Quite a few families in our parish participate in the “Traveling Chalice” program. Through it, a family brings home a “retired” chalice for two weeks during which time they pray for and discuss vocations. Of course the most pressing vocation at this time is for priests. But these weeks can also be a time to discuss vocations to religious life, marriage, and the chaste single life. In our family, the emphasis is on the fact that everyone has a vocation. It is up to us to prayerfully discern that vocation and then find the courage (through grace) to answer that calling. Most of us have been called to the vocation of the laity (about which John Paul II had much to say). All of us, members of the sacramental priesthood, those in religious life, and the laity are called to live our lives as disciples. Maybe one of our children will be a priest, a brother, or a sister. Even if that is not God’s plan for them, they still have a calling–”Come follow me!”–and we as parents must prepare them to hear that call and respond to it. Committed, life-transforming Christianity is not just for the “professionals” who take religious vows and receive holy orders (as incredible as these things are): it is for everyone, even these “little ones.”

Recently, the parish included a copy of the film “Fishers of Men” (discussed here) along with the chalice. This a great addition. If you would like to learn more about the program, call the parish office.
(Recommended by G. Harne