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.
This year, our celebration is filled with extraordinary joy, as our parish prepares to witness the ordination of two of our own in the month of May. This is a rare and grace-filled moment in the life of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish one that speaks to the quiet, powerful work of God among us. In fact, one of the ways a diocese gauges the vitality of a parish and its schools is by the number of vocations it fosters. To have two men from one parish stepping forward for ordination in the same month is something truly remarkable, and a sign of great hope not only for our parish, but for our entire Greater Utica Area.
- We especially celebrate Rev. Mr. Cornelius Peter Deep, who will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on Saturday, May 30th at 10:00am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse.
- In preparation for this great gift, all are invited to a Holy Hour for an increase in vocations on Friday, May 29th at 5:30pm at the Cathedral, the evening before his ordination.
This vigil moment offers a powerful opportunity to unite in prayer as Cornelius prepares to lay down his life in service to Christ and His Church.
To allow as many parishioners as possible to share in this historic moment, the Men’s Club has generously arranged for a coach bus to provide transportation to and from the Cathedral.
Those wishing to attend are invited to reserve a seat by contacting the parish office by Tuesday, May 26th.
A $30 offering is requested to help offset the cost.
Following his ordination, Father Cornelius will return home to celebrate his First Holy Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 31st at 2:30pm at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish (at our Our Lady of Lourdes, Utica).
In a special way, we hope this First Holy Mass will be a celebration for our entire vicariate just as the ordination of Fr. Ben Schrantz from St. Paul’s in Whitesboro was a beautiful moment of unity for the Greater Utica Area. Once again, our region is being blessed and highlighted through these joyful ordinations.
We also rejoice with Jonathon Hoole, who will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on Saturday, May 16th at 10:00am at St. Mary of the Assumption in Binghamton (192–194 Court Street).
The diaconate marks the final step before priestly ordination and is a significant moment of commitment and service.
Jonathon will preach his first Mass as a deacon on Sunday, May 17th at the 10:30am Mass at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish (at our Our Lady of Lourdes, Utica), followed by a Donut Sunday and receiving line.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for our parish and the wider community to come together in support and gratitude.
These ordinations are not simply personal milestones they are signs of hope for the Church and a powerful reminder that God continues to call from within our own community. As we mark this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, may we renew our commitment to pray, to encourage, and to listen. The Lord is still calling. May we have the courage to respond.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!