At the end of each all-school Mass, two students representing their grades accept a consecrated Traveling Vocations Chalice to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The chalice remains in that class for a week to help foster a culture in our school of praying daily for vocations.
Last week, third graders Henry Hiegel and Anna Weakley, from Ms. Morgan Bacon's class, accepted that chalice from Father John Connell. After he presents it to students, he touches on the needs of our diocese. He's noted a handful of men will become newly-ordained priests in May, but we'll also lose that many to retirement. Father Daniel Wendel had to leave us earlier than expected to fulfill an urgent need in Southeast Arkansas.This has left Father John to pastor our parish alone until July. Such pressures are common in a number of parishes, so prayers are also needed for current priests who can become overburdened with their responsibilities.
"The chalice sat on our prayer table as a reminder to pray for vocations," Ms. Bacon said. "When they prayed, they'd say ' Jesus, I know that you love me. Teach me how to listen to you and how to follow you. Bless religious sisters, brothers and priests. Bless my family. Keep all of us close to your heart. Amen.' "