Vocations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
DECEMBER 13, 2006 REV. JASON Y. JALBERT
603-669-3100, 132

BUILDING "CULTURE FOR VOCATIONS"
INCLUDES SPECIAL MASS AND NEW WEBSITE

(MANCHESTER, NH)  The Catholic Church in New Hampshire is creating a culture of vocations that involves enlisting hundreds of lay supporters and launching a new website geared to those considering a vocation in ministry.
    Rev. Monsignor Anthony R. Frontiero, director of vocations for the Diocese of Manchester, and Rev. Jason Y. Jalbert, assistant director of vocations, are working with priests, deacons, and laity from around the state to increase the promotion of vocations within the state of New Hampshire.
Earlier this year Bishop John B. McCormack appointed Fr. Jalbert to a full time position in the diocese to help create a culture for vocations in New Hampshire. The bishop expressed his appreciation to those who have been volunteering their time to help develop vocations.  "I want to thank the hundreds of Catholics around our state who have dedicated themselves to praying and working for an increase in vocations to the priesthood.  I am confident that the Lord hears our prayers and will open the minds and hearts of men to respond to the call to serve the Catholic community in New Hampshire as priests of Jesus Christ," said Bishop McCormack.
    Fr. Jalbert explained that these latest efforts "help us realize that the future priests of New Hampshire will come from our families, our communities, and our parishes. Part of my responsibility is to help build up a deeper understanding of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and to raise awareness about how God is still calling young men to discern the prospect of a priestly vocation.  At the same time, I am asking the Catholic community of New Hampshire to continue their prayer and work for vocations, and to assist us in funding the education of seminarians for the Diocese of Manchester."
    Fr. Jalbert said Bishop John B. McCormack has approved the formation of a new effort, Seventh Trumpet Herald. Heralds will commit to pray for all vocations - to the priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life and marriage.  "Beginning on Sunday, January 8, 2006, we will have a Seventh Trumpet Mass each month at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester," says Fr. Jalbert.  "My goal is to have 1,000 individuals commit to gathering once a month at our Cathedral Church to pray for an increase in vocations and to pray for those who are studying for the priesthood.   There is great power in this community praying together and there is great comfort to our seminarians when they see so many men, women and children supporting their call from God." 
    Fr. Jalbert said that the trumpet is both a symbol in the Bible of strength and a way to proclaim important news.  The term "seventh trumpet" comes from the Book of Revelations and is indicative of the people of God worshiping Him.  To be a Seventh Trumpet Herald in the Diocese of Manchester is to worship God and pray for Catholic vocations.
    Fr. Jalbert also said that the diocese has created a new website, www.liveinblackandwhite.com that provides young men with background information on the priesthood, seminary life, and even profiles of the 13 men studying for the priesthood for the diocese. 
    To obtain more information on the Seventh Trumpet Herald program or vocations in the Catholic Church, log onto the website or call Fr. Jason Jalbert, 603-669-3100, ext. 132.
 

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