Message from Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, Bishop, Diocese of Cleveland on National Vocation Awareness Week, Nov. 5-11

National Vocation Awareness week is an opportunity for all Catholics to encourage those inquiring about their vocation to ask: ?What calling and mission has God called me to?? This is particularly important on the parish level where one?s call to their vocation -- whether it is to marriage, priesthood, consecrated life, diaconate, or single life -- is first experienced.

Jesus Christ?s own words of, ?Do not be afraid!? encourages us as disciples today to abandon ourselves into the Lord?s plans. As we celebrate this week we remember each baptized disciple is called to a particular path of love, joy, and self-gift. We also know that in a fast-paced and noisy world our prayers and invitations to those seeking clarity about their vocation