1. Vocation-ministry is an integral part of Salesian youth ministry.

For the young, a ministry that is nothing less than total. Vocation-orientation: a vital dimension of our total ministry for the young.

The crowning goal of total Salesian youth ministry: a young person discovers his or her vocation, and embarks on a personal project of life.

“Vocation” God’s wonderful plan, the place of every individual person in this plan, and the invitation or vocation that God addresses to everyone.

“Vocations” The specific vocations to which people are called, and in particular, those vocations demanding a more radical commitment of witness and service in the Church.

We keep a more sensitive eye for young people who show particular interests and aptitudes, and address to them an explicit invitation and challenge to the priesthood and the consecrated life.

crucial for the life and growth of the Congregation! Specific vocation-promotion:

2. Vocation-ministry is a concern and responsibility of every Salesian.

An important member of the youth ministry team: the Salesian who supervises the dimension of vocation-orientation and often takes the role of Vocation-Promoter on the province level

An important task of the youth ministry team: to assist the province in preparing and implementing the vocation-ministry plan.

The Rector: - ultimately responsible for promoting and guiding vocations to the priestly and consecrated life. - often assisted by another Salesian who does the actual work of vocation-promotion.

3. Vocation-ministry today is a priority area in all our provinces.

The normal pattern of vocation- ministry 1. All young boys and girls receive their share of formation in our Salesian schools, centers, parishes, and youth groups. 2. The Rector, or the Salesian in charge, provides deeper individual and group guidance for those who show the signs of a religious or priestly vocation.

3. Young men who show continued interest are invited to share in our ministry: week-ends in youth centers, summer months in youth camps, and eventually, the experience of our daily life of prayer, work, and fellowship in community. 4. At this stage, the young candidates are ready for postulancy and then novitiate.

Another pattern of vocation-ministry 1. Young boys and girls who may not have grown up in our Salesian settings come to know about St. John Bosco and the Salesian Congregation. 2. Young men who show continued interest actually experience Salesian ministry in one of our settings, and eventually participate in Salesian community life. 3. All through this process, a Salesian provides the needed guidance and assistance.