A Vocations Prayer

"God of mercy,
through the intercession of St. Jude,
we pray to you to bless our parishes
with numerous vocations
to the religious life.

"We ask you to bless us
with saintly men and women
who seek
to follow Jesus Christ more perfectly
in poverty, chastity and obedience.

We ask you to bless and protect
all religious brothers and sisters
vowed to your service
and to increase their holiness
and apostolic zeal,
that through their prayers
and good works
the Kingdom of Christ
might continue to grow
in our homes,
in our parish
and in our world.

"Almighty Father,
through the intercession of St. Jude,
we pray you to raise up
from within our parishes
many holy priests and deacons
to proclaim your holy gospel
and to celebrate your Sacred Mysteries.

"We ask you to bless and protect our Holy Father
and all bishops, priests, and deacons,
whom you have chosen
as shepherds of your flock
and anointed with your Holy Spirit.

"We ask you to keep them
strong in faith,
full of hope
and overflowing with charity,
that through their life and ministry
the Church born from Christ's wounded side
might continue to grow in grace and holiness."

(from the Vocations website of the Diocese of St. Petersburg)