A Wall of Vocations

While visiting St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Centennial, CO this past August, Mila Glodava, parish Director of Communications and Stewardship was giving me a tour of their newly remodeled facilities, pointing out various features and areas that had been added since I was there last. I have always admired this parish and the things they continue to do throughout the world, but I found the church enhancements thoughtful, seeming to have the good of the parishioner's souls in mind. One example: Do you know how most parishes have an area where parishioners can light a devotional candle for a special person or prayer intention heavy on their hearts? Well, St. Thomas More has a devotion room full of candles, kneelers and a few saintly figures. It's warm, inviting and private, smells wonderfully soft like warm candle wax, and feels very intimate. I could envision myself spending a lot of time here had I lived anywhere near Centennial.

I was speechless, however, when Mila showed me what she is most proud of at St. Thomas More. They have a wall of vocations. No kidding. And, it's a BIG wall! And, the great news is they're running out of room on that wall. They've hung pictures of all the men and women from the parish who have entered into a priestly or religious vocation since they began teaching stewardship 21 years ago. The numbers are impressive - 16 priests, 10 deacons, 9 seminarians/novices, 3 sisters, 1 brother, and 1 in diaconate formation. Wow! That surely is something to be proud of and a true measurement of success and testimony to their efforts.

The best part? This is no accident. You see, St. Thomas More, under the leadership of their Pastor, Father Andrew Kemberling, uses an annual six-phase stewardship focus, and one of the six areas they emphasize is Stewardship of Vocations. Our Sunday Visitor published a book called Making Stewardship A Way of Life about their highly successful approach, if you want to learn more. You can find the book on our website at https://catalog.osv.com/catalog.aspx?SimpleDisplay=true&ProductCode=X861, but certainly no one can argue those numbers or say that stewardship at St. Thomas More is "just about money".

Better get back to that vineyard. You go, too, my Friend. While we're working, let's pray together for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.