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Fruits of inaugural Run4Vocations spur 2011 campaign, priest says
By John Gleason
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A campaign to increase vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. For information, to register or to pledge prayers Races: Oct. 9: Denver Marathon, Bannock Street, between 14th Avenue and Colfax Boulevard, Denver. |
It’s a simple slogan: Join, pray … and run! The best part is if you don’t run, you can still participate.
Organizers of the 2011 Run4Vocations campaign are not only encouraging people to pray for vocations to the priesthood, but they are also signing up anyone who wants to lace up their sneakers and participate in upcoming runs. The event is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Vocations.
Runners can participate in either the Jericho Jog, a 5K race and family 1K sponsored by St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial on Aug. 20; or the Denver Marathon in either a full or half-marathon to be held on Oct. 9. Participants can run as individuals, in teams or entire families can join the campaign. Last year 28 runners took part, including Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley. Although time is short to sign up for the Jericho Jog, potential runners have almost eight weeks to gather a team for the Denver Marathon.
Each runner tries to sign up at least 20 people to pray for vocations, although last year most of the participants signed up even more. Those who would like to pledge prayers can do so online by filling out the prayer pledge found at the website www.Priest4Christ.com.
Father Jim Crisman, head of the Office of Vocations, was also a runner in last year’s inaugural Run4Vocations campaign. He said he couldn’t emphasize enough the importance of people praying for vocations to the priesthood.
“We’ve seen in the past that when we get a significant number of people praying for vocations, the number of men who come to my door enthusiastic about the spiritual life increases,” he said. “They come with the Lord in their hearts and prepared for the challenge of seminary.”
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Photo by Daniel Petty |
A year ago 10 men entered the seminary, according to Father Crisman. This fall, that number is doubled.
“Because of the Run4Vocations, we had hundreds of people praying,” he said, “and this year we have 20 men entering the seminary. That is the power of prayer.”
Josh Meier is one of those men entering Denver’s St. John Vianney Theological Seminary this year. Meier, 25, also participated in the inaugural run. He said he considers himself proof that prayers for vocations really do work.
Meier, who worked as a CPA in Wheat Ridge, said the idea of a vocation was something he had carried around for awhile and when he heard about the run, he knew he had to take part.
“It helped me hear God’s call,” he said. “Here I am.”
Those who wish to sponsor a runner with prayer, or just offer a devotion for the intention of increasing vocations to holy orders and consecrated life can do so at www.priest4christ.com/run/prayer-pledges.
Pledged prayers can include personal Mass intentions, Eucharistic holy hours, recitation of the rosary, fasting or novenas. For more information, call 303-282-3429.
Prayer for Vocations
God, our Father, we turn to you in this time of great need. We trust in your loving kindness and ask you to hear the prayers we offer for Your Church.
Bless the Church with many men and women willing to generously offer their lives to you in holy orders and consecrated life. You inspire and bring to fulfillment every good intention. Bless and guide those who are discerning your call to holiness and service. Give them courage, steadfast love and a spirit of charity as they seek to respond faithfully to you.
We offer this prayer for the Archdiocese of Denver and for the whole Church in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
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