Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia,has asked for all of the faithful throughout the Archdiocese to be united in prayer for an increase in priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. On January 11, 2010 each parish will have Adoration throughout the day with Holy Hour from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

National Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the Bishop's Conference designated the 28th Sunday of the year as the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week. In 1997 this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 10 this year, marks the initiation of Jesus into public ministry.

In this year when the Church is celebrating the Year of the Priest, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud to release a new Video on the Priesthood entitled COME AND SEE: DISCERNING THE PRIESTLY CALL OF JESUS. This dynamic and informative video featuring the work and vocation of Philadelphia priests and is meant to assist young men in their consideration of God's call to be a priest. The debut showing of this video will take place on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 8 p.m.at St. Charles Seminary when the Cardinal hosts an Evening for Young Men who are considering the vocation to the priesthood. Segments of the video will be featured on the Archdiocesan Website for Priestly Vocations www.HeedTheCall.org

National Vocation Awareness Week begins on January 10, 2010 and will conclude on January 16, 2010. For more information about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood visit www.HeedTheCall.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747