On this glorious fall day, runners and walkers from all over the archdiocese are winding their way across the National Mall, through the streets of D.C. ,over the bridge and into Virginia as they compete in the Marine Corps Marathon and Marine Corps 10 K race.
ON A MISSION
Not only did they make the commitment more than six months ago to train for one of the two races, the 10K folks promised to raise $250.00 each and the marathoners $450.00 each to support vocations work in the archdiocese. Runners hosted benefit nights at Five Guys Burgers, bake sales at their places of work and parishes, and practiced the age-old monastic art of begging family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. More importantly, they committed some of their time to pray for vocations. They have prayed for our men at every stage of formation for priesthood. They have prayed for men considering priesthood to be open to God’s calling and to make the commitment to explore the possibility. I know when I trained for the 10 k last year, when the running got tough, I prayed a rosary–on-the–run for vocations and for many other intentions!
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PARTICIPATE
This year, I am on cheering duty, I will be out on the mall to give encouragement and offer a few prayers for our competitors. We can’t be more proud and more grateful for their support. Whether they have the race of their lives or a really tough run, they have succeeded in helping our Vocation Office continue to expand its work–so as St. Paul’s exhorts, “they have competed well for the faith!” And you too can participate! Please take some time today to pray for our racers, to pray for vocations and to pray for our priests who serve our archdiocese so well.
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR RUNNERS AND WALKERS