The Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week which begins on January 9, 2011 and concludes on January 15, 2011. Vocation Awareness Week celebrates vocations to the priesthood in particular. During these days families and the parish community are urged to nurture the faith of their children to prepare them to respond to whatever God's call is for them.

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 10, 2011 each parish will have Adoration throughout the day with Holy Hour from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

On Friday, January 12, 2011, there will be a Gathering for Young Men with Cardinal Rigali at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The evening will include a candlelight procession, a tour of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Night Prayer and Reflection by Cardinal Rigali.

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 9 this year, marks the initiation of Jesus into public ministry.

For more information about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood visit www.HeedTheCall.org.