Elijah Cup

The Elijah Cup

            During the Year of Faith (2012-13) our parish decided to participate in the promotion of vocations.  It is true that everyone is called by God to a particular vocation in life and that each one may become holy simply by being faithful to their individual calling.  This includes those who are called in the married and dedicated single life.  There is, however, a shortage in the number of people who are responding to God’s call in the priesthood, consecrated, and religious life.  The calling has always been there but sometimes those whom God is calling in these extraordinary lifelong services to the Lord need extra prayers and encouragement.  Introducing, The Elijah Cup!

            Our current parish Vocations Promoter, Bob Craig, has worked hard in bringing the Elijah Cup program to Saint Francis de Sales.  In brief, with the help of the Knights of Columbus Bob obtained a chalice that will be used for the program.  This chalice will be used at one of the weekly Sunday Masses and the family (couples and individuals may also participate) that signed up will get to take it home for a week and say the included prayers for all vocations with the special emphasis on the priesthood, consecrated and religious life.  The chalice is given to the family before the final blessing and dismissal at Mass.  It is returned by the family before Mass the following Sunday.  The Elijah Cup has been used successfully in many dioceses and parishes in promoting vocations.  For those who are already living their vocation (e.g., married couples, individuals), they can still personally benefit from this as their calling will be spiritually enhanced by the presence of the paten and chalice, the sacred vessels, that hold Our Lord’s precious Body and Blood.  The family who has volunteered to receive the cup that particular Sunday will have a reserved pew towards the front of the church.  If you are interested in signing up please contact Bob Craig at bcraig32@comcast.net or by calling him at 540.751.9832 (home) and 215.285.4885 (cell).