World Day of Prayer for Vocations: A Joyful Season for Our Parish

This weekend, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Vocations a sacred invitation to pray that men and women will generously respond to the Lord’s call.

Jesus reminds us, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” (Luke 10:2).

As a parish family, we are called not only to pray for vocations, but to foster a spirit of openness, encouragement, and trust in God’s plan.

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This weekend, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Vocations a special day dedicated to praying that men and women will hear and generously respond to God’s call.

Jesus reminds us, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” (Luke 10:2).

These words are not only a request they are a mission entrusted to all of us. The future of the Church depends on hearts that are open to God’s voice and willing to follow wherever He leads.

The World Day of Prayer for Vocations invites us to pray in a particular way for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life, while also recognizing that every Christian has a vocation a unique call from God.

One of the most important and often overlooked roles in fostering vocations belongs to the laity. Vocations are nurtured in our homes, schools, and parish community when faith is lived with joy and young people are encouraged to ask, “Lord, what are you calling me to do?” There is also great power in something very simple: the invitation. Many priests and religious can point to someone who personally asked them to consider a vocation.

In our own parish’s Disciple Maker Index (DMI) survey, we discovered that only 6% of parishioners have ever invited someone to consider the priesthood, and only 11% have invited someone to consider religious life . That means the vast majority of our young people may never hear that invitation even though God may be calling them.

This is an area where we can grow together. You do not need to have all the answers you simply need to be attentive and willing. If you notice a young person who is generous, prayerful, or has a love for the Church, a simple question like, “Have you ever thought about becoming a priest or religious?” can plant a seed that God will use in His time.

As we observe this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, please take time to pray for an increase in vocations… pray for those discerning God’s call… and ask the Lord how He might be inviting you to help foster vocations.

May Mary, the Mother of Our Savior, who so beautifully said “yes” to God, intercede for us. And may our parish continue to be a place where vocations are heard, encouraged, and joyfully lived.

All are warmly invited to a special Mother’s and Grandmother’s Day Tea. This joyful gathering is a beautiful opportunity to honor and celebrate the women who have blessed our lives.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Seton Center (behind the church)

The event is free of charge.

Bring your mother’s, grandmothers and loved ones - or come on your own and our parish family is here to welcome you with open arms. Guests will enjoy a delightful selections of teas, finger sandwiches and desserts. Children are invited to participate in creating a special keepsake to take home, making this a meaningful event for all ages.

Please RSVP to the parish office at (315) 724-3155 to let us know how many in your family will be attending.

We look forward to celebrating this fun day with you!

The Appeal strengthens the Catholic Church in the US by helping home mission dioceses that lack resources for basic pastoral ministries. The funds help to support Evangelization, Religious Education, Education for priests, deacons, religious sisters and lay ministers and support of poor parishes. Thank you for supporting this important Mission.

“Blue Sunday” Mass for Healing On Sunday, April 26th at 2:00 PM, the Diocese of Syracuse will celebrate a special “Blue Sunday” Mass for Healing at the Cathedral.

This Mass is part of the Church’s ongoing journey of reparation a commitment to prayer, healing, and solidarity with those who have suffered abuse. Celebrated during Child Abuse Prevention Month, it offers a meaningful opportunity to entrust survivors, their families, and our entire Church to the healing mercy of God. All are invited to participate in this important act of prayer and remembrance.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

April 27th at 5:30PM (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

Gatherasa Diocesan family and pray for an outpouring of vocations for our diocese!

SPRING BIBLE STUDY: THE BOOK OF JOB
Led by Fr. Pawel Zmija

• Why do good people suffer?
• Where is God in the midst of pain?
• How do we remain faithful when life feels overwhelming?

This spring, you are invited to explore these timeless and deeply human questions through the Book of Job one of Scripture’s most powerful reflections on suffering, trust, and God’s mysterious providence.

Our four-week Bible Study, led by Fr. Pawel, will begin on: Wednesday, April 29th at 9:00am and continue each Wednesday through May 20th in the Seton Center.

Each session will take place immediately following the 8:15am Daily Mass at Lourdes, making it easy to deepen both your prayer and your understanding of Sacred Scripture in one morning.

Coffee and donuts will be provided come enjoy good conversation, strong teaching, and time together as a parish community.

In a recent parish survey, many expressed a desire for more opportunities to grow in knowledge of the Scriptures. This is a wonderful way to take that next step.

All are welcome whether you are new to the Bible or have been studying it for years.

Come, listen, reflect, and discover how the Word of God speaks into the real questions of our lives.

Wednesdays at 7:00PM on Zoom
April 29th | Jun 17 | August 5th

Are you discerning the call to Lay Ministry?
Join us for an information session where we will:

• Provide an overview of the program
• Examine different areas of ministry
• Answer any questions

Questions?
Contact Dc. Jeff Dixe (315) 470-1491 or [email protected]
Visit us online: formationforministrysyr.org

All are Welcome: First Tuesday of the Month (May 5th for May and all mothers)

2:00PM
Gather at the Grotto
(in the event of rain gather in chapel)

www.syracusecatholiccemeteries.org

• Saturday, May 9, 2026 - following 4:00PM Mass
• Sunday, May 10, 2026 - following 8:30 and 10:30AM Masses

Fundraiser for Notre Dame Co-Ed Varsity Track Team.

Beautiful assorted hanging flower baskets from River Road Greenhouses available for purchase:

• 8" Baskets: 25.00
• 10" Baskets: 35.00

Mary Mother of Our Savior parish
Behind church in the parking garage.
2222 Genesee St Utica.

Stop by after Mass and pick up a beautiful basket for Mother's Day while supporting the Notre Dame Track Team!

Learn more about the ongoing sessions for Family Catechesis for the month of April

• April 26, 2026: 9:15-10:15 AM at NDE

Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 3:00PM

TICKETS on sale in early April: $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Visit our website for a summary of the upcoming Parish Events happenings for this month.

Walking Together: Rosary Campus Working Group

Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00PM (Seton Center)

In recent months, our parish has been engaged in a careful and prayerful process regarding the future of the Our Lady of the Rosary Campus. Throughout this time, one commitment has remained constant: to honor the deep faith, history, and relationships that have been formed there, and to walk forward together as one parish family.

NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN

In our community, we believe every child deserves a safe and comfortable place to rest. That’s the mission behind No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town, a local effort led by the Utica Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

April 25th and 26th

Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers

Help Ensure the Long-Term Vitality of Mary, Mother of Our Savior with a Legacy Gift

Please remember Mary, Mother of Our Savior in your Estate Planning, Trust and/or with your annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s).

Hosted at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish from July 12–17, 2026, this week is led by a team of joyful college missionaries who make the faith come alive in a way that is engaging, energetic, and deeply meaningful.

A Friendly but important reminder for all Liturgical Ministers

All Liturgical Ministers are required to be enrolled in the Diocesan Safe Environment Training in order to continue serving in the parish.

Those who serve as Eucharistic Ministers must be registered to remain active in this ministry, and those who serve as Lectors must complete their training by June 30, 2026.

Youth Ministry Nights – Open to All Area Teens

Teens from all parishes in the Greater Utica Area are invited to join us for Youth Ministry Nights every Monday at 6:30pm at the Seton Center at Mary Mother of Our Savior Parish, 2 Barton Ave., Utica.

Monthly Memorials for April

• The gift of Bread has been given in memory of Philip N. & Gloria Sciortino by loving Daughter
• The gift of Candles has been given in memory of Elizabeth Protosow by Mom and Dad
• The gift of Wine has been given in memory of Maria Felice Gigliotti by Children

“He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

Have you considered a vocation to the priesthood or religious life?

Email: [email protected] and follow us on Instagram vocationssyracuse.

If you would like to add a name, please call the Office at (315) 724-3155.