIONS
May 15, 2011

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

For use Sunday, May 8, 2011

The Easter season continues with the celebration of our personal call to follow the voice of
Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Next week is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We will have a
special observance to ask for God’s blessing as we renew our commitment to our vocational
call. (Add details about your parish observance.)

For use Sunday, May 15, 2011

Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, is a special celebration of our Christian vocation. The
world–wide Church unites in prayer on this World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Good
Shepherd calls us and guides us on our Christian journey. By our baptism we are all called,
chosen, and sent to carry on the mission of Jesus. You are invited to participate in this annual
celebration. (Add details about your parish observance.)

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated for quantity
distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV.
Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies.
©2010 NCCV. Permit Number ______________. Permits are valid for one year only.
 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FOR VOCATIONS

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated for quantity
distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV.
Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies. ©2010 NCCV.
Permit Number ______________. Permits valid for one year only.
 World & National
Annual Events 2011 Cycle A 2012 Cycle B 2013 Cycle C
National Vocation
Awareness Week January 9-15 January 9–14* January 13-19
World Day for
Consecrated Life ** February 6 February 5 February 3
World Day of Prayer
for Vocations *** May 15 April 29 April 21

* January 8, 2012 is Epiphany. Monday, January 9 is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. NVAW
Begins with the Baptism of the Lord. Ordinarily, this feast is on a Sunday.

** The US Bishops observe WDCL on February 2 when that date falls on a Sunday; if not it is observed on the
Sunday after February 2.

*** The Holy Father issues a pastoral letter each year for the celebration of World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
This was unavailable at press time. It may be available at the Vatican Website closer to the date of the event
(http://www.vatican.va).

NCCV carries a complete line of vocation resources

for prayer, education, and discernment.

5401 S. Cornell Avenue

Chicago, IL 60615
773.955.5453

The Complete Vocation Resource Catalog is available online: www.nccv–vocations.org

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated for
quantity distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit
from NCCV. Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies.
©2010 NCCV. Permit Number ____________. Permits are valid for one year only.
 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FOR VOCATIONS
May 15, 2011

FAMILY TAKE-HOME PAGE

Family Prayer
Gather for prayer. Light a candle. Take a moment of silence. Use the suggested format
for prayer.
• Simple spontaneous prayer.
• Reading (1 Samuel 3:1-10, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 19:1-10 or another
appropriate passage)
• Share reflections on the reading and/or do one of the following activities.
• Offer prayers of gratitude. What are you most grateful for in your life? What are you
least grateful for in your life?
• The Lord’s Prayer
• Sharing of peace
• Song (Optional)

Conversation Starters
Take time with your family to share conversation about the Christian vocation.
These open-ended sentences can be used as conversation starters.

1. A person I really admire is . . . because . . .

2. What I like best about married life is . . .
3. I think single people make a difference in the Church because . . .
4. I have/not considered being a priest, brother, or sister because . . .
5. My baptism is important to me because . . .

Personal Contacts
• Invite your parish priest, a religious sister/brother, or deacon to dinner. Ask the person
to share his/her vocation story.
• Write a letter of appreciation to someone who gives witness to Jesus. Possible people
may include: pastor, teacher, religious sister/brother, deacon, youth minister, parent(s).

Purchase of WDP Kit 2011 includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. This resource may not be duplicated for quantity
distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV.
Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 / www.nccv-vocations.org Retain copyright information on all copies. ©2010 NCCV. Permit Number
______________. Permits are valid for one year only.
Vocation
Word Find O A H W I T N E S S C D E F G
Find the words
among the letters E V O L H I J N O I T A C O V
and circle them.
Talk about what K L L M N M O P B N Q R S T D
they mean.
U V Y V W S X R Y G Z A B C R
Apostles
Baptism D E O P F I O G H L I P C J E
Bishop
Brother K W R R L T M N O E O P O Q H
Call
Consecrate S R D I H P S T V H V W N X P
Deacon
Good Shepherd S Y E E Z A P O S T L E S A E
Holy Orders
Lay Minister B I R S C B H I D D E F E G H
Love
Matrimony H I S T J K B S E R V I C E S
Pray
Priest L M N T O P Q C A L L R R S D
Service
Single T U V W E X Y Z C A P R A Y O
Sister
Vocation B C M A T R I M O N Y D T E O
Vows
Witness F G H L A Y M I N I S T E R G

I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Vocation Visit
• Check out what religious communities and seminaries are present within your diocese.
• Look in your diocesan paper to see if there are open houses or vocation fairs in which
you could take part.
• Go on the web to learn more about these places and communities/seminarians.
• If possible, call and see if you could set up a visit.

Vocation Environment
• Purchase Christian art, books, and religious objects (e.g. rosary, statue).
• Celebrate holy days, baptism anniversaries, and sacraments.
• Pray at meals, when rising and going to bed.
• Create an “altar-like” space with bible, candle, cross and other symbols of faith.
• Set aside time to pray together as a family.