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A vocation is a call from the Holy Spirit, a gift from God that is nurtured in prayer. When we pray for vocations, we lift up to our Father, those men and women who He is calling to serve Him in this special way.
Fr. Matt on our Chalice Cup Program
What is it?
We are all aware of the need for vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate and to the religious life, especially for our Diocese. But sometimes we forget just how powerful praying for an increase in vocations can be. If we pray with the faith of the widow of Zarapeth (Elijah & the Widow, 1 Kings 17:8-15), our cup will never run dry! We will always have priests to bring us Jesus in the Eucharist. The Vocation Chalice Program’s purpose is to provide a focal point for prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life
How does it work?
Each weekend at the end of the designated Mass, the celebrant will call forward the family, individual, or couple who previously signed up to receive a blessing and the chalice. The chalice presented to the recipient(s) belonged to Monsignor Irvine Nugent, beloved Pastor of St. Helen Parish from 1976 to 1999. They will take the chalice home, put it in a place of honor and pray each day for an increase and perseverance of religious vocations. On Friday the chalice is returned to the parish office.
What must I do to participate?
To participate, please use this Sign Up Genius online program. Begin by checking the available weekends and select the one that works best for you. There are two slots available for each weekend: Primary and alternate. If you select primary, you are expected to be there that weekend for the mass that you select. The alternate slot is for a “back up” recipient in case the primary recipient gives notice that they are unable to attend.
Please fill in the required information (name, email address, telephone number and the time of the Mass you will be attending that weekend. Review the information and submit. After you sign up, please note the date and time. The Sign Up Genius will send you a reminder the week before; and the recipient of the Chalice Cup will be printed in the bulletin the week before they are to receive it.
What do I do when I come to Mass that day?
For your convenience, you might consider sitting in the front of the church. After communion and before the final blessing, the celebrant will call you forward to receive a blessing and present you with the chalice. It will be in a case and will have prayer cards and other devotional materials. Take the chalice home, display it prominently and please pray for priests and religious vocations during the time (and after) it is in your home.
When do I return the chalice?
Please return the chalice to the parish office on the following Friday by 12 Noon.
Finally….
A vocation is a call from the Holy Spirit, a gift from God that is nurtured in prayer. When we pray for vocations, we lift up to our Father, those men and women who He is calling to serve Him in this special way.
Thank you for saying “yes”!
The St. Helen Vocation Ministry
