National Vocation Awareness Week, celebrated Nov. 3-9, is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.
NVAW began in 1976 when the U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for NVAW. In 1997, this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on Jan. 13 in 2013. Beginning in 2014, NVAW was moved to the first full week of November.
Throughout the week, parish vocation committees and religious education programs in the diocese may be organizing a Holy Hour for vocations for the youth of the parish; praying a rosary for vocations, and priests will be sharing their vocation stories through their homilies. Prayers of the faithful at liturgies will also include intentions for young people to respond generously and with open hearts and willing spirits if the Lord calls them to the priesthood, diaconate for consecrated life.
For more information and resources about National Vocation Awareness Week, visit https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations/national-vocation-awareness-week