The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) published a press release on National Vocation Awareness Week, an annual tradition where dioceses across the U.S. bring attention to the options of the priesthood, religious life and marriage. It takes place from Nov. 6-12 this year. 

“As Christians, we do not only receive a vocation individually; we are also called together. We are like the tiles of a mosaic,” Pope Francis said in the release. “Each is lovely by itself, but only when they are put together do they form a picture. Each of us shine like a star in the heart of God and in the firmament of the universe.” 

“At the same time, though, we are called to form constellations that can guide and light up the path of humanity, beginning with the places in which we live,” Pope Francis said. “This is the mystery of the Church: A celebration of differences, a sign and instrument of all that humanity is called to be.”

Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, talked about the week.

“Each year, the CCLV Committee commissions the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate to conduct surveys of those recently ordained and religiously professed in the past year,” Checchio said in a release. “These studies consistently show that vocations are the fruit of communal accompaniment. The family, healthy and holy friendships, youth group, campus ministry and the broader parish and diocesan community form supportive environments in which vocations are first nurtured and grown.” 

Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 with a one-day observance, but it was extended to a week-long period of engaging young people in 2014 by the USCCB Committee on Clergy. 

The USCCB website has a prayer for vocations: “God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.” 

The USCCB also has a recommended reading list for those discerning their vocation. Some of the included books for men are "Pastores Dabo Vobis (I Will Give You Shepherds)" by St. Pope John Paul II, "To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood" by Fr. Brett Brannen, "Priests for the Third Millennium" by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, "The Spirituality of the Diocesan Priest" by Fr. Donald Cozzens and "A Living Sacrifice: Guidance for Men Discerning Religious Life" by Fr. Benedict Croell, O.P and Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.

Recommendations for women include "On the Dignity and Vocation of Women" by St. Pope John Paul II, "Discerning Religious Life" by Sr. Clare Matthiass, CFR, "The Fire in These Ashes: A Spirituality of Contemporary Religious Life" by Sr. Joan Chittister, "An Introduction to the Vocation of Consecrated Virginity Lived in the World" by United States Association of Consecrated Virgins and "And You Are Christ’s: The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life" by Fr. Thomas Dubay. 

In Wisconsin, those interested in learning more can visit the Vocations office website for the Diocese of Madison where anyone can read about discernment for priesthood, religious life or marriage. According to the Diocese of Madison website, “discernment” means “to sift apart,” in the context of vocations, Catholics must “sift apart” the different possibilities of life.