Today is the World Day of Prayers for Vocations. Vocations are a special call from God to follow Him in some special role within the Church. Each of us is called to follow Jesus as His disciples at our baptism. But some of us are called to follow and serve in particular ways. For most people, that vocation will be marriage. For some others, it will be priesthood or religious life or the permanent diaconate. We do not call the single life a particular vocation because we are all single for some part of our lives, and someone who is single is free to change that state as they go through life. The particular vocations are permanent commitments.  
 
Usually when we speak of vocations or calls, we mean the call to priesthood, to religious life and the permanent diaconate. These vocations have gone through a great deal of upheaval and distress over the past few decades. The numbers of priests, religious and deacons are far too low to fulfill the ministries to the people of God that are important.
    
Let us pray always for an increase in these special vocations, especially here in the Diocese of Covington, and in Mother of God Church.