Many parts of the Church keep this Sunday as a day of Prayer for Vocations. We often think of ‘vocation’ narrowly – as referring only to those called to Holy Orders – but all baptized Christians are called to a vocation, or perhaps more than one!
Additionally, some baptized Christians – both lay and ordained – are called to the religious life. The Benedictine order I am vowed to has seen a marked increase in vocations over the past several years, and so have several other dispersed orders. Perhaps unsurprisingly, in a world full of chaos and violence, God is doing something in and through those who are called both to be witnesses in the world, and also devoted to a life of prayer and service through intentional religious community.
As Sub-Prior of the chapter of St Aidan, and with the support of our Bishop, it is my prayerful intention to increase the Benedictine presence here in our parish and diocese. One of the ways we will begin to do this is to have in-person Morning Prayer in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, beginning on May 12th, at 9:00am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with the hope that this will be the seed for a more frequent communal prayer practice. Everyone is most welcome to join, as it is also a part of our shared Anglican vocation to pray the Daily Office together!
We often pray for priests, deacons and bishops, but we ought also to pray for lay vocations and for those called to religious life. Today is a great opportunity to do so, and to wonder, perhaps, what vocation looks like for you.
And, if you would like to explore a religious vocation, or opportunities for lay ministry either at St. James’ or in the Diocese, please reach out to me anytime!
Every blessing,
Mother Amanda