Follow Me

Follow me, said Jesus, follow me, if you are seeking wisdom, follow me, wisdom comes from knowing, that I am with you always, you will find wisdom if you follow me.

Follow me said Jesus, FOLLOW ME, if you are seeking LOVE, follow me. In my life I loved all people, now you go and do the same, you will find love, if you follow me.

Follow me, said Jesus, follow me, if you are seeking GOD, FOLLOW ME. For God is wisdom, God is love, God calls us to open our hearts, you will find God if you follow me.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer Lord of the harvest, we ask you to inspire many men and women to consider a vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life. The need is great and we are confident that you will answer our prayers, through Christ Our Lord. Amen

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 21: v15-17 Glory to you, O Lord.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

God gives each of us a vocation. He calls us by name to serve him in the Priesthood, Religious Life, Married or Single Life. Jesus’ called St Peter to feed his sheep and become the first Pope.

It is up to us to respond generously to the Lord’s call and say YES Lord I will do this, because I love you! It takes courage for us to say yes Lord I will follow your call for me. We may not know what vocation God has planned for us, but we can pray asking the Lord for strength and guidance.

As we reflect on vocations, it reminds us of how important it is to pray to the Lord of harvest, that he will provide vocations, particularly to the Priesthood and especially for the diocese of Hamilton, now and in the future. We need more Priests to celebrate Mass and the Sacraments and to bring ‘Jesus to people and people to Jesus.’

For those who are discerning their vocation, that the Lord will inspire them to hear His voice and answer His call. Lord hear us.

For our seminarians, as they journey towards the Priesthood, that the Lord will strengthen their vocation and give them courage to persevere. Lord hear us.

For the family, the seed bed for vocations, that they will not be afraid to encourage their children to serve Christ through their lives. Lord hear us.

For the faithful, that they will continually pray and encourage men and women to consider a vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life. Lord hear us.

For those who have died, especially the Priests and Religious of our parish, may they rest in the peace. Lord hear us.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. AMEN

A period of silence so we can hear the LORD speak.

Final Prayer Loving God, we pray that you will bless us with more vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, particularly in the Hamilton Diocese. We know you listen to the prayers of your people. Hear our prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Brother, sister let me serve you. Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I might have the grace To let you be my servant, too.

We are pilgrims on a journey. We are brothers on the road. We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you in the night time of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you; Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping. When you laugh, I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony born of all we've known together of Christ's love and agony.

Brother, sister let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

Hamilton Diocese Vocations Prayer “Truly I say to you whatever you ask the Father in My Name He will give you…” John 16:23. God of love you sustain your Church and give it life through the dedicated service of our Priests and Religious. Trusting in your Providence we ask you, Lord, to send your Holy Spirit to fill Your Church with a spirit of courage and love so that men and women may answer the call to serve you. Our diocese of Hamilton is in urgent need of Priests to continue in your Church the saving ministry of Christ. Loving God, in your generosity hear our prayer through Christ Our Lord.John 16:23 Amen