National Vocations Awareness Week is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in Australia dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life and to renewing our prayers and support for those who are discerning one of these particular vocations.

This year, National Vocations Awareness Week is celebrated from 3-10 August, which coincides with the celebrations of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (8th August), and the Patron Saint of Priests, Saint John Vianney (4th August).

Pope Leo XIV, recently at Regina Caeli, called upon the people of God to pray for all vocations, especially those to the priesthood and consecrated life. The Pope invited the Church “to welcome and accompany young people” and help them in their discernment, while encouraging young people, “Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!” (Regina Caeli, 11 May, 2025).

This week, we are invited to reflect upon our own vocation and how we may continue to foster vocations in our parish and Diocese.