World Day of Prayer for Vocations, also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” will be observed on Sunday, April 30, 2023. The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes.
Resources for promoting vocations can be found on the USCCB website.
The purpose of World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As the height of a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), consecrated life in all its forms (male and female religious life, societies of apostolic life, consecrated virginity), secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life.
2023 marks the 60th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Read Vocation: Grace and Mission – Pope Francis’ message for the 60th World Day (Vatican, multiple languages)
View additional resources on our National Vocation Awareness Week web page.
