About vocations…
As Catholic Christians, we believe that God created each, and every, one of us because he loves us – more than we can even imagine. We also believe that God calls each one of us to a special mission in our lives, one that he meant especially for us. That’s what the word vocation means; it’s a special calling from God. It’s his plan for us to be happy, and to become saints who will live with him forever in Heaven. It isn’t something he forces us to do; it’s an invitation. God invites us to discover and to pursue our own special mission together with him, to say “yes.” This special mission is the way that God knows we can do our very best in loving and serving him and other people.
There are many different vocations, and God calls each person differently. We’re each unique and special in the eyes of God. It can take time to understand what God is saying to us, and sometimes we need to turn off our phones and TVs and listen in the quiet to hear him. That can be hard for all of us, no matter how old we are!
Some people are called to the vocations of marriage and parenthood, to raise children and teach them to love and serve God and other people. To all the parents, thank you for saying yes to this very important vocation, and for supporting your children in their religious education!
Some people are called to the vocation of single life, not being married, but loving and caring for others with their time and their talents. This may be you, or you may know some people who are doing this.
Finally, some people are called to religious vocations. These are special vocations where God calls someone to serve him and to serve the Church in a permanent, dedicated way. Priests and deacons, like those who serve in our parish, and religious sisters and brothers, have all said yes to these special vocations. We can think of someone like St. Mother Theresa and see what a big impact such a vocation can have on the whole world. It takes a lot of extra time and prayer to know when God is calling us to a vocation like this, and we should say a special thank you when we know someone who has said yes. They need a lot of encouragement to keep following that path God has prepared for them!
POSTER CONTEST RULES
Contest is open to St. Mary School, St. Mary Religious Ed. and Sacred Heart/St. Patrick Religious Ed. students from first through eighth grades.
The posters will be judged in four grade groupings:
Group I First and Second graders
Group II Third and Fourth graders
Group III Fifth and Sixth graders
Group IV Seventh and Eighth graders
· The Theme: Religious Life – Vocations in the Catholic Church
· Deadline for submission of entries is October 20, 2023
· Entries may be turned in at St. Mary School, St. Mary Religious Ed., Sacred Heart/St. Patrick Religious Ed. or dropped off at the St. Mary Rectory at 26 Dodgingtown Rd (attn: Knights of Columbus).
· Entries will be judged on originality and compliance with the contest theme. Please try to ensure that the poster drawings are the child’s creative work. No cut ups or pasted pictures will be allowed.
· 11” x 17” poster board is provided, however any size is acceptable. Minimum poster size for the state competition is 8 ½” x 11. Poster board is available for the contest in the vestibule of the church on the information shelves.
· Materials may be paper or poster board.
· Each poster submitted is to be identified ON THE BACK of the poster with the artist name, phone number, school grade, organization (St. Mary School, St. Mary Religious Ed. or Sacred Heart/St. Patrick Religious Ed.).
· Pavia Council will award prizes for winners in each grade group.