What are Parish Vocations Coordinators?
Lay people who ensure that their parish provides its parishioners with support in understanding and discerning vocations to religious life, priesthood or marriage.

What does the role involve?
Employing simple strategies/resources from the Vocations Coordinator’s Resource Kit, provided by the Vocation Centre. This includes distributing educational and prayer resources and promoting vocations events.

Why do parishes need vocations coordinators?
To support an increased interest in vocations to religious life and priesthood. Also to support our parish priests to create a culture of vocations in our parish, where young people can find guidance and support in their vocational discernment.

How much time does the role take?
1 hr per week is sufficient to make a good start.

What support will the Vocation Centre give me?

1. Phone / email support
2. Quality resources/strategies contained in the Vocations Coordinator’s Resource Kit
3. Ongoing training
4. Access to a support network

What qualities do I need for this role?

• An appreciation of priesthood, religious life & marriage
• Openness to attending some training
• Willingness to devote your time, talent and energy
• Good communication skills
• Patience, perseverance and understanding

Can a lay person perform this role?
Yes – the role was specifically designed for lay people. Pope John Paul II said “all members of the Church, with-out exception, have the grace and responsibility to look after vocations” (Pastores dabo vobis, n. 41). Just as priests and religious support lay people, we lay people have the ability and responsibility to support our future priests and religious.

Why is it important that lay people support vocations to priesthood/religious life?
The Second Vatican Council said that the activity of the laity is so necessary “without it the apostolate of the pastors is often unable to achieve its full effectiveness. The laity with the right apostolic attitude supply what is lacking to their brethren and refresh the spirit of pastors and of the rest of the faithful .” (Apostolicam Actuositatem, n10.)

What age do I need to be to do this role?
Simply an adult. What is most important is that you have a desire to support people’s vocations.

If few young people attend my parish, do we need a vocations coordinator?
Yes. Here are just a few reasons why:

• People of all ages discern their vocations.
• Your prayers will assist someone in the Body of Christ.
• Parents/grandparents need to be well informed about vocations for the sake of their children/grandchildren.

Would you like more information about being a Vocations Coordinator?
Contact the Vocation Centre: 02 9307 8424 or  [email protected]