Youths invited to FOCUS 11 vocation awareness program

By Mary Huwa

Youths in the sixth and 11th grades are invited to a vocation awareness program to be held Oct. 20, 21 and 22 at Holy Trinity Church auditorium, 7595 Federal Blvd. in Westminster. The event promotes an awareness of Church vocations to the priesthood, and to the consecrated and religious life.

The FOCUS 11 program is being sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Vocation Council with the approval of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., and with the assistance of the Archdiocesan Office of Priestly Vocations.

The name FOCUS 11 highlights that the program is for students either 11 years old or in the 11th grade.  It met with such great success in the Denver Archdiocese the past three years that it has now become an annual event.

Grades six and 11 were chosen as the ones to focus on because studies have shown that most priests, consecrated and religious persons first thought about their vocation around the age of 11 and then again in their junior year of high school.

The program for 11th graders is scheduled for Oct. 20.  The program for sixth-graders is being offered twice, on Oct. 21 and 22.  The day will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.  It will include the celebration of Mass, panel discussions, a scavenger hunt, trivia questions and other activities.

Booths representing various communities from the Archdiocese of Denver will be set up in the auditorium.  The Archdiocesan Office of Priestly Vocations will also have a booth.  The students will visit the booths to complete their scavenger hunt/trivia quiz.  Prizes will be given to the winners.  The students should bring their own lunches.  Cookies and drinks will be provided.

A committee, consisting of members from the various religious orders and the Office of Priestly Vocations, is planning the event under the direction of Dominican Sister Teri Wall.  Additionally, the Knights of Columbus and members of the various Serra Clubs will be assisting to keep the activities running smoothly.

All Catholics who are 11 years old (or in the sixth grade) or are in the 11th grade are encouraged to attend.  For those students in the Catholic schools, the program is scheduled in the curriculum for their participation.

For information and/or to register, call Sister Teri Wall at 303-922-2997 or the Office of Priestly Vocations at 303-282-3429.