Vocations

 

 

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Are you concerned about the shortage of priests, deacons and religious vocations in our Church?

What are YOU willing to do about it? A good start is for us to join together and pray! Join with other Catholics throughout the Diocese of Davenport in asking our Lord to bless us with an abundance of committed priests, deacons and religious.

In the words of Pope John Paul:

"Considering that the Eucharist is the greatest gift our Lord gives to his Church, we must ask for priests since the priesthood is a gift for the Church. We must pray insistently for this gift. We must ask for it on our knees."

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Upcoming Events listed at bottom of page.

 

If you would like me to come to your school or Religious Education classes, please let me know. I am here to do all I can to help you in promoting vocations.

 

Thanks so much for your help in promoting vocations!

 

Fr. Thom Hennen

Vocations Director

 

or email: hennen@davenportdiocese.org

 

563-888-4255

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Upcoming Events

Help Promote vocations in our diocese, in your parish, and in your home.

  • Take time to pray for, speak positively about and encourage actively vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life.
  • Reflect on your own vocation and strengthen your personal relationship with Christ.
  • Educate our young people about the importance of silent prayer and taking the time to truly listen to God's voice in our hearts.


Upcoming Holy Hours for Vocations: 
No Holy Hours currently scheduled contact Fr. Thom

An Exploring Priesthood Weekend will be held April 20-22, 2012 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. This is a retreat-like weekend in which men can visit Mundelein to discern a call to priesthood and learn about the community. For more information or for reservations please contact Fr. Chris Ciomek at 847-970-4841 or cciomek@usml.edu, or contact Fr. Thom Hennen.

A Thinking of Priesthood Day will be held Saturday, March 24th, 2012 at the St. Cecelia Parish in Ames (2900 Hoover Avenue). This event begins at 10 AM (gathering and refreshments at 9:30) and concludes at 5 PM with Mass and dinner following. Sponsored by the vocation offices of the four dioceses of Iowa, this day is for men, ages 17-45, who might be considering a possible call to priesthood. This day will include informal presentations and discussions, sharing from vocation directors of the four dioceses of Iowa and seminarians. Fr. Jonathan Fassero from St. Meinrad School of Theology will lead the discussions. For more information and to register, please contact please contact Fr. Thom Hennen at 563-888-4255 or hennen@davenportdiocese.org.

An Encounter With God's Call retreat will be held March 24-26 at Conception Seminary College in Missouri. Young men considering a possible call to the priesthood are welcome to spend a weekend geared toward helping them with their vocational discernment. They will interact with and hear a series of talks by the seminarians of Conception Seminary College. Participants are able to experience the seminarians daily routine and gain a fuller understanding of what life as a seminarian entails. It is an opportunity to meet and interact with other young men who are asking themselves the same questions and struggle with the same fears and anxieties. It is a weekend of prayer and fellowship.  To find out more information or to register online visit us at: www.conception.edu/vocations You can also contact Fr. Thom Hennen at 563-888-4255 or hennen@davenportdiocese.org.

The National Meeting for the Institute on Religious Life will be held April 13th-15th, 2012 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein Seminary.  The theme for this year’s conference is “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts: The Sacred Liturgy as a Foretaste of Heaven.”  Since 1974, the Institute on Religious Life has been a collaborative effort of Catholic bishops, priests, religious and laity to foster and strengthen vocations to the consecrated life. All members of the Church can participate in the IRL’s mission.  For more information go to www.religiouslife.com.  Click on “News/Events” and then on “National/Regional Meetings” to register online.  Registrations are due by March 22, 2012.  The Saturday session on April 14th is free (including lunch) for youth ages 17-25 if pre-registered.  Learn more about religious life and what you can do to help foster vocations to the consecrated life.

 

Help Support a Recent University of Iowa Graduate Enter Religious Life – Samantha Bastian is a 2011 graduate of the University of Iowa and a former member and cantor at St. Mary Parish, Iowa City.  Samantha is hoping to enter religious life at the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Valparaiso, Nebraska (near where she is from).  Like many young people considering vocations to religious life, she must first resolve her student debt.  She is working with the Labouré Society to do just that.  You can help Samantha reach her goal by going to www.labouresociety.org and clicking on “Meet the Aspirants.”  Then just click on Samantha’s name to hear about her vocation story and to make an online donation.  This is a great way to help someone with ties to the Diocese of Davenport to realize her vocation in Christ.

Please visit our Vocational links page for additional sites to visit.