The Church in Virginia

Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, issued a message for National Vocation Awareness Week, which the Catholic Church in the United States will observe from November 1 to 7.

Archbishop Hicks said the week reminds the Church of the witness of those who have responded to God's call to serve as priests, deacons, and in consecrated life. He asked for prayers for joy in marriages, the priesthood, the diaconate, and all forms of consecrated life.

In a message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Leo XIV said a vocation entails an intimate dialogue with God that requires a response of joy and generosity.

National Vocation Awareness Week is an annual observance used by Catholic organizations, dioceses, schools, and parishes to provide resources and raise awareness for those discerning calls to ordained ministry or consecrated life. The observance began in 1976 and was moved to the first full week of November in 2014.

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, expressed gratitude on October 27 for those providing resources to women, babies, and families. His statement precedes Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week, which takes place November 9–13.

The appreciation week is an annual event established by Heartbeat International to honor the staff, volunteers, nurses, directors, and receptionists at pregnancy help organizations. These organizations include maternity homes, medical and resource help centers, and adoption agencies. In the United States, approximately 2,750 pregnancy help centers provide support to pregnant and parenting women.

Bishop Thomas noted that many pregnancy care centers offer free medical services such as ultrasounds, prenatal and postnatal care, and referrals for low-cost childbirth. These centers also provide items like baby clothes and diapers, as well as childcare, career services, and housing referrals.

The chairman also recognized volunteers in parishes who support vulnerable women and families through the nationwide Walking with Moms in Need initiative.