One of the main vocation promoter events is Diocesan Vocation Awareness Week, which involves three events that the ministry plans and organizes: Holy Hour for Vocations, Called By Name Sunday and Vocation Lessons. They work with the parish pastor, business administrator, office staff, director of faith formation and youth minister to make each of these tasks successful.

As a ministry, they have hosted seminarian visits, offered transportation to Project Andrew in Waco to prospective priests, invited other ministries to attend meetings, hosted Vocations Ministry Welcome Sunday for parishioners and guests to learn more and displayed vocations posters throughout the parish campus. Soon they hope to have a traveling vocations crucifix for families to take home and pray with for vocations.    

Last year, the group planned a dinner and speaker program for the high school religious education students. Guest speakers included Father Miguel Flores, a diocesan priest serving at Fort Cavazos, and two sisters from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Students enjoyed a meal, heard the guests’ personal vocation stories and participated in a question-and-answer session.

Fostering vocations at Christ the King has been a meaningful and blessed experience for each member of the ministry, they said. As they have grown in this ministry, they have obtained courage to approach parishioners or guests after Mass to ask if they have considered the priesthood or religious life and to invite them to a diocesan event.

Chris Anderson, a new member in the ministry, said, “I am happy to participate and call attention to the need of vocations in our diocese and the world.”

Steve Wick, who chairs the ministry, said in its 2000-year history, the church has faced many challenges that diminish the development of bodies, minds and spirits. Therefore, he said, “It is imperative that, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we as members of the Body of Christ do all we can to foster, encourage, and support those of our members called to priesthood and religious life. These will be our future leaders that, through their life’s work of prayer and ministry, will guide the church ever forward continuing to overcome all challenges.”