Today we celebrate Vocations Awareness Week by highlighting Holy Cross parishioner Emily Byers, who shares her beautiful calling to the vocation of consecrated virginity. Emily speaks about her journey of discernment, what it means to live as a consecrated virgin in the world, and what her life has looked like thus far as she lives out her vocation. Let us join together in prayer for an increase in this unique and sacred vocation—and for all those discerning and in formation within our diocese.

In today’s Vocations Awareness Week feature, we hear from seminarian Matthew Gomez as he shares about his calling and discernment to the priesthood. Matthew is currently in his second year of formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Today, we pray in a special way for an increase in vocations to the priesthood within our diocese. We also ask that you keep Matthew and all of our seminarians in your prayers as they continue their journey of faith and discernment to the priesth

During this National Vocations Awareness Week, we wish you a Happy First Friday of November. Please pray for all consecrated men and women who have professed to unite themselves to the sacrifice of Christ everyday. May the Eucharist always renew their efforts to spread God’s mercy and love here on earth. And may those who are called to continue this mission have the courage and wisdom to respond. “At the moment of your religious profession you were offered to God by the Church, in close union wi