The Parish Vocation Cross Program

Each parish in the Diocese of Oakland is encouraged to participate in the Vocation Cross program. Why? Because the Vocation Cross program responds to Jesus’ command, “Pray to the master of the harvest to send out workers for the harvest” (Mt: 9: 38). In addition, the Vocation Cross program helps raise awareness of the need for vocations among the Catholic faithful.

How does the Vocation Cross program work? Each Sunday a family, couple or individual comes forward at the end of mass to receive the vocation cross and prayers. In taking the cross they commit themselves to pray during the week for vocations for priests, religious sisters and brothers, deacons and lay ecclesial ministers. At the end of the week they return the cross and prayers before start of mass the following week so that other parishioners can participate. This occurs week after week.

Each parish participating in the program will receive one Vocation Cross and a packet of materials. The materials, available in English and Spanish include:

A Sample Parish Announcement
A Sample Directions Sheet
A Sample Sign-up Sheet
The Priest’s Sending Forth Commissioning
The Prayer for Vocations

Additional Vocation Crosses may be purchased through the Vocations Office for $7.50 each. For more information, please call the Vocations Office at 510-267-8356. Thank you for your participation in the Vocation Cross Program.

Master of the Harvest, Hear our Prayer!