2011 Men In Black Games:

On December 27th and 29th, the priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Syracuse were joined by the Christian Brothers for their annual Men In Black games.

Check out the photos, t-shirts, and more.

Religious Communities

Online Bulletin Boards

(click the links below)

News and Upcoming Events for Men's Religious Communities

News and Upcoming Discernment Events for Women  

Jordan Henneberry, from St. Anne, Mother of Mary Parish, professes first vows as Sr. M. Ignatia of St. Joseph (9/1/11)

So You Want to be a Nun?

Read this great story with great advice and steps to take

when discerning about being a religious sister.

BLOGS

Radiate His Light - This entry has some great ideas for youth ministers to promote vocations (written by Kelly Colangelo, youth minister at Immaculate Conception in Fayetteville).

Do you know of other great blogs?  Send an email to let us know:

joconnor@syracusediocese.org

Vocations in the News

Father Innocent

celebrates 25 years of priesthood

Story in the Post Standard

Father James Schultz

Ordained June 4, 2011

Read the Catholic SUN story.

From Chef to Priesthood.

Kenneth Smith spent years as an executive chef before deciding to enter the seminary.  Read about his decision.

Oakland Athletics Prospect retires from professional baseball to enter the seminary.  Read about Grant Desme's decision to pursue the priesthood rather than the big leagues.

Kristin Holcum placed 6th in the 3,000 meter speed skating competition at the 1998 Winter Olympics.  Now she serves the poor in the Bronx, as a Franciscan Sister of the Renewal.  Find out more about this "skater nun."

Oprah Winfrey looks inside the life of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.

New Vocations Website!  This website is put together by the US Bishops Conference.  It collects the best vocation information from around the country.  Check it out! 

Pursue Me

An album recorded by popular musician, Danielle Rose, is based upon her own discernment process.

free copies are available

World Day of Prayer for Religious

(February 2, 2012)

Bishop Cunningham has invited us to "remember and celebrate the men and women religious who have been an incomparable blessing in our Diocese for more than 125 years." 

"This day is set aside to honor and thank the men and women religious whose vocation answered a call to respond to the needs of people throughout the diocese and to strengthen the faith of generation after generation in the Diocese of Syracuse." 

He recommended special intercessory prayers for the consecrated religious in our parishes, past and present, and provided a sample prayer for use in private and parish celebrations.   

Find the prayer here. 

more parish ideas here.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse

 is celebrating 125 years...

Together in

Faith, Hope, and Charity

Check the Diocese of Syracuse website for numerous events planned to celebrate the history of our Diocese (www.syracusediocese.org)

Fr. Joe O'Connor takes on the IRONMAN

(The Catholic SUN, December 6, 2011)

The training principles and race day strategies that make for a successful triathlon have a lot in common with discerning your life's vocation. 

Check out Fr. O'Connor's interview with the Catholic SUN.

Can a moment change the world?

(click here for the videos shown at this year's picnic)

Pope Benedict XVI reflects on

"THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT" of his life.

"Called to Serve"

Video Testimonies of Diocesan Priests

Promote Vocation Awareness in Your Parish

Click here to find Vocation Blurbs to add to your parish bulletin.  These brief reflections on the readings for each Sunday challenge parishioners to keep praying for and promoting religious vocations. 

(January & February Blurbs now available)

Prayer for Priests Calendars are prepared monthly for use in your parish or private prayer life.  Print these calendars and share them.

2012 - January, February, March, April

Check out these tri-fold brochures with great FAQs: