About World Day of Prayer for Vocations

On this 63rd anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, also liturgically known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we are invited to pray for and promote all vocations.  Initiated by Saint Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council in 1964, the purpose of this day is to help all of us respond to God's call and to support in prayer all those who are discerning how to best respond to the needs of today in the vocation God calls them to be.

Participating in parish life is a way individuals can discern their vocation and receive prayerful support from parishioners. Matter of fact, people in parishes are more likely to encourage someone to discern their vocation than their own family members! Consider connecting with parishes and asking for opportunities to share information and resources about religious vocations. Examples include:
 
Speaking before, during, or after liturgical celebrations.
Presenting in youth and young adult religious education classes.
Sharing NRVC resources as bulletin inserts. See a list of NRVC resources below.
Facilitating communal prayer services on college campuses and spaces where young adults gather.
Sharing your favorite vocation discernment prayers or songs.
Taking photos of people specifically praying for vocations to post on social media. 
Showcasing your Chapel and sacred spaces available for others to join you in praying for vocations. 


Many parishes and religious institutes commemorate this day by praying for vocations and supporting vocation promotion events. Considering that 73 percent of women and men professing final vows participated in one or more parish activities and 88 percent served in one or more parish ministries before entering religious life, our presence and participation in activities that mark this special day are essential.

Prayer is essential in all of our lives, join a global effort in praying for vocations on April 26, 2026. Embrace this annual event to deepen your vocation outreach with our thoughtfully crafted prayer intentions. Inspired by the various intercessions from NRVC Convocation liturgies, this new handout offers a rich, intercultural focus to choose from over 40 intentions for vocations.  Customize this resource in three easy steps to inspire heartfelt prayers integrating your charism, mission, and spirituality.  This Handout is also translated into Spanish thanks to the NRVC Incorporating Cultural Diversity into Religious Life Committee. 

Of particular note, respondents to the 2020 NRVC/CARA Study of Recent Vocations to Religious Life reported that the day-to-day rhythm of communal prayer is paramount in community life. Below are the types of prayer preferred by newer entrants: