The Catholic Church in the United States will observe National Vocation Awareness Week from November 2 to 8. This annual event involves Catholic organizations, dioceses, schools, and parish communities organizing activities and offering resources to highlight vocations. The focus is on supporting those considering a vocation, especially to ordained ministry or consecrated life.

Bishop Earl A. Boyea, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, emphasized the importance of recognizing various callings during this period. “In this Jubilee Year of Hope, let us celebrate all who have responded to God’s call whether to serve as husbands, wives, parents, priests and others as ordained ministers, or consecrated persons,” said Bishop Boyea.

He also referenced a meditation from Pope Leo XIV during the Jubilee of Seminarians: “If you cultivate your heart through daily periods of silence, meditation, and prayer, you will learn the art of discernment. This, too, is important: learning discernment. When we are young, we overflow with desires, dreams and ambitions. Our hearts can often be overwhelmed and bewildered. On the other hand, if we follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we will surely learn to keep all those things in our heart and meditate on them.”

The week aims to encourage both prayer and a renewed commitment to supporting young people as they discern their vocations.