Priesthood and consecrated religious life vocation poster contest held

Priesthood and consecrated religious life vocation poster contest held

When the announcement came that Pope Francis declared 2015 as the Year of Consecrated Religious Life, jubilation was heard across the archdiocese from members of the religious communities.

However, for those working with parish youth and young adult groups, the question emerged, “But how do we teach about religious life or create a meaningful awareness for all Church vocations especially to our youth and young adults?”

The archdiocesan Vocation Office team continues to help parishes with suggestions and resources but is always looking for more creative ways to help nurture the call to the priesthood and religious life.

During the October meeting of the archdiocesan Vocation Office Priest Advisory Board, Father Alberto Collin, pastor at St. Joseph South San, was particularly concerned about how to help the students in his parish as well as in his deanery. He was determined to create a clever way to promote all church vocations.

This concern evolved into piloting a poster contest in the Southwest Urban Deanery. The contest information and scoring guidelines, which included message, eye appeal and originality, was shared with all the parish priests and directors of religious education. The contest was opened to students in grades eight through 12.^. The Vocation Office would provide three prizes.

The winners were announced and presented their prizes Jan. 19 in the Vocation Office. Laura M. Valle from St. Bonaventure Parish placed first and received the top prize of an Apple I-Pad GB Mini with Wi-Fi 16GB. Second place went to Alondra Casas from St. Joseph South San, who received the I-Pod Touch 16GB. Vivian Hernandez, also of St. Joseph South San, placed third and received the I-Pod Nano.

Father Alex Pereida, vocation director; Sister Jane Mary Gawlik, CSSF; Ana Bojorquez; Maria Hernandez and her mother, Maria Hernandez; brothers Edgar and Moises Hernandez, Director of Religious Education Carmen Sanchez; Catechist Linda S. Sanchez; Laura Valle; Director of Religious Education Diane Guerra of St. Bonaventure; along with Father Collin; were present for the presentation that took place in the Vocation Office.