In the many years I’ve been an editor for Catholic publications, the way all the stories and columns in a given issue line up to support one another still never ceases to amaze me. Yes, some of that is planning and assigning particular stories, but often the stories find us all on their own. And this particular issue is no exception.

Vocation Awareness Week is Nov. 3-9 this year, and how perfect that the dedication of the new Fenwick Hall at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary occurred right as Catholics across the nation prepare to pray together intentionally for vocations. The hall, after all, will accommodate the growing number of seminarians – both from this archdiocese and several other dioceses and orders – who attend the seminary.

In his remarks at the dedication and blessing of the new hall, Archbishop Schnurr, in addition to his beautiful words about men answering their vocational call to the priesthood, took a moment to address the laity:

“A Church without laity, each created by God with his or her own defined purpose in life – a church without laity – simply could not exist. Therefore, in our archdiocese, the prayer for vocations is not limited to priestly vocations alone. I have encouraged young people, when I meet them, to listen intently to God’s particular call, whatever it might be. I am confident, that if we do so, only then will the Church be as our Lord intended. Only then will the individual come to know the peace, the joy, the fullness of life that our Lord promises.”

This issue of The Catholic Telegraph highlights a variety of vocations: from brothers who, following a family legacy, are pursuing religious vocations, to a pilgrimage with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur; a veteran priest who served in the military to a young priest serving Glenmary Missions with great joy for the future.

It also showcases the beautiful vocations of lay people: from the couple who launched the popular Pray More Novenas, to the teachers, staff and coaches in our Catholic schools who educate our children in the joy of Jesus and their faith every day.

Working on this issue of The Catholic Telegraph, and again praying the prayer for vocations that Archbishop Schnurr asks that we pray at all Masses in the archdiocese, caused me to reflect on my own vocation, about using my own gifts and talents to serve the Lord both in my work, and at home as a wife and mother to my family. I pray that I may never take those for granted, and that some of the articles in this issue inspire the same for you.

“Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance.” (Colossians 3:23-24).