A vocation to the priesthood or religious life consists of giving one's life not only to God, but also to the Church so that it leads people into communion with God, said Pope Benedict XVI.

“God has always chosen some individuals to work with him in a more direct way in order to accomplish his plan of salvation," Pope Benedict said.

Jesus taught the apostles about God and his love for them, which led them into a relationship with God, the pope said. Jesus then entrusted the apostles with leading others into a relationship with God, he said.

The Church has been given the same task, the pope said in a message released April 24 for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2007. The theme for today’s celebration is The Vocation to the Service of the Church as Communion.

Pope Benedict was to mark the day by ordaining 22 new priests for the Diocese of Rome.
The faithful, who have entered into a relationship with God, are then united with each other through the Eucharist, the pope said.

"This intense communion favors the growth of generous vocations at the service of the Church: The heart of the believer, filled with divine love, is moved to dedicate itself wholly to the cause of the kingdom," Pope Benedict said.

In order to encourage vocations, it is necessary to teach the faithful how to hear God's voice, he said. It is easier to listen for God's voice in a Church community that is harmonious and where people feel responsible for each other, the pope said.

All the different ministries that exist within the Church must be used to promote communion with God and communion among the faithful, he said.

"In the Church's liturgy, in her prayer, in the living community of believers, we experience the love of God, we perceive his presence, and we thus learn to recognise that presence in our daily lives," the pope said.

Having experienced God's love and presence through the liturgy, the faithful can respond with love, he said.

The pope said Mary, who supported the first Christian community, continues to teach the faithful how to listen to Jesus' voice and respond to his call. (CNS)