On World Day of Prayer for Vocations, St. Pius X Parish initiated a new push for home prayer. During the Sunday Mass for Spanish-speaking people, a new mahogany carved crucifix was blessed as an icon to promote prayers for vocations in the homes of parishioners. Selected families will take the cross each week and use it as a prayer reminder for vocations.

Father John Kieran, pastor, said he got the idea from the successful Elijah Cup program, which has been in use for a few years at St. Pius, in which a family takes home the chalice after the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass and prays for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The pastor noted that South Americans have a great devotion to the crucified Jesus. Their faith is centered on the victory of Christ. They readily relate to his sacrificial life.

St. Pius parishioners are also counting the days until two seminarians who formerly served at St. Pius will be ordained. Rev. Mr. Jose Luis Hernandez Ayala will be ordained a priest at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, May 27. Jamie Rivera will be ordained a transitional deacon on Oct. 5 in Rome, Italy. These men are frequently named for prayer at Masses in Conyers. Father Kieran and some parishioners are organizing a group to attend the ordination in Rome. Spaces are still available. For information contact Father Kieran at (770) 483-3660.