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Foreword Through devotions, we have a wonderful opportunity to meld tradition and a sense of adventure. In prayer, we’re never quite sure what will happen. We do know that if we choose to let Jesus and Mary accompany us, we will keep our sense of direction. In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Catholics celebrate Days of Prayer for Vocations on the first Friday of every month and the following weekend. I encourage you to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament in prayer, using this booklet as a guide. Conversion, Discernment, Mission: Fostering a Vocation Culture in North America is a pastoral plan for vocations. When we visit people of different cultures, we embark on an adventure as we experience a different way of life. We identify with our cultural roots. The emergence of a vocations culture will invite us to embrace our Catholic identity, which is rooted foremost in prayer, both individual and communal. In this new culture, we do not abandon the traditions of the Church. Instead, we resurrect them. Remember that after Jesus rose from the dead, people didn’t recognize him at first. In today’s Church, young people may never have participated in Eucharistic adoration or prayed the rosary. This booklet can serve as an introduction to these traditions. Every person has a vocation. In everyday terms, a vocation is the way God wants us to live in holiness. Jesus grew up in a human family which modeled holiness. As an adult, He sought to change the world, accompanied and sometimes abandoned by friends. He became our high priest. People are called to the vocations of marriage and family life, single life as a lay person, or ordained and religious life as priests, deacons, or religious brothers and sisters. In a vocations culture, we find new relevance in Jesus’ example and the prayer traditions of our faith as we seek to discover our purpose in God’s plan. Rev. James Lobacz, Vocations
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