“Vocation, more than our own choice, is a response to the Lord’s unmerited call.”

– Pope Francis, Aug. 4, 2019

What can the faithful do to help more men in our diocese discern and recognize God’s call to the priesthood?

Pray.

The Office of Vocations is encouraging the faithful of our diocese to participate in a special novena for an abundance of holy vocations to the priesthood through the intercession of Servant of God Frank Parater (1897-1920). Parater, a seminarian of the Diocese of Richmond, was in formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome when he died at the age of 22.

The special novena for vocations begins Jan. 30 and will end on Feb. 7, the anniversary of Parater’s death, with a holy hour for vocations at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Roanoke.

Throughout the novena, the following prayer – promulgated 20 years ago – will be prayed each day in order to seek Parater’s intercession for holy vocations:

Loving Father, your servant Frank Parater sought perfection as a student, scout and seminarian. He offered himself to you completely through the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Through his intercession, may young people answer your call to follow Jesus as priests, deacons and religious.

Grant, as well, the favors I seek so that your Church will recognize his holiness and proclaim him Blessed.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

You and your family are invited to participate in the holy hour for Vocations in Roanoke, which includes the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a short talk, Benediction and presentation of the vocations cross.

For further information about the Feb. 7 holy hour, call the diocesan Vocations Office at 804- 359-5661 or email [email protected].

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