Archbishop Hicks urges faithful to prioritize silence and prayer during vocation week

National Catholic organizations are hosting events throughout November to support individuals discerning religious calls. The initiative aims to raise awareness of ordained ministry and consecrated life across dioceses and parishes.

Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks of New York issued a statement marking the start of the observance on Nov. 1. The week concludes on Nov. 7. Hicks serves as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

In his remarks, Hicks described the week as a reminder of the witness of those who serve as priests, deacons, and religious men and women. He called on the faithful to pray for a deepened spirit of joy in marriages, the priesthood, the diaconate, and consecrated life. Hicks stated that this joy-filled witness inspires young people to follow God’s call with courage.

The USCCB website provides resources in English and Spanish for the week. These materials include Holy Hours, prayers, and discernment tips. The package also contains tools for parents, such as the “ABCs of Fostering Vocations” and suggestions for “Building a Domestic Church.”

A top-10 list included in the materials advises Catholics to pray for an increase in vocations. It encourages inviting active young adults and teens to consider the priesthood or consecrated life. The list emphasizes the importance of teaching young people how to pray.

The guidance quotes Pope Benedict XVI on the necessity of teaching youth prayer to help them hear God’s call. It also lists specific actions for those considering a vocation, including practicing the faith, being a good disciple, and entering into silence. The list notes that silence is key to sanity and wholeness, suggesting individuals remove earbuds from devices to listen to God.

The USCCB release also quoted Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations from April 26. Leo stated that God dwells in human hearts and that a vocation requires an intimate dialogue with the One who calls. He described every vocation as an immeasurable gift for the Church.

National Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the observance. In 1997, the celebration moved to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In 2014, the USCCB committee shifted the date to November to better engage Catholic schools and colleges with youth and young adults.