What do you think? In 50 words or less, tell us what you think individuals, families, parishes, and the church at large should do to encourage and support church vocations. We will publish selected responses in The Catholic Herald print and on-line editions. Send your comments to: Vocation Comments The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS -- Families at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Sun Prairie are praying for vocations with a chalice that rotates among parishioners' homes. The goal is to give the chalice to the first man ordained to the priesthood from the parish. Praying here are members of the Reindl family, from left: Tyler, Steve, Jackie, and Nicole. (Patrick Scullion photo)

Vocations: They're everyone's work

	Called By God National Vocation Awareness Week January 13-18, 2002

Vocations to the ordained ministry and consecrated life serve all the people of God.

Just as every individual is called to holiness, so too does every individual within the Church share in the responsibility of inviting, discerning, and welcoming persons who hear the call of God to a vocation of service in the Church. Vocation work through prayer and encouragement is part of the commitment to Christ undertaken at one's baptism.

What can families do?

Families are the key in the recognition of and support for vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life. What can families do?

1. Pray together. Family prayer illustrates to your children the importance you place upon your relationship with God. Family prayer times help to establish a pattern for life, a centering of self in relationship with God.

2. Pray specifically for vocations. Set a special time each day to pray for vocations as a family. A good time is at the conclusion of the family's mealtime prayer. Copies of various vocation prayers are included in this issue.
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MADISON -- Just because we have the technological capability to do something does not mean it is right.

That was the message sent loud and clear at the State Capitol during a Jan. 9 press conference about a bill that would ban human cloning in Wisconsin.

Assembly Bill (AB) 699, authored by Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) and supported by 48 other legislators, would ban all human cloning in the state of Wisconsin. Violators would face civil penalties including imprisonment and forfeitures.

The bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the Assembly Health Committee on Jan. 25.   Full Story ...