The Office of Vocations' primary role is to assist the individual parishes of the Diocese to create an atmosphere that is conducive to the fostering of vocations. Please check back for updates on prayer ideas, tips for teachers, priests and catechetical leaders. You may also find more information about the priesthood, religious life and the seminary on our Frequently Asked Questions pages.
Each parish in the Diocese of Metuchen is asked to develop and maintain some type of vocation committee.
This committee would be responsible to the pastor and people of the parish in ensuring that the parish is actively promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
It is hoped that the committee, in cooperation with the entire parish, will foster an atmosphere that is encouraging and supportive of vocations.
The structure and membership of these committees are left to the individual parish to determine. However, they should be well grounded in the current needs and structure of the parish's life and ministry.
It is expected that this committee would meet three or four times a year. It is not expected that this committee 'do the work' or sponsor programs, but rather that they get everybody 'on board' and see to it that all parish groups and organizations incorporate vocations into their work and ministry.
The Office of Vocations has prepared a booklet entitled "Guidelines for Parish Vocations Committees." These booklets are available to assist you in forming a committee in your parish.
In addition to this, the Vocations Office staff is available to host meetings during the course of each year either in the diocesan center or in your parish. Through these meetings we can assist parishes in forming new committees or assist others with ongoing development of existing parish vocation committees.
We have also provided a list of PVC Projects for the parish, for the home and for an individual.
One example of a vocation committee is the Vocation Seekers club. The Vocation Seekers pray for and promote vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life on an independent parish level.
If you are interested in creating your own independent parish club, the Vocations Office can organize a group from another parish to help start it.
If you have any questions, or need assistance in forming a committee in your parish, please Contact Us, or by phone call Mr. Jim Brogan at (732) 356-6466 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Martinsville.
PVC Projects
Proven Parish Vocation Committee Projects to try for your parish:
Jesus reminds us that there is no greater live than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends; if we do so our joy will be complete. Have you ever considered giving yourself to the service of your sisters and brothers as a priest or religious? If so, call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations. Turn your life over to the Lord today.
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Jesus called the disciples by name to leave what was familiar and to come follow Him and spread the Good News. Is Jesus calling you by name to follow Him in a special way as a priest, brother, or sister? If this is possible call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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As Christians, we proclaim Christ crucified. This has been a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. For us, who believe, this is the power and wisdom of God. Today, as much as ever, men and women are needed who will continue to proclaim a crucified Christ. Are you one of these men or women? Will you consider doing this as a priest or religious in the Church? If so, please call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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The Light came into the world so that people might be saved through Him. And yet, many people prefer the darkness to light. Are you willing to bring the Light into the world? Do you wish to shatter the darkness and help others to live the Truth? If so, then say yes to serving God as a priest, deacon, or religious. Please call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations
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Jesus says, whoever loves his life will lose it, who ever serves me, must follow me. Are you willing to lose your life to Jesus? Are you willing to serve Him by following Him as a priest of religious sister or brother? If so, please call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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Why are you troubled? Why do questions arise in your heart? The Lord Jesus could be calling you to follow Him as a priest or religious brother or sister. Consider calling the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mailing us atvocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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The words of Jesus are spirit and life. Can you become the voice of the Lord, filled with spirit and life? Why not consider becoming a priest, deacon, or religious? Call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us atvocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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At times, the loud noises of society make us deaf to God’s call. Can you hear God’s call in your heart? Hear Jesus say to you “Be open” to the call to be a priest or religious. Call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us atvocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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The cross seemed to have brought death; but in truth, it brought life. The cross seemed to be a thing of hate, and yet it was an act of great love. Out of love, God gave His only Son to the world that we might have eternal life. Are you willing to give your life to the world out of love? Are you willing to serve others that they might have life? Consider doing this as a priest, deacon, or religious. Please call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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Jesus emphasizes to His disciples that “the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” If we are truly the followers of the Lord Jesus, we will take seriously the call to serve. Are you being called to serve your brethren as a priest, deacon, or religious? Consider calling the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mailing us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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Mary “believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” She trusted all that the Lord had told her. Are you willing to trust in the Lord? Are you willing to allow the Lord to fulfill His Word through you? Are you willing to do this as a priest or religious? If so, please call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.
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Mary and Joseph both answered God’s call in their life. They said yes to God despite any anxiety they felt and despite knowing that their life would be filled with many challenges. Will you say YES to God by serving as a priest or religious? Will you do this despite your own anxiety and fears? Will you do this knowing that the life will be challenging? If so, call the Vocations Office @ (732) 562-2453 or e-mail us at vocations@diometuchen.org. Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.