The Catholic Church celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week January 10-16.   Here are ten things you can do to promote vocations.   The first five steps on this list are directed toward all Catholics. The second five are specifically an invitation to younger Catholics to consider saying “yes” to a religious vocation. (Based on a list by Fr. David Toups)

1.  Pray for an increase in vocations to priesthood and religious life.  If we want, we must ask.

2.  Teach our youth people how to pray.  Questions?

3.  Invite active young adults and teens to consider a vocation.  ICNU a possible vocation.

4.  Make it attractive.  The challenge for priests and religious is to be joyful models of their vocations.

5.  Preach it.  Vocations kept out of sight are out of mind. 

6.  Practice the faith.  The whole point of our lives is to grow into a relationship with God.

7.  Enter into the Silence.  We can only “hear” the voice of God if we are quiet.  Drop the earbuds and listen

8.  Be a good disciple.  We become followers of Jesus by serving those around us.

9.  Ask God.  He wants only what is good for you.

10.  “Just do it!”  Try it out.  The seminary or convent is a place of discernment.