Good Shepherd Sunday marks a day of prayer for vocations

World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be observed on Saturday/Sunday, April 29-30, 2023 – also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). 

As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. 

While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), consecrated life in all its forms (male and female religious life, societies of apostolic life, consecrated virginity), secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life.

2023 marks the 60th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

 All the clergy, religious and faithful in the Diocese of Trenton are invited to pray that our young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord's call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life – especially religious orders serving in our Diocese and societies of apostolic life or secular institutes.

Adapted from materials provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.