Women’s Discernment Group: This group was established in the spring of 2006 as a collaborative effort with local women’s religious communities. It meets the last Sunday of each month for prayer, discussion, and Mass at Our Lady of the Woods Chapel at Bellarmine University. Any single, active Catholic woman, age 18 or older, who is interested in discerning a religious vocation in the Church, is eligible to participate.

Dinner with the Archbishop: Invited guests interested in vocations have dinner with the Archbishop and other priests and religious. This is a popular annual event.

Vocation Books: The Vocations Office has published two books for teachers, parents, and young persons interested in learning more about vocations. These books are available on the archdiocesan vocation website (http://www.archlou.org/archlou/vocationoffice); in the library of each Catholic elementary and high school; and through the Media Center in the Flaget Center. Each book contains more than 100 pages filled with Scriptures, quotes, and photos of ordained ministers serving in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Catechist Certification Program: Using the books described above, credit hours can be earned and in-service program offered to faculty, youth ministers, catechists, and parents. This curriculum is designed to help teachers present the concept of vocation or call to students of all ages. It also encourages integration of the vocation concept, i.e. field trips, essay contests, research projects, and school liturgy planning. The resources include information on diocesan priesthood, religious life, and full-time lay ministry in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Classroom Visits: Members of the Planting Seeds Committee make classroom visits to Catholic schools and religious education programs to talk about religious vocations. They provide resources to the students and teachers. Each year, thousands of students receive these presentations. Campus Ministry: The Vocation Office works in conjunction with high school and college campus ministers, offering vocation speakers throughout the academic year, including the “Busy Persons’ Retreat” on college campuses. Campus ministers serve on the Planting Seeds Committee with the Vocation Office.

Confirmation Retreats: Members of the Planting Seeds Committee conduct confirmation retreats for parishes. Named, “Got Ears,” this retreat engages the students in listening to God, seeking where they find God, and working with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Young people are challenged to identify their gifts and listen to God’s call in their lives, while hearing witness stories from those who have followed God’s call in their parish environment.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Parishes receive liturgical resources, prayer services, prayer cards, and other items they may utilize within the parish/school environment for this annual observation.

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life: Each February a Mass is celebrated by the Archbishop and a reception given in honor of the religious community members serving or residing in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Parishes are encouraged to acknowledge and remember in the weekly petitions religious community members who serve or reside in their parishes and schools.