Reflection for World Day of Prayer for Vocations

By Fr. Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S

Earlier in the week I was picking up some groceries at a local store, and as I made my way down the aisle a Mom called out, “Ben, where are you.” A voice from a distant aisle calls back, “I’m over here mom.” I could tell from the tone of his Mom’s voice that Ben needed to get back to her side right now. I smiled as I thought about today’s Gospel reading and how Jesus the Good Shepherd knows each of us by name and calls to us to stay close by His side.

Do you realize that ever since you got up this morning God has been speaking to you? We hear His voice through the gift of family life, the beauty of creation, greetings from fellow parishioners, through quiet prayer, our scripture readings and soon we will hear his invitation to receive his Body and Blood, food for our spiritual journey. Just like young Ben, we get into trouble when we wander off on our own and fail to stay close to Jesus.

On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Church asks us to reflect upon the call we have responded to in life and to encourage our young people to listen for the voice of Jesus in their lives. In looking at the various states in life, there are those who choose to live their vocational call to holiness as married couples, offering their sacramental love as a living sign of God’s love for all people. Some people live their call to holiness as a single person joyfully sharing their gifts and talents in the work-a-day world. Still others respond to the call to holiness as a priest or consecrated brother or sister.

Parents and grandparents, encourage your children to dream big dreams. So often around graduation time we ask young adults, “What do YOU want to do with your life?” Another approach to take is to ask, “What does JESUS want you to do with your life?” Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves, and if we do what Jesus wants, then we end up doing what is best for us. How can you help:

• Pray for your children and grandchildren that they will be open to whatever God is calling them to in life and be willing to help them discern that call.

• Take a “see something, say something” approach to potential vocations within your own family and parish community. Simply say, “I believe you would be a great priest, brother or sister.”

• The involvement of your family in the activities offered in your parish will help create the life-giving environment necessary for nurturing vocations to Church ministry.

We’re here today because we have heard the voice of Jesus calling us to a richer, fuller life. May we always seek to be one flock, guided by one shepherd, offering praise and thanksgiving to God who offers us, His children, the gift of everlasting life.

Fr. Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S. is Director of Vocations for the US Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

Family of Parishes Reflect Day

JOIN US FOR OUR FAMILY OF PARISHES REFLECT DAY 

As part of an archdiocese–wide initiative called Family Unity Discernment (FUD), the St. Gaspar Parish Family will host a Reflect session on May 2 (8:30am to 3:00pm), where members of the Family Leadership Team, Pastoral Council, and parishioners will gather to prayerfully discern ideas about our potential use of Family resources to best serve the mission of the church in our area, prayerfully led by the Center for Parish Vitality.

This is not a day when final decisions will be made nor is it a town hall meeting. Instead, using the Conversations in the Spirit synodal method, participants will discern questions derived from prior analysis discussions with our Family Leadership Team. The outcome from Reflect will be input for further discussions and discernment by the Pastor and Pastoral Council. 

We invite you to join us for this important conversation at the St Joseph Center, across from Saint Joseph Church, 411 E. 2nd St., Dayton, OH 45402

To help us prepare, please RSVP by using the online form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/28P5BZM or send an email with the name(s) of who will be attending to mstoltz@preciousbloodchurch.com.

Exciting Job Opportunity: Join the Team at Mother Brunner School!

Mother Maria Anna Brunner Catholic School Community is seeking a dedicated, faith-filled leader for the position of Principal beginning in July 2026. Candidates should possess the following qualities:

• Must be practicing Catholic with a personal faith commitment
• Master’s Degree in Education strongly preferred
• Prior experience in leading efforts in an educational setting or teaching
• Ability to work collaboratively with pastor, staff, students and families
• Strong public relations skills, including verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in communication technologies
• Ability to work in a complex organizational setting

For more detailed information about this position, including a position summary, as well as a list of duties and responsibilities, please see the post on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati website, which can be found here:
https://resources.catholicaoc.org/jobs/elementary-principal-mother-maria-anna-brunner-catholic-school

To apply, please forward a completed Principal Application (link below), cover letter, and resume to jbehrens@preciousblooodchurch.org.

Download Application

God’s Garden at St. Paul

Mondays & Thursdays, starting April 27

We are already growing seeds and making lots of plans for God’s Garden at St. Paul’s! God’s Garden grows organic produce for local food pantries. We are always looking for willing volunteers, and also have free garden beds available for the local community in exchange for help with the larger garden.

No experience is necessary! Come join our community at the garden this summer, grow for your own household, get expert advice, and also provide service. Tilling, water, some plants and seeds available. God’s Garden is located on the St. Paul’s grounds Gardening starts April 27, and the community meets Monday evenings 7:00 pm or Thursday mornings 9:00 am.

Contact the St. Paul parish office with questions or for more information (937-836-7535).

Lenten Pantry Project – SVdP Northern Parish Conference

Now through April 1: Your donations can assist our neighbors in need and keep our pantry stocked. Please be generous donating the items below. Donations can be dropped off at all three northern parishes. Thank you for helping us help others!

•Bath soap and shampoo
•Toilet Paper and tissues
•Men’s and women’s deodorant
•Laundry Pods
•Cleaning Supplies
•Shaving cream and razors
•Feminine hygiene products
•Men’s and women’s Depends
•Dental floss
•Mouthwash and toothpaste

Emmanuel Music Program Fund Scholarship

March 15, 2026
To Parishioners of Emmanuel Catholic Church:

In 2018, a fund for scholarships and other special needs outside of the music program’s normal operating budget was established. This fund is intended to foster musical excellence in order to give greater glory to God in our liturgies.

To continue to develop musical talent in support of our program here at Emmanuel, two scholarships are being offered in the amount of $350 each. These awards are to be applied toward voice or instrument lessons, and recipients are expected to contribute their talents in some way in turn to support our regular weekend Masses and important liturgies throughout the year. Any Emmanuel parishioner—child or adult, current choir member or not— may apply for one of these awards.

If you are interested in applying for one of these awards for yourself or for your child, please fill out the form below and return to Michelle Carner after Mass or at the rectory address above, or scan and send to michelle@carners.com. Applications are due by April 19, 2026, and decisions will be made by May 10, 2026 by the awards committee. Note: Funds must be utilized within twelve months of the receipt of an award. Please keep this program in your prayers, that it may continue to bless our worship here at Emmanuel for years to come.

Blessings,
Michelle Carner
Director of Music
937-478-4097

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Voice and Instruments Grants Program _________ (year) Application

Name:__________________________ Grade (if student): ___________ Today’s date:____________
Parents’ names (if student): __________________________________________________
Phone: ___________ Email: ____________________
Interested in: Voice ____ Instrument lessons (specify instrument) ____________________

On the reverse, please briefly describe specifically how you will use your training in support of the music program at Emmanuel (e.g., participation in choir during the Christmas season, playing my violin at Mass once per month,
etc.).