Editorial

It was two years ago - in September of 2004 - that the Madison Serra Club in collaboration with the diocesan Office of Vocations began Eucharistic Adoration for vocations each weekday from 9 to 11:45 a.m. in the chapel of the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison.

A Prayer for Vocations O Jesus, Divine Shepherd of souls, and Lord of the harvest, You called the Apostles to be fishers of men. Move now the ardent and generous hearts of your youth and make them your followers and ministers. Let them share your thirst of universal redemption for which You renew your sacrifice on the altar every day. Extend, O Lord, Your loving call to many pure and generous souls, that they may grow in their desire for evangelical perfection and may dedicate themselves to the service of the Church and to those who desperately need their assistance and love. Amen. (Pope Paul VI)

Back in 2004 - when this prayer for vocations began - we had 11 diocesan seminarians. Just two years later, we have more than doubled the number of seminarians. We now have 23 men studying to become priests for the Diocese of Madison! (Check out our semi-annual vocation supplement in this week's Catholic Herald [print edition only] for more information on the six new seminarians, in addition to more information on church vocations.)

A coincidence? Some might say it's a coincidence. Or they might point to other factors, such as the efforts of Bishop Robert C. Morlino and our full-time vocation director, Fr. Jim Bartylla. They might attribute the increase in seminarians to the influence of the late Pope John Paul II and his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, in attracting young people.

Of course, all of these factors have played a role in the increasing numbers of seminarians. But I think we cannot underestimate the power of prayer.

Jesus said, "The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore, ask the harvest master to send workers to his harvest." How do we "ask" God for workers for the church? We pray. We pray specifically to God to send vocations to the church.

Special time. As one of the Serrans involved in Adoration at the O'Connor Center each week, I find it is indeed a privilege to spend time in prayer before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Each week I pray for our bishops and priests and pray for each of our seminarians by name. I particularly like the booklet that the adorers at the O'Connor Center have been using. It is specifically designated for use in prayer for vocations, including meditations on the Rosary. The booklet is available from Rogationist Publications (phone 818-782-1765, e-mail: MagazinVoc@aol.com).

Power of prayer. Prayer can be powerful in so many ways, but especially in promoting church vocations. Consider coming to the Bishop O'Connor Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., or participate in your parish. Regular adorers and substitutes are also welcome at the O'Connor Center. Contact the Office of Vocations at 608-821-3088 or e-mail Lorie Ballweg, administrative assistant, at lballweg@straphael.org for information.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

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