VOCATIONS & CLERGY SUPPORT

VOCATIONS SUPPORT PROGRAM

Along with the Grand Knight, Chaplain, and Church Activities Director, it is the special charge of the Chancellor to keep us aware of the need for priests and religious vocations.  Given that we adopt a seminarian, he will probably be the person to maintain dialogue and to share correspondence with him.

The State Council Vocations Support Program is committed to helping individuals considering a religious vocation and concentrates on the priesthood, the deaconate, and the religious life. It falls to all Catholics to create an environment that is friendly to vocations, and where those beckoned can clearly hear God’s call and feel encouraged to respond. Your council should not only talk about vocations, but also actively pursue their support. Our Vocations Support Program is tied closely to the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) from the Supreme Council.

To have a successful council Vocations Support Program, the Grand Knight should appoint a vocations chairman (perhaps one of the associate chaplains, priest or permanent deacon) to coordinate council activities. The council should promote and celebrate observances in support of vocations, (World Vocations Day, Vocations Awareness Week etc.) Consider saying prayers for vocations at council meetings and other suitable times. Promote activities that get the vocation message into homes. There is a large amount of material available from the Supreme Council, and many program examples are listed in the “Surge … with Service” manual. The program gives council members a better understanding of the men and women who pursue religious vocations and encourages direct interaction with them.

In 1985, the State Convention unanimously passed a resolution that each council in Maryland assist a diocesan seminarian financially each year. This is referred to as the “Adopt a Seminarian Program”. The State Council Vocations Support Program encourages councils to adopt a seminarian financially, expanding the council’s moral support efforts in a practical way.

When a council “adopts” one or more seminarians or postulants and provides them with financial assistance, prayers and moral support, at the end of the fraternal year the Supreme Council will provide an incentive reimbursement. Through the RSVP Program qualifying councils receive a $100 refund for every $500 given. You may divide a $500 gift between two beneficiaries and still receive a refund. The funds must be given during the July 1 – June 30 fraternal year. Councils that provide substantial moral support to seminarians or postulants (such as letters, visits, including them in functions) receive a plaque. Councils may also adopt seminarians or postulants outside their immediate area or diocese.

The Grand Knight with the council should determine how much financial help the council will provide, and how the funds will be provided. To qualify for refund assistance from Supreme, the Grand Knight must ensure that the RSVP application is returned to the Supreme Council between April 1 and June 30.

Arrangements should be made for your council’s seminarian to be introduced to the council. If the seminarian is not a Knight, invite him to join our Order. You should have regular correspondence with the seminarian (such as Christmas cards, birthday cards, newsletters and notes) and invite him to the council gatherings and make him or her feel welcome. It is most important for the council to provide moral support for the seminarian.

Grand Knights will receive a letter from the State Council Vocations Support Program chairmen providing the details of the program and a form to complete and return to the chairmen. You have an opportunity to select your own seminarian(s), or you can ask the State Council to assign one to you.

Through your vocations support program, whether or not you financially adopt a seminarian or postulant, your council provides real assistance, prayers and moral support toward filling a great need.