Call to Priesthood or Religious/Consecrated Life
Dear Race for Vocations Participants,
Thank you for your commitment to pray for and Race for Vocations. I can only imagine how God is working in and through you. Among the call to vocation from God are the beautiful calls to priesthood and religious/consecrated life. I have no doubt that God calls plenty to these vocations; the question is, “Are we listening?” I once heard it said that we don’t have a vocation crisis in America . Rather, we have a listening crisis! That is a crisis of the abandonment of dialogue with God through prayer and the sacraments. Through this Race for Vocations, thousands of prayers are being offered for vocations and that is nothing less than awesome! May those being called to priesthood or religious/consecrated life be given the virtue of courage to rise up and answer the call!
A message from Pope Benedict XVI to the Young Adults of America
"’The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’ (Mt 9:37-38). The Lord is also knocking on the doors of our own heart. Lord do you want me? Is it not perhaps too big for me? Am I too small for this? ‘Do not be afraid’, the Angel said to Mary. ‘Do not fear: I have called you by name,’ God says through the Prophet Isaiah (43:1) to us - to each of us.If we say ‘yes’ to the Lord’s call, no matter where we go or what we do, we should remain with the Lord. Only one who is ‘with him’ comes to know him and can truly proclaim him. We know this from experience. The fundamental way for priests and religious to remain with the Lord is through the attentive celebration of the Mass, the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, the reading of Sacred Scripture, Eucharistic Adoration, and by remaining close to His Mother.” Pope Benedict XVI, Altotting, Germany, Sep 11, 2006
“I greet the seminarians present and indeed encourage all seminarians throughout America . I am glad to know that your numbers are increasing! The People of God look to you to be holy priests, on a daily journey of conversion, inspiring in others the desire to enter more deeply into the ecclesial life of believers. I urge you to deepen your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. Talk heart to heart with him. Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism, or conceit. Strive for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and humility, in imitation of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are to become living icons.” Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to America – April 2008
Questions to contemplate in prayer and while you train:
If you are single, have you ever considered that God may be calling you to the priesthood or religious/consecrated life?
Why is it important that we have priests and religious in this country?
How does God call individuals to priesthood or religious life?
Are you willing to pray for yourself or others to hear and answer the call?
Who could you pray for or invite to consider priesthood or religious life?
Excellent Supplemental Activity: Check out the video, “Fishers of Men” located on You Tube.
A Vocations Prayer
Gracious and loving God, Your people are longing to hear your word. Send laborers into your harvest - women and men on fire with your love:
Dedicated single people - who incarnate your presence in their daily lives, whose availability enables them to respond to a diversity of needs.
Married couples - whose relationships serve as a sign of your fidelity to your people, whose love overflows to their children and neighbors.
Ordained Ministers - who gather the prayers and longing of your people who serve as a channel of your presence through the sacraments.
Religious sisters, brothers, and priests - whose life in community foreshadows our eternal unity in Christ, whose service brings your life to the world.May each of us respond with courage and generosity to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize the Spirit's call to men and women of good will, trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs.
Amen.
(USCCB)
Let us all continue to Run the Good Race!
Father Rick Nagel
Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church
Director of Young Adult Ministry & Associate Director of Vocations, Archdiocese of Indianapolis
cell# 317.697.0981
rnagel@archindy.org
"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7
"The Glory of God is man fully alive." St. Ireaneus
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Reflection #4 from Fr. Nagel
Call to Sacred Married Life
Dear Race for Vocations Participants,
Thank you for your commitment to pray for and Race for Vocations. I can only imagine how God is working in and through you. Among the call to vocation from God is the beautiful vocation of Marriage. Our world, country and Church has seen a brokenness of sacred married life. It is time to reclaim the sacredness and permanence of married life! As you train in these days ahead, let us pray for the rebuilding of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and for those who are being called or are already living this plan of God. Let us Rise Up with the Risen Christ and bring the Good News to all the world about God’s awesome plan for Sacred Married Life!
A message from Pope Benedict XVI to the Young Adults of America
“Dear young people, finally I wish to share a word about vocations. First of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and godparents. They have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you for baptism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of your life. On that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You became adoptive sons and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated into Christ. You were made a dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us pray for mothers and fathers throughout the world, particularly those who may be struggling in any way – socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor the vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life. Let us always appreciate that it is in families that vocations are given life.” Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to America – April 2008
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1601, 1643-1644, 1646-1648
ARTICLE 7 - THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
1601 "The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament."84
V. THE GOODS AND REQUIREMENTS OF CONJUGAL LOVE
1643 "Conjugal love involves a totality, in which all the elements of the person enter - appeal of the body and instinct, power of feeling and affectivity, aspiration of the spirit and of will. It aims at a deeply personal unity, a unity that, beyond union in one flesh, leads to forming one heart and soul; it demands indissolubility and faithfulness in definitive mutual giving; and it is open to fertility. In a word it is a question of the normal characteristics of all natural conjugal love, but with a new significance which not only purifies and strengthens them, but raises them to the extent of making them the expression of specifically Christian values."152
The unity and indissolubility of marriage
1644 The love of the spouses requires, of its very nature, the unity and indissolubility of the spouses' community of persons, which embraces their entire life: "so they are no longer two, but one flesh."153 They "are called to grow continually in their communion through day-to-day fidelity to their marriage promise of total mutual self-giving."154 This human communion is confirmed, purified, and completed by communion in Jesus Christ, given through the sacrament of Matrimony. It is deepened by lives of the common faith and by the Eucharist received together.
Questions for contemplation in prayer and while you train:
Marriage is a Sacrament; a visible sign of our invisible God. How so?
Did you know that the ultimate mission of marriage is to help get your spouse to heaven? How does this change your vision of marriage in our world?
In your eyes, who do you know that is a living example of married love? What do you see in them that you desire in yourself?
Why does the Church call marriage a “vocation?”
The world tells us that it is OK to live with someone outside of marriage. Why does the Church teach that a couple should only live together within the bond of marriage?
Check out the website: http://www.archindy.org/
* See Office of Family Ministries (under “Offices”)
A Vocations Prayer
Gracious and loving God, Your people are longing to hear your word. Send laborers into your harvest - women and men on fire with your love: Dedicated single people - who incarnate your presence in their daily lives, whose availability enables them to respond to a diversity of needs. Married couples - whose relationships serve as a sign of your fidelity to your people, whose love overflows to their children and neighbors. Ordained Ministers - who gather the prayers and longing of your people who serve as a channel of your presence through the sacraments. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests - whose life in community foreshadows our eternal unity in Christ, whose service brings your life to the world.May each of us respond with courage and generosity to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize the Spirit's call to men and women of good will, trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs.
Amen.
(USCCB)
Let us all continue to Run the Good Race!
Father Rick Nagel
Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church
Director of Young Adult Ministry & Associate Director of VocationsArchdiocese of Indianapolis
cell# 317.697.0981
rnagel@archindy.org
"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7
"The Glory of God is man fully alive." St. Ireaneus
Dear Race for Vocations Participants,
Thank you for your commitment to pray for and Race for Vocations. I can only imagine how God is working in and through you. Among the call to vocation from God is the beautiful vocation of Marriage. Our world, country and Church has seen a brokenness of sacred married life. It is time to reclaim the sacredness and permanence of married life! As you train in these days ahead, let us pray for the rebuilding of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and for those who are being called or are already living this plan of God. Let us Rise Up with the Risen Christ and bring the Good News to all the world about God’s awesome plan for Sacred Married Life!
A message from Pope Benedict XVI to the Young Adults of America
“Dear young people, finally I wish to share a word about vocations. First of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and godparents. They have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you for baptism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of your life. On that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You became adoptive sons and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated into Christ. You were made a dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us pray for mothers and fathers throughout the world, particularly those who may be struggling in any way – socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor the vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life. Let us always appreciate that it is in families that vocations are given life.” Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to America – April 2008
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1601, 1643-1644, 1646-1648
ARTICLE 7 - THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
1601 "The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament."84
V. THE GOODS AND REQUIREMENTS OF CONJUGAL LOVE
1643 "Conjugal love involves a totality, in which all the elements of the person enter - appeal of the body and instinct, power of feeling and affectivity, aspiration of the spirit and of will. It aims at a deeply personal unity, a unity that, beyond union in one flesh, leads to forming one heart and soul; it demands indissolubility and faithfulness in definitive mutual giving; and it is open to fertility. In a word it is a question of the normal characteristics of all natural conjugal love, but with a new significance which not only purifies and strengthens them, but raises them to the extent of making them the expression of specifically Christian values."152
The unity and indissolubility of marriage
1644 The love of the spouses requires, of its very nature, the unity and indissolubility of the spouses' community of persons, which embraces their entire life: "so they are no longer two, but one flesh."153 They "are called to grow continually in their communion through day-to-day fidelity to their marriage promise of total mutual self-giving."154 This human communion is confirmed, purified, and completed by communion in Jesus Christ, given through the sacrament of Matrimony. It is deepened by lives of the common faith and by the Eucharist received together.
Questions for contemplation in prayer and while you train:
Marriage is a Sacrament; a visible sign of our invisible God. How so?
Did you know that the ultimate mission of marriage is to help get your spouse to heaven? How does this change your vision of marriage in our world?
In your eyes, who do you know that is a living example of married love? What do you see in them that you desire in yourself?
Why does the Church call marriage a “vocation?”
The world tells us that it is OK to live with someone outside of marriage. Why does the Church teach that a couple should only live together within the bond of marriage?
Check out the website: http://www.archindy.org/
* See Office of Family Ministries (under “Offices”)
A Vocations Prayer
Gracious and loving God, Your people are longing to hear your word. Send laborers into your harvest - women and men on fire with your love: Dedicated single people - who incarnate your presence in their daily lives, whose availability enables them to respond to a diversity of needs. Married couples - whose relationships serve as a sign of your fidelity to your people, whose love overflows to their children and neighbors. Ordained Ministers - who gather the prayers and longing of your people who serve as a channel of your presence through the sacraments. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests - whose life in community foreshadows our eternal unity in Christ, whose service brings your life to the world.May each of us respond with courage and generosity to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize the Spirit's call to men and women of good will, trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs.
Amen.
(USCCB)
Let us all continue to Run the Good Race!
Father Rick Nagel
Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church
Director of Young Adult Ministry & Associate Director of VocationsArchdiocese of Indianapolis
cell# 317.697.0981
rnagel@archindy.org
"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7
"The Glory of God is man fully alive." St. Ireaneus
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
15K Training Series Race Saturday
Hello!
Anyone planning to do the 15K training race this Saturday, April 4th? If so, and you'd like to meet up with some other Race for Vocations participants prior to the start of the race, meet by the registration tables. Help show your support for our vocations cause and increase awareness by joining us in wearing last year's vocations race shirt if you have one (or you can contact Agena Hurrle to purchase one for $10).
Also coming up... Bricks to Bricks 10 Miler: Sunday, April 19, 2009, 7:30 am, Franklin Central High School. Great Mini training race! Meet up with other R4V participants! Wear last year's vocations race shirt. Register at: www.kenlongassoc.com/events/bricks10mi09.html
Hope to see/meet many more R4V participants this Saturday at the 15K!
Blessings,
Agena Hurrle
782.0789
Anyone planning to do the 15K training race this Saturday, April 4th? If so, and you'd like to meet up with some other Race for Vocations participants prior to the start of the race, meet by the registration tables. Help show your support for our vocations cause and increase awareness by joining us in wearing last year's vocations race shirt if you have one (or you can contact Agena Hurrle to purchase one for $10).
Also coming up... Bricks to Bricks 10 Miler: Sunday, April 19, 2009, 7:30 am, Franklin Central High School. Great Mini training race! Meet up with other R4V participants! Wear last year's vocations race shirt. Register at: www.kenlongassoc.com/events/bricks10mi09.html
Hope to see/meet many more R4V participants this Saturday at the 15K!
Blessings,
Agena Hurrle
782.0789
Reflection #3 from Fr. Nagel
LIVING A SACRED SINGLE LIFE
Dear Race for Vocations Participants,
Many times those who are single wonder where their place in the Church is today. As a single Catholic, one is called to live a Sacred Single Life, until God calls them forth to another vocation such as marriage, priesthood or religious life. Our Catholic singles are such an integral and vital part of the Body of Christ! They bring life, energy, resources and gifts to the Church in awesome and inspiring ways. To live a Sacred Single Life is to live to strive to live a life of VIRTUE! To live a Sacred Single Life is to live with CHRIST as the model!
A message from Pope Benedict XVI to the Young Adults of America
“Dear friends, truth is not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we come to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ. That is why authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in; nothing less than letting go of self and allowing oneself to be drawn into Christ’s very being for others (cf. Spe Salvi, 28).
At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage! Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s presence prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of Christianity. Let your imaginations soar freely along the limitless expanse of the horizons of Christian discipleship. Sometimes we are looked upon as people who speak only of prohibitions. Nothing could be further from the truth! Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense of wonder. We stand before the God we know and love as a friend, the vastness of his creation, and the beauty of our Christian faith. “ Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to America – April 2008
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1803, 1830 – 1832:
ARTICLE 7
THE VIRTUES
1803 "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."62
A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.
The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.63
III. THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1830 The moral life of Christians is sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David.109 They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.
Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.110
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God . . . If children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.111
1832 The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity."112
62 Phil 4:8, 63 St. Gregory of Nyssa, 110 Psalm 143:10, 111 Rom 8:14, 17, 112 Gal. 22-23
Questions to contemplate in prayer and while you train:
1. How does God want me to live a sacred and virtuous life?
2. Who do I know that is single and striving to live a life of virtue? What is different about them?
3. Why is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati a model for youth and young adults of this millennium?
4. What are the challenges that we face in this world that keep us from living a sacred life in Christ?
5. What gifts (personal and of the Church) has God given me to be able to conquer these obstacles?
Excellent Supplemental Activity: Check out Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Saint for the Youth and Young Adults of the Third Millennium www.frassatiusa.org
A Vocations Prayer
Gracious and loving God, Your people are longing to hear your word. Send laborers into your harvest - women and men on fire with your love: Dedicated single people - who incarnate your presence in their daily lives, whose availability enables them to respond to a diversity of needs. Married couples - whose relationships serve as a sign of your fidelity to your people, whose love overflows to their children and neighbors. Ordained Ministers - who gather the prayers and longing of your people who serve as a channel of your presence through the sacraments. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests - whose life in community foreshadows our eternal unity in Christ, whose service brings your life to the world.May each of us respond with courage and generosity to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize the Spirit's call to men and women of good will, trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs. Amen. (USCCB)
Let us all continue to Run the Good Race!
Father Rick Nagel
Dear Race for Vocations Participants,
Many times those who are single wonder where their place in the Church is today. As a single Catholic, one is called to live a Sacred Single Life, until God calls them forth to another vocation such as marriage, priesthood or religious life. Our Catholic singles are such an integral and vital part of the Body of Christ! They bring life, energy, resources and gifts to the Church in awesome and inspiring ways. To live a Sacred Single Life is to live to strive to live a life of VIRTUE! To live a Sacred Single Life is to live with CHRIST as the model!
A message from Pope Benedict XVI to the Young Adults of America
“Dear friends, truth is not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we come to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ. That is why authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in; nothing less than letting go of self and allowing oneself to be drawn into Christ’s very being for others (cf. Spe Salvi, 28).
At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage! Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s presence prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of Christianity. Let your imaginations soar freely along the limitless expanse of the horizons of Christian discipleship. Sometimes we are looked upon as people who speak only of prohibitions. Nothing could be further from the truth! Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense of wonder. We stand before the God we know and love as a friend, the vastness of his creation, and the beauty of our Christian faith. “ Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to America – April 2008
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1803, 1830 – 1832:
ARTICLE 7
THE VIRTUES
1803 "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."62
A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.
The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.63
III. THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1830 The moral life of Christians is sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David.109 They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.
Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.110
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God . . . If children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.111
1832 The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity."112
62 Phil 4:8, 63 St. Gregory of Nyssa, 110 Psalm 143:10, 111 Rom 8:14, 17, 112 Gal. 22-23
Questions to contemplate in prayer and while you train:
1. How does God want me to live a sacred and virtuous life?
2. Who do I know that is single and striving to live a life of virtue? What is different about them?
3. Why is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati a model for youth and young adults of this millennium?
4. What are the challenges that we face in this world that keep us from living a sacred life in Christ?
5. What gifts (personal and of the Church) has God given me to be able to conquer these obstacles?
Excellent Supplemental Activity: Check out Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Saint for the Youth and Young Adults of the Third Millennium www.frassatiusa.org
A Vocations Prayer
Gracious and loving God, Your people are longing to hear your word. Send laborers into your harvest - women and men on fire with your love: Dedicated single people - who incarnate your presence in their daily lives, whose availability enables them to respond to a diversity of needs. Married couples - whose relationships serve as a sign of your fidelity to your people, whose love overflows to their children and neighbors. Ordained Ministers - who gather the prayers and longing of your people who serve as a channel of your presence through the sacraments. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests - whose life in community foreshadows our eternal unity in Christ, whose service brings your life to the world.May each of us respond with courage and generosity to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize the Spirit's call to men and women of good will, trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs. Amen. (USCCB)
Let us all continue to Run the Good Race!
Father Rick Nagel
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Reflection #2 from Fr. Nagel
Race for Vocations Participants,
As we continue to pray for the increase of vocations to the priesthood, consecrated/religious life, sacred married life and sacred single life, one must first consider the Universal Call to Holiness and our first vocation through baptism of Charity! You are called to holiness and to respond in your life through Charity…
Universal Call to Holiness
“Dear young people of America, your personal prayer, your times of silent contemplation, and your participation in the Church’s liturgy, bring you closer to God and also prepare you to serve others. The saints show us that the life of faith and hope is also a life of charity. Contemplating Jesus on the Cross we see love in its most radical form. We can begin to imagine the path of love along which we must move (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 12). The opportunities to make this journey are abundant. Look about you with Christ’s eyes, listen with his ears, feel and think with his heart and mind. Are you ready to give all as he did for truth and justice?” Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to America – April 2008
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 825 – 826
II. THE CHURCH IS HOLY
825 "The Church on earth is endowed already with a sanctity that is real though imperfect."295 In her members perfect holiness is something yet to be acquired: "Strengthened by so many and such great means of salvation, all the faithful, whatever their condition or state - though each in his own way - are called by the Lord to that perfection of sanctity by which the Father himself is perfect."296
826 Charity is the soul of the holiness to which all are called: it "governs, shapes, and perfects all the means of sanctification."297
If the Church was a body composed of different members, it couldn't lack the noblest of all; it must have a Heart, and a Heart BURNING WITH LOVE. And I realized that this love alone was the true motive force which enabled the other members of the Church to act; if it ceased to function, the Apostles would forget to preach the gospel, the Martyrs would refuse to shed their blood. LOVE, IN FACT, IS THE VOCATION WHICH INCLUDES ALL OTHERS; IT'S A UNIVERSE OF ITS OWN, COMPRISING ALL TIME AND SPACE - IT'S ETERNAL! 298
296 LG 11, 3
298 St Theresa of Lisieux, Autobiography of a Saint
Questions to contemplate in prayer and while you train:
Can you think of someone in your life who strives to be holy? What do you see in them that you would like to see in yourself?
Have you decided to strive to be holy, with God’s grace? Why or why not?
Who is one of your favorite saints who, serves as a model for you in life?
What are some good practices one should follow as a Catholic in the journey to holiness? Acts of Charity which God calls you to?
May we all strive for holiness and act with charity in all we do!
With a Father’s Love,
Father Rick Nagel
As we continue to pray for the increase of vocations to the priesthood, consecrated/religious life, sacred married life and sacred single life, one must first consider the Universal Call to Holiness and our first vocation through baptism of Charity! You are called to holiness and to respond in your life through Charity…
Universal Call to Holiness
“Dear young people of America, your personal prayer, your times of silent contemplation, and your participation in the Church’s liturgy, bring you closer to God and also prepare you to serve others. The saints show us that the life of faith and hope is also a life of charity. Contemplating Jesus on the Cross we see love in its most radical form. We can begin to imagine the path of love along which we must move (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 12). The opportunities to make this journey are abundant. Look about you with Christ’s eyes, listen with his ears, feel and think with his heart and mind. Are you ready to give all as he did for truth and justice?” Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to America – April 2008
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 825 – 826
II. THE CHURCH IS HOLY
825 "The Church on earth is endowed already with a sanctity that is real though imperfect."295 In her members perfect holiness is something yet to be acquired: "Strengthened by so many and such great means of salvation, all the faithful, whatever their condition or state - though each in his own way - are called by the Lord to that perfection of sanctity by which the Father himself is perfect."296
826 Charity is the soul of the holiness to which all are called: it "governs, shapes, and perfects all the means of sanctification."297
If the Church was a body composed of different members, it couldn't lack the noblest of all; it must have a Heart, and a Heart BURNING WITH LOVE. And I realized that this love alone was the true motive force which enabled the other members of the Church to act; if it ceased to function, the Apostles would forget to preach the gospel, the Martyrs would refuse to shed their blood. LOVE, IN FACT, IS THE VOCATION WHICH INCLUDES ALL OTHERS; IT'S A UNIVERSE OF ITS OWN, COMPRISING ALL TIME AND SPACE - IT'S ETERNAL! 298
296 LG 11, 3
298 St Theresa of Lisieux, Autobiography of a Saint
Questions to contemplate in prayer and while you train:
Can you think of someone in your life who strives to be holy? What do you see in them that you would like to see in yourself?
Have you decided to strive to be holy, with God’s grace? Why or why not?
Who is one of your favorite saints who, serves as a model for you in life?
What are some good practices one should follow as a Catholic in the journey to holiness? Acts of Charity which God calls you to?
May we all strive for holiness and act with charity in all we do!
With a Father’s Love,
Father Rick Nagel
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Save the Dates!
Mini 15K Training Race: Saturday, April 4, 2009, 8:oo am, downtown Indianapolis. Join other R4V participants! Wear last year's vocations race shirt. Register at: www.500festival.com/events/TrainingSeries.asp
Bricks to Bricks 10 Miler: Sunday, April 19, 2009, 7:30 am, Franklin Central High School. Great Mini training race! Meet up with other R4V participants! Wear last year's vocations race shirt. Register at: www.kenlongassoc.com/events/bricks10mi09.html
Mass for Vocations: Friday, May 1, 2009, 6:30 pm at St. John's downtown! Archbishop Buechlein presiding.
Pasta Dinner: Friday, May 1, 2009, immediately following the Mass for Vocations under the big top tent in St. John's parking lot! Free will donation accepted. All runners and their families/friends invited to attend.
Race for Vocations: Saturday, May 2, 2009, Indianapolis Mini-Marathon.
Mass celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis : Sunday, May 3, 2009, 3 pm, Lucas Oil Stadium. All Race for Vocations participants are welcome to attend!
Bricks to Bricks 10 Miler: Sunday, April 19, 2009, 7:30 am, Franklin Central High School. Great Mini training race! Meet up with other R4V participants! Wear last year's vocations race shirt. Register at: www.kenlongassoc.com/events/bricks10mi09.html
Mass for Vocations: Friday, May 1, 2009, 6:30 pm at St. John's downtown! Archbishop Buechlein presiding.
Pasta Dinner: Friday, May 1, 2009, immediately following the Mass for Vocations under the big top tent in St. John's parking lot! Free will donation accepted. All runners and their families/friends invited to attend.
Race for Vocations: Saturday, May 2, 2009, Indianapolis Mini-Marathon.
Mass celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis : Sunday, May 3, 2009, 3 pm, Lucas Oil Stadium. All Race for Vocations participants are welcome to attend!
Reflection #1 from Fr. Nagel
Race for Vocations Participants,
In these days ahead, let us be reminded of St. Paul 's words to Timothy about the race for eternal life, "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7 May this scripture be a guiding light for both the Race for Vocations and our lives as we run the good race for holiness!
In the weeks ahead, I will be sending you weekly e-mails with a particular scripture to pray and train with. In addition, I would encourage you to continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, sacred married and sacred single life as you train each week.
This week, let us focus on the aforementioned scripture from II Timothy 4:7. In reflecting on this passage, one might ask themselves, "How am doing in running the race to holiness? How am I allowing God to feed me to grow in faithfulness? Am I competing well in my relationship with God and with His people?"
Please be sure to ask others to pledge prayers for your run. You may post their prayer pledges at: http://www.indyteamvocations.blogspot.com/ This is also an awesome blog for you to join and keep informed of upcoming events, runners and the happenings of Team Vocations!
OK Team Vocations, get your training and praying on!!!
With a Father's Love,
Father Rick Nagel
Director of Young Adult and College Campus Ministry
Associate Director of Vocations
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
cell# 317.697.0981
http://us.mc310.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=rnagel@archindy.org
In these days ahead, let us be reminded of St. Paul 's words to Timothy about the race for eternal life, "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7 May this scripture be a guiding light for both the Race for Vocations and our lives as we run the good race for holiness!
In the weeks ahead, I will be sending you weekly e-mails with a particular scripture to pray and train with. In addition, I would encourage you to continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, sacred married and sacred single life as you train each week.
This week, let us focus on the aforementioned scripture from II Timothy 4:7. In reflecting on this passage, one might ask themselves, "How am doing in running the race to holiness? How am I allowing God to feed me to grow in faithfulness? Am I competing well in my relationship with God and with His people?"
Please be sure to ask others to pledge prayers for your run. You may post their prayer pledges at: http://www.indyteamvocations.blogspot.com/ This is also an awesome blog for you to join and keep informed of upcoming events, runners and the happenings of Team Vocations!
OK Team Vocations, get your training and praying on!!!
With a Father's Love,
Father Rick Nagel
Director of Young Adult and College Campus Ministry
Associate Director of Vocations
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
cell# 317.697.0981
http://us.mc310.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=rnagel@archindy.org
Friday, March 6, 2009
10K Race and more
Who's doing the 10K tomorrow? Don't forget to wear your Vocations shirt from last year. Meet up by the registration tables before the race, and look for other participants in their shirts after the race near the finish line/drink & snack tables. Watch for other participants in their shirts and cheer them on!
Does anyone want a Vocations running singlet from last year to help make a visual presence and increase awareness for our cause? They're $10 each. Ladies and Adult sizes are available (the Ladies sizes are lined in the front). There are 60+ left over singlets from last year that I'm trying to get rid of for Arch. Indy. Any takers? There are two other training races before the Mini in which we'll be meeting, and you can wear the shirt then too. I'll have some shirts with me at the race tomorrow, or you can post here or reply to one of my emails. Make checks payable to Archdiocese of Indpls.
During a race (and during training too) is a good time to offer up prayers for vocations. For example, you could say an 'Our Father', or other prayer(s), as you pass each mile marker. I find it inspirational to pray during a run, and you're doing something for a greater good, other than just for yourself.
Hope to see a lot of you tomorrow!
Godspeed,
Agena Hurrle
Does anyone want a Vocations running singlet from last year to help make a visual presence and increase awareness for our cause? They're $10 each. Ladies and Adult sizes are available (the Ladies sizes are lined in the front). There are 60+ left over singlets from last year that I'm trying to get rid of for Arch. Indy. Any takers? There are two other training races before the Mini in which we'll be meeting, and you can wear the shirt then too. I'll have some shirts with me at the race tomorrow, or you can post here or reply to one of my emails. Make checks payable to Archdiocese of Indpls.
During a race (and during training too) is a good time to offer up prayers for vocations. For example, you could say an 'Our Father', or other prayer(s), as you pass each mile marker. I find it inspirational to pray during a run, and you're doing something for a greater good, other than just for yourself.
Hope to see a lot of you tomorrow!
Godspeed,
Agena Hurrle
Saturday, February 14, 2009
WELCOME TEAM!
Hello Race for Vocations participants!
Here's a site to communicate with other Race for Vocations participants. This is YOUR site, so please consider checking it often and posting what you'd like. Add yourself as a follower to this blog so others can view your profile and get to know you. If your interested in finding other R4V participants your speed, add your pace to your profile too. Hope many of you will use this as a source for training information, encouragement, fellowship and more. Additional blog content will be added periodically, so check back often!
Add your comments/posts at the "Posts/Comments" link below.
Happy training, and keep those vocation prayers coming!
PS - Stay tuned for info on meeting up at local training races in March and April!
(This blog has been encouraged and approved by Courtney Mitchell and Fr. Nagel)
Here's a site to communicate with other Race for Vocations participants. This is YOUR site, so please consider checking it often and posting what you'd like. Add yourself as a follower to this blog so others can view your profile and get to know you. If your interested in finding other R4V participants your speed, add your pace to your profile too. Hope many of you will use this as a source for training information, encouragement, fellowship and more. Additional blog content will be added periodically, so check back often!
Add your comments/posts at the "Posts/Comments" link below.
Happy training, and keep those vocation prayers coming!
PS - Stay tuned for info on meeting up at local training races in March and April!
(This blog has been encouraged and approved by Courtney Mitchell and Fr. Nagel)
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2008 Team Vocations participants, Roger Neal (left), Julie Johnstone, Gabrielle Campo and Anthony Campo. John Demerly is featured in the photo in the upper right of page. (Photo from Criterion)
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