Religious vocations have been a priority for the diocesan Catholic schools during this academic year. Most recently, the elementary schools received books that illustrate aspects of the priesthood and religious life. The books comprise a variety of genres and grade levels and provide an engaging, real-life glimpse into the priesthood and religious life.  

“What a beautiful gift to the libraries of the schools of the diocese and a great way to engage parents and their students in conversation about vocation and discernment,” said diocesan schools Superintendent Dr. Adam J. Dufault. 

“Sharing relatable stories about a priest who solves mysteries, a sister who lives in New York City, examples of the holy lives of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati brings to life the joy of the priesthood and religious life.” 

The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) partnered with Generations Religious Gifts and Church Supply store in Columbus to assemble the collection of books for each elementary school in the diocese.  

 “The promotion of vocations has been a major area of focus for the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Columbus this year,” Dufault said. “We are following through on the bishop’s directive, shared during his Mass of Installation, that fostering vocations from within our diocese is one of his top two priorities, along with evangelization.” 

Throughout the year, schools have implemented various initiatives to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The schools have hosted religious visits and vocation panels, attended the Marian Dinner (for young women) and Andrew Dinner (for young men) and prayed for vocations as a larger student body.  

Additionally, a School Vocations Task Force has been established. Dufault said, “I am grateful to the School Vocations Task Force, made up of principals, teachers and staff from OCS, who have been meeting with Father Brian O’Connor (pastor, Canal Winchester St. John XXIII Church and diocesan assistant vocations director) and me since the bishop’s installation. 

“We have been working on plans and initiatives to grow a culture of vocational discernment in our schools. We began by raising awareness of the need, establishing the priority and equipping our school leaders with the tools that they need to make it happen.”

Fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life can also take place within students’ homes. Taking children to Mass every Sunday and praying together daily provide a wonderful foundation to cultivate future vocations. Adding religious sacramentals such as a crucifix and images of the saints in our homes is another wonderful way to incorporate faith and discernment into our daily lives. 

“The hope and prayer of all of our school administrators is that all of our students will come to know and love our Lord and their vocation,” Dufault said. “In helping our students prayerfully discern God’s will for their lives, they will become who God has created them to be – saints.”  

Kayla Elrich is principal at Lancaster St. Mary School.