Vocations Ministry helps young faithful discern God’s call in Old Bridge parish

For members of the Vocations Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, celebrating and supporting vocations among faithful is a year-round mission.

“Our Vocations Ministry strives to nurture vocations in our parish by helping our young people discern and answer God’s call in their lives to priesthood, consecrated life or marriage,” said Father Jerome Johnson, pastor. “We want to give them the tools needed to be well-informed about what a vocation is and how God is uniquely and personally calling them to a specific vocation. It all starts with prayer and education.”

This fall, the parish observed Priesthood Sunday during the weekend of Sept. 28-29. In the weeks preceding this occasion, the ministry created a “know your priest” questionnaire, devoted to encouraging parishioners to learn about the lives of their clergy. Additionally, Pre-K through eighth grade students in the parish school and CCD classes colored in photos and wrote thank-you notes to the parish priests. 

During the weekend itself, parishioners prayed especially for their clergy, and were invited after each Mass to gather in the auditorium to sign cards and enjoy refreshments as they celebrated and expressed their gratitude for their priests.

The parish also observed Deacon Sunday during the weekend of Oct. 12-13, and a member of the ministry created a poster with photos of their parish deacons. At each Mass, deacons spoke to parishioners about their journeys to the deaconate. 

“It is important to recognize our priests and deacons for their commitment to the Church and to their ministry that we can so often take for granted,” said Father Johnson. “In addition, it also helps parishioners to see their priests and deacons as ‘real people’, just like them, who said ‘yes’ to God in a unique way.” 

Throughout the month of September, the ministry also published bulletin announcements recognizing each vocation – including not only the priesthood, but also religious life and sacramental marriage.

Next year, the parish will also celebrate World Marriage Day on the second Sunday in February, as well as National Marriage Week from Feb. 7-14.

“We hope to help our parishioners to be supportive of their children’s vocation, not just to marriage, but also to priesthood and religious life,” said Rosemarie Gentile, who is part of the Vocations Ministry. “God calls everyone to a vocation He has chosen just for them.”

For Father Johnson, activities like these are critical to nurturing vocations among youth, and supporting families as they nurture the faith of their children and help them discern God’s call in their lives.

“We hope to give our parish families, especially our parents, the vocabulary and knowledge needed to pray and discuss with their children what vocation God is calling them to,” he said. “Parents can then support their children and help them to remain open to God’s call so that they can say ‘yes’ to priesthood, consecrated life or marriage.”