For the 10th consecutive year, the National Catholic Broadcasting Council (NCBC) is inviting Catholics across Canada to join in its powerful week of Masses dedicated to prayers for vocations, airing April 19 to 26 on the Daily TV Mass.

In partnership with the Serra Foundation of Canada, this week culminates on Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, with Cardinal Thomas Collins as celebrant. Each day leading up to April 26 will spotlight a different vocation through special homilies and reflections. 

Deacon Mike Walsh, NCBC's president and executive director, spoke to the daily vocational focus and liturgical integration of this year’s 10th offering. 

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“ We start with an introduction and a prayer for the priesthood, with one of the transitional deacons from the Ordinandi Dinner joining to preach as a deacon before returning whenever his schedule allows as a priest. We want to show people that our young people are committing their lives to the faith and the priesthood in different ways,” he told The Catholic Register. 

“We will also have a reflection on religious life from a sister from the Sisters of Life, and as with the last number of years, we've been doing reflections from consecrated virgins as well as one of the oldest vocations in the Catholic Church. Our viewers can expect that as we also touch on single life and missionary vocations as well.” 

Viewers are once again encouraged to submit prayer intentions for those discerning or living a vocation via dailytvmass.com, which will be incorporated into the Masses throughout the week. This year draws a unique inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s recent message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, urging the faithful to “discover the gift within God is calling,” which emphasizes a personal relationship with God through prayer, discernment and entrusting oneself so that vocations can mature and bear fruit. 

The Week of Masses for Vocations has become one of the Daily TV Mass community’s most appreciated annual offerings. Walsh noted its history has grown directly out of one of the most frequent prayer requests the program receives in prayers for both the return of young people to the faith and for those discerning or living their vocations. Over the past 10 years, the week has drawn a strong response from viewers, particularly for its ability to highlight young transitional deacons and newly ordained priests.

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“It’s been a great offering, and we have a lot of priests now who weren't priests when they did their transitional diaconate talks for us. I remember the first being Fr. Matthew McCarthy, the now vocations director, which is such a full-circle moment,” Walsh said. 

Further, the Week of Masses for Vocations stands out as an accessible opportunity for the Daily TV Mass’ community of prayer to make a difference, especially for those looking for ways to contribute to the Church through prayer. 

"This week is a beautiful gift we can offer, and we are grateful to partner with Serra Canada in creating this sustained time of prayer that can truly support those discerning their call," Walsh said. 

JP Savage, president of Serra Foundation of Canada, emphasized the power behind the initiative's invitation to united prayer. 

“Vocations are born in prayer. This special week offers the Catholic Church in Canada and beyond an opportunity to pray intentionally and persistently for those whom God is calling. Serra Canada is honoured to collaborate with the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, and together, we can unite families, parishes and individuals in prayer and support the next generation of priests, deacons, religious and committed lay faithful,” Savage said. 

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