Vocations Team

"Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit." - Pope Francis

Details

Due to the acute shortage of priests and consecrated religious in the Church today, our Religious Vocations Team was reactivated to encourage parishioners to pray for, learn about, support, and promote interest in the priesthood and religious life. 

Come join us!

  • If you have a deep love for God and for the Church 
  • If you have a love for and interest in Religious Vocations: priesthood, diaconate, brotherhood, and sisterhood

Prayer for vocations is first and foremost, and it will transform our parish in God's time. Certain activities specifically target youth, both in our religious education classes within St. Mary's and at our school. The time we spend affirming those who have dedicated their lives to the priesthood and religious life shows appreciation and support. It also draws attention to their service and their joy in serving, which can inspire others to follow their path. 

Goals

The Vocation Prayer was selected and placed within our hymnals to be recited at  all the Masses.

  • Continue to send our traveling Vocations Crucifix into homes and classrooms.
    • It will be received during Mass to take home for 2 weeks. Recipients are then asked to put the Crucifix in a prominent place in their home or classroom and pray every day for vocations.
  • Update Religious Vocations frames in Parish Center.
    • We are working on adding our Columban Fathers.
  • Raise awareness by promoting vocation events.
    • Clergy Appreciation Dinner, Good Shepherd/Vocation Sunday. Priesthood Sunday, Deacon Sunday, and Vocation Awareness Week.
  • Update our scrapbook archives.
  • Continue to explore ways to promote education at St. Mary's School about Religious Vocations.
News
  •  Priesthood Sunday is September 27, 2026
    • Remember to thank Fr. Del and Fr. Joe for all that they do for us!
  • Deacon Sunday is October 11, 2026
    • Thank our deacons for all the hard work they do to support our priests and parish.
  • Vocation Awareness Week is November 1-7, 2026
    • This is also Fellowship Sunday, so come downstairs to learn more about Vocations and enjoy donuts, coffee, and juice.
Contact

Vocations Team Co-Chair
Name: Judy Pilmaier 
Phone Number: 402-677-9647
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Vocations Team Co-Chair
Name: Mary Jo Hopfensperger 
Phone Number: 402-980-5652
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.